Elysse Trost

Hello! My name is Elysse Trost, and I am currently in between my second and third year as an undergraduate student here at Iowa State University. I intend to graduate in May 2024. I originally came into college planning on becoming a genetic counselor, but as I gained research experience, I realized that I wanted to do more of the scientific discovery rather than interacting with patients. I have been a genetics major these past two years, which has consisted of a series of chemistry, statistics, cell biology, and genetics classes. 

My spring project was to quantify the expression levels of two genes, Glossy2 and Glossy2-like, both of which are involved in the cuticular fatty acid biosynthesis pathway in maize, in leaf and silk tissues using qPCR. I have been able to practice my PCR and gel electrophoresis skills, primer design, qPCR, and lipid extractions. Now, I am helping to find a way to genotype the Salamini mutant of Glossy2. 

Although I have found myself in a maize genetics lab, I did not grow up in the world of agriculture and I do not plan on staying in this field (pun intended!). I was inspired by my organic chemistry classes to look into careers in drug development, and Iowa State conveniently has a pharmacology and toxicology minor that I am considering. 

I am excited for what my future holds in this lab and in my career!