Boyle graduates from Alvernia

Makayla Elise Boyle, daughter of Thomas and Jane Boyle of Tamaqua, graduated on May 12 from Alvernia University in Reading. Makayla received her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and graduated summa cum laude with a GPA of 3.98.

Makayla was named to the dean’s list all eight semesters while at Alvernia. She also worked as a peer mentor from August 2015 until May 2018, helping other students to succeed in their courses. She is a member of the Alvernia Science Association, Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society and Delta Epsilon Sigma National Scholastic Honor Society.

Makayla also volunteered with the South Reading Youth Initiative, working with elementary school students as part of an after-school program run by the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement.

When Alvernia began its Student Undergraduate Research Program in 2015, Makayla was one of the first six students accepted into the program. She continued working on various research projects while at Alvernia.

Makayla presented her research and findings to Alvernia President Dr. Thomas Flynn and the Alvernia Board of Trustees, as well as at the Higher Education Council of Berks County Research and Creativity Conference and the first-ever international joint American Society for Cell Biology and European Molecular Biology Organization.

To commemorate her hard work and continuing research, Makayla was awarded the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award at Honors Convocation.

Makayla will be continuing her education at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine as a part of the Master of Biomedical Sciences Program.