Alliere Murphy
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Feb. 12, 2026) — Prairie View A&M University senior Alliere Murphy has her sights set on transforming both science and smiles.
A biology major and participant in PVAMU’s Faculty-RISE Program, Murphy plans to pursue a dual DDS/Ph.D. degree after graduation. Her long-term goal is to open a private dental practice while also launching a nonprofit focused on expanding access to community-based care. Her academic interests already reflect that vision, particularly her interest in the connection between oral health and cardiovascular disease.
In the lab, Murphy is contributing to biomedical research with real-world implications. Under the mentorship of Dr. Lori Banks, a professor in the Biology Department, she studies a protein produced by rotavirus — a virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness — to better understand how it functions and where it might be targeted by antiviral treatments. Her project focuses specifically on analyzing variations of this protein to identify potential treatment pathways.
“Alliere wasn’t sure about the assay protocol at first, but she jumped right in and made it her own,” Banks said. “Even though she is a busy student leader, she manages her time well and keeps pushing the project forward a little every week.”
Her dedication earned her the opportunity to present her findings at the 2025 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) in San Antonio.
“The highlight of my experience in the RISE Program was attending ABRCMS,” Murphy said. “This conference gave me the opportunity to present the research I’ve been doing alongside my mentor. It was extremely informative and a great way to network with students and professionals from across the country.”
Murphy’s impact extends well beyond the laboratory. She plays tuba in the renowned PVAMU Marching Storm, serves as president of the Epsilon Psi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, and participates in the Honors Program and B-Global.
Whether conducting research, performing on the field, or leading her peers, Murphy embodies the spirit of scholarship and service cultivated through the Faculty-RISE Program.
The PVAMU Faculty-RISE Program, led by Vice President for Research and Innovation Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., empowers students through comprehensive research training, dedicated mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing the next generation of scientists and innovators for impactful careers.
A modified version of this story originally appeared at pvamu.edu/research.
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