Flute and Science:

Elizabeth Nilles leads a multifaceted life as an active flute soloist, orchestral performer, and biologist in Seattle, Washington. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a minor in music at the University of Washington. Elizabeth currently studies with Professor Donna Shin and performs with the UW Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Campus Philharmonic. She recently  performed as principal flute with the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra for their performance of Antonín Dvorák’s New World Symphony. 

In 2023, Elizabeth was selected by audition to perform at the National Flute Association convention with their Collegiate Flute Choir in Phoenix, Arizona. She was also a featured concerto soloist with the Orchestral Recital Series of Tacoma, directed by Tigran Arakelyan. She was a featured performer in the ARIA International Summer Academy in Massachusetts. Elizabeth has performed in masterclasses of Zart Dombourian-Eby, Bonita Boyd, Aaron Goldman, and Jonathan Keeble.

Elizabeth is also an undergraduate researcher in Professor Shuyi Ma’s lab at Seattle Children’s Research Institute (SCRI). She is currently working on projects investigating antibiotic induced ototoxicity and antibiotic treatments for Mycobacterium abscessus infections. Prior to her work at SCRI, Elizabeth studied at UW’s Friday Harbor Labs and participated in Operation Wallacea’s conservation research expedition in Peru in 2019. 

Outside of music and science, Elizabeth enjoys racing triathlons, running, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.