𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦?
I was attracted to the Seifert scholars’ program because it offered the opportunity to complete research with no outside distractions such as school or other commitments. It also allowed me to advance my knowledge and skills within genetics and biochemistry.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡?
My research investigates how the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) responds to hydrogen cyanide, a toxic metabolite produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis lung infections. Our lab studies a newly identified transcription factor called ChtR that appears to regulate fungal resistance to cyanide stress. Using molecular genetics, site-directed mutagenesis, gene expression analyses, and genome-wide chromatin profiling (CUT&RUN), I aim to determine how ChtR senses cyanide and controls the expression of detoxification genes. This work will help uncover how fungi adapt to bacterial competition in polymicrobial infections and may reveal broader mechanisms of microbial stress adaptation.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫?
The Seifert Scholars program has allowed me to engage deeply in research and develop strong critical thinking skills. The guidance and mentorship I have received from professors and graduate students have had a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth and will continue to influence my career after graduation.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?
After graduation, I hope to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist.