Lindsey Wilson

2020 Astronaut Scholar, 2020 Goldwater Scholar

Hometown

Boonville, IN

Major

Genetics

College

College of Science

 

Recipient of the 2020 Astronaut Scholarship and the 2020 Goldwater Scholarship, Lindsay Wilson aspires to be a leader in her field as she pursues a research career in the area of genetic mutation and disorders. At Purdue, Lindsay has conducted more than two years of research on phage folding in the lab of Nicholas Noinaj, an associate professor of biology.

“My future research lies at the leading edge of genomic discovery, where there are few standard experimental procedures,” Lindsay says. “As I investigate genetic disorders with unique properties, I will need to venture to apply different techniques to the field and formulate new procedures to successfully uncover answers. Essentially, I must “choreograph” an experimental sequence that turns my questions into discovery.”

Previously a grant-funded intern at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, one of the National Institutes of Health, both scholarships recognize her excellence in research. “Little is known about the impact of many mutations involved in genetic disorders,” Lindsay said. “I aspire to fill the gaps in our knowledge by drawing connections between the mutations and the symptoms of the genetic diseases.”

Lindsay is a leader around campus beyond the lab. She serves as an undergraduate mentor for the Purdue Women in Science organization. She was the principal flautist/piccolo player for the Purdue Concert Band for a year. While finding time to participate in dance competitions, Lindsay is also a team leader for the Purdue Latin and Ballroom Dance club.