Lisa Ladany, a 2008 graduate of the University of Tampa, is currently participating in a government contract to create an H1N1 vaccine. She works as a quality control analyst at Protein Sciences Corporation, a biotechnology company based out of Meriden, Connecticut. Apart from her current venture, Lisa has contributed to crucial projects as vaccines for the avian bird flu and various seasonal maladies. Ladany’s love of science was an evolving affair. Her interest in marine biology was what initially sparked her decision to leave her native state of Connecticut in search of a school in Florida.
She immediately fell in love with the beauty of UT’s campus and decided to enroll as a chemistry major.
She credits Dr. Ellyn Bender, chemistry lab and biotechnology coordinator and instructor, and Dr. Michael Carastro, assistant professor of chemistry and biotechnology with guiding her academic studies at UT and preparing her for a future career in the sciences.
“I put to use what they taught me almost every day,” said Ladany.
Ladany’s praise of her former professors is reciprocal. Carastro, who mentored the gifted student in chemistry courses, acknowledged her extraordinary motivation and academic distinction in the lab.
Without hesitation, he referred to Ladany as, “the best student I’ve had so far, by far.”
Ladany’s culminating research project for the UT biochemistry department may well contribute to presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research Conference held this year in Washington D.C.
Now several months into her job at the Protein Sciences Corporation, Ladany recalls her initial ordeal of finding work after graduation.
“I must have applied online to about fifty places with no response. I sent a paper resume to Protein Sciences, though, and they got right back to me.”
Of her current involvement in finding a vaccine for the H1N1 strand of the swine flu, Ladany said, “I think my work is fascinating, and I am very thankful to be a part of it. We’re helping out not only the U.S. but the world.”
Clearly, Ladany is one alumna of whom UT can be proud.