2018-2019 Avatar: Wyatt Ringo

Hello, everybody!

My name is Wyatt Ringo, hailing from Louisville, KY. I am a proud Eagle Scout from Troop 346, an active singer in several ensembles, and I absolutely love to cook. If you can’t find me during a break, a good place to look is the cave systems of North Florida, as I am an avid cave diver! Though still a proud (partial) alumni of Trinity High School, my amazing roommate (fellow Avatar, Drew Aubry), the caring staff, beautiful campus, and so much more makes me happy to call the Gatton Academy my home away from home.

I first heard about Gatton Academy in seventh grade but did not seriously consider it until my freshman year. I realized just how amazing of an opportunity I would be missing if I did not apply, and knew that Gatton would give me the chance to advance my future far more than anything else would. In the last year, I have been challenged like never before, though I look forward to another great year ahead with yet more challenges to come.

In my first year, I have participated in the Genome Discovery and Exploration program and presented a comparative genomics poster at the SEA-PHAGES National Symposium. Over the summer, I worked with Dr. Menze of the University of Louisville for 10 weeks investigating the characteristics of a synthetic peptide derived from LEA proteins, which are involved in the desiccation tolerance of brine shrimp. This semester, I am continuing research in the WKU physics department, quantifying the electrical responses of membranes to nanoparticle exposure.

I am looking forward to a fun senior year, surrounded by great friends, and wish everyone a successful semester!

 

Wyatt