Merissa is from Fremont, California and graduated from University of Miami with a major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and a minor in Classics. After graduation she worked as a Research Associate at the Kampmann Lab at UCSF using CRISPR technology to investigate cellular mechanisms behind various diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, Parkinson’s, and multiple myeloma. Her 1 year old mini Australian Shepard, Luna, takes up most of her free time, but when Luna’s asleep she enjoys reading, cooking, paddle boarding, trying new restaurants, and journaling.