Elyssia S. Gallagher, PhD

Bio: 

Dr. Elyssia S. Gallagher is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Baylor University. She received a B.S. in Chemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona, a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Arizona; and was a National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associate at the National Institute of Standards & Technology before starting at Baylor in 2015. Dr. Gallagher’s lab performs bioanalytical research, which involves developing and applying new methods to identify and characterize biomolecules that are relevant to human health and disease. Her research has been funded by the Welch Foundation, NIH, and NSF. Since starting at Baylor, she received an NSF CAREER Award, the Ron Hites Award for an Exemplary Paper, the Mike Bowers Award for Best Oral Presentation at an international conference, and was recognized as a ‘Face of Mass Spectrometry’ (https://doi.org/10.1021/jasms.4c00008) by the American Society for Mass Spectrometry. During her time at Baylor, she mentored two post-doctoral researchers; 17 PhD students, with eight having completed their PhDs and nine currently authoring dissertations; four MS students; and 24 BS students. Her prior PhD students and post-doctoral mentees have careers in academia, government research labs, and the biopharmaceutical industry. Her mentoring of students was recognized with an Undergraduate Mentor of the Year in STEM Award (2019), Recognition for Making a Difference in the Experience of International Graduate Students (2021, 2024), and this Outstanding Graduate Faculty Mentor in STEM Award (2026).

What nominators say:

Elyssia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. Since her arrival in 2015, she mentored a total of 17 PhD students, with 9 currently under her supervision and 8 graduates. Student outcomes and comments clearly show that her mentoring leads to the development of independent scientists in an environment of respect, in which she sees her students as distinct individuals, each with their own paths, strengths, and opportunities for growth. Numerous departmental, university-level, and professional service activities show persistent dedication to mentoring and advocating for graduate students. Furthermore, her mentoring extends beyond her students’ time at Baylor. She provides continued guidance as many of her former students move into their second or third position post-graduation