Alyssa is from Merced, California studying at Fresno State. In the Brutnell lab, she is working with Ling Bai, a graduate student, on the Pink Scutellum project. This project uses the Ac tagging system to create new alleles of the ?-cyclase gene in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. To do this, Alyssa uses several techniques including Southern blot analysis, DNA extraction, PCR, and restriction enzyme digestions.

In her free time, Alyssa rides dressage, is a blue belt in karate, and likes to read when she gets the chance.