Eye on the Y: BYU neuroscience student advances science of seizure intervention, Elder Ulisses Soares to speak at April 2026 commencement and Grantwell program gives students opportunities to work with nonprofit organizations

Melissa Blotter: Advancing the science of seizure intervention

Melissa Blotter, a BYU neuroscience Ph.D. student, is taking part in research to help those who struggle with status epilepticus, a dangerous, prolonged type of seizure, that can lead to brain damage or even death; medication has struggled to affect this type of seizure.

Blotters research focuses on ketone bodies, molecules produced by a ketogenic diet, which have long been known to reduce seizures. There are, however, some limitations. It is difficult to maintain and cannot help during sudden seizure emergencies.

Through lab experiments on brain tissue, Blotter was able to trigger seizure activity and then introduce ketone bodies. The results were promising and effectively stopped the seizures.

The team hopes the research could eventually lead to a possible injectable medication to stop seizures in real time, but for now, it will require more testing.

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Elder Ulisses Soares to speak at April 2026 commencement

Elder Ulisses Soares, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is scheduled to speak during the April 2026 commencement at BYU on Thursday, April 23, at 10 a.m.

BYU President C. Shane Reese will conduct the commencement, which will be at the Marriott Center. The commencement will also be broadcast on BYUtv.

All college convocations will be held on April 23-24.

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Granting light: Students serve through Grantwell

Through the Grantwell program, Master of Public Administration students at the BYU Marriott School of Business have the opportunity to work with nonprofit organizations looking to apply for and allocate grant funds.

Director John Lidang oversees the projects, operations and finances as well as relationships with clients, partners and volunteers. He has seen the Grantwell program help students gain confidence while dealing with real-world situations.

In addition to technical skills and leadership, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of how nonprofit organizations function and combine education, service and faith to make the world better.

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