Research Profile: Genetics of Psychiatric Conditions

October 25, 2023

Elise Ray (UNC ‘24, CSS 8) is a neuroscience and medical anthropology double-major from Holly Springs, NC. In her research in the Sullivan Lab located in the Department of Genetics, Elise studies the link between mental disorders and genetics. Her research focuses on identifying more effective ways to treat eating disorders.

Where do you conduct your research?

Sullivan Lab

What research questions does your lab study?

Identifying the link between mental disorders and genetics.

Please tell us a little about your specific research project.

The specific project that I spend (most of) my time working on involves saliva kits to obtain DNA from individuals with eating disorders. The goal of this project is to understand the genetics of eating disorders and harness the recent advances in the field of genetics to help scientists and clinicians find a more effective way to treat these conditions.

How has this experience shaped your future goals?

This experience has shaped my future goals primarily because it’s shown me how much I enjoy population level work and the organization of a large sample. It has also solidified my interest in the field of psychiatry and mental health research.

What has been the most fun or interesting part of your research?

The most fun part of my research is getting to collaborate with my coworkers and grow into a space that feels like a second family/home.

What was it like presenting your research at a national conference?

I haven’t really presented much in person at a national conference, but the conferences that I have presented at have been excellent experiences. While they are nerve racking, it’s very clearly a good nervousness and a great motivator.