Name: Olivia Palmer

Lab: Dr. Benjamin Keselowsky

Hometown: Punta Gorda, FL

Research focus: Immunoengineering! During undergraduate research I’ve been looking into using immunotherapeutic biomaterials to modulate the integrated stress response and characterizing a novel hydrogel that assembles via co-assembly of two charged peptides for the delivery of chemotherapies. In graduate school I am focusing on neonatal-maternal immunoengineering to better understand the development of the adaptive and innate immune systems.

Fun fact: I studied abroad in Brisbane, Australia at the Queensland University of Technology in Spring 2020.

What motivates you? I love waking up every morning knowing that I am going to learn something new, and I am excited to face whatever challenge might come my way. BME has been the perfect environment for me to find and solve problems with peers that are just as passionate as I am.

What attracted you to UF BME? I knew UF was an amazing school, and when I toured the BME department I saw a faculty and student body committed to continually bettering themselves and learning from one another. I knew that I would fit within this department because I was curious and eager to learn and develop within this supportive community. Also both of my parents were gators, so I was raised with a “Go Gators” in my heart.

What I love about Gainesville: My favorite thing about Gainesville are the people that I’ve met and the food scene. I adore Krishna lunch and all of the other niche places that make Gainesville unique.

Motivational quote: Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want.