Makayla Moore is a second-year student from Burlington, New Jersey majoring in biochemistry with a minor in mathematics. After graduation, Makayla aims to earn an M.D. Ph.D. in computational neuroscience and conduct research as a physician-scientist specializing in neurology. She is interested in investigating how modern advancements in data analytic techniques can shed light on the mechanistic pathways behind certain neurological disorders.
At Spelman, Makayla is a Dovey Johnson Roundtree Presidential Scholar and a member of the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program. During her first year, Makayla did research on small molecule interactions with a receptor involved in the contraction of COVID-19 using computer-aided molecular docking strategies, mentored by Dr. Nazia Mojib of Spelman College. Following her first year, she conducted research in the circadian neuroscience lab of Dr. Carla B. Green at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Here, she investigated the oxidative stress response of a circadian regulated protein involved in lipid metabolism. She will spend the upcoming summer conducting research in Dr. Neir Eshel’s computational neuroscience lab that specializes in behavior and motivation at Stanford University.
Outside of her professional interests Makayla has spent her first two years as a Maker Fellow in the Spelman Innovation Lab where she creates robotic technology infused haute couture fashion. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering with her sorority, oil painting, and working at the Spelman Chemistry Learning Center as a tutor.
“LINCS Scholars are two-year cohorts of women scientists at Spelman College, who aspire to become leaders in STEM. These students contribute dynamic science and diverse perspective to a growing field. Typically, most of our LINCS Scholars reside in Laura Spelman Residence Hall, a social justice dorm on Spelman’s campus."