I had an incredible opportunity to work at the UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School this past summer. I participated in the Microbiology Summer Undergraduate Research Program (MicroSURP), a ten-week program for students interested in pursuing a PhD in microbiology or related biomedical sciences. I worked alongside Dr. Anna Konovalova, whose research focuses on how Gram-negative bacteria build and maintain the integrity of their cell envelope. My project involved studying an envelope stress response known as the Regulator of Capsule Synthesis (Rcs) stress response system, which responds to outer membrane defects, antibiotics, and host immune responses. I investigated why overactive stress responses can be detrimental to cells, using the Rcs stress response as a model, given that its constitutive activation is linked to cell death. I hypothesized that oxidative stress due to increased metabolic demand causes E. coli cells to die when this stress response is over-activated.
During this experience, I acquired microbiology and molecular genetics skills and gained greater independence as a research scientist. I had the unique opportunity to make critical decisions throughout my research project. My mentor encouraged me to carefully analyze my data and research questions, demonstrating how to use my hypothesis to guide my experiments. I learned how to adapt to unexpected situations and setbacks in research, use my results to guide the following steps, and identify the data needed to validate the results of my experiments. Additionally, I improved my scientific communication skills by learning to develop a “story” from my data and effectively convey it to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. This research has prepared me for future projects and aligns with my plans to apply for graduate programs in biology during my senior year. I am grateful to the MicroSURP program for this enriching experience!
