“I am a rising senior, majoring in microbiology and an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Clay Fuqua’s lab, where I study gene regulation in Agrobacterium tumefaciens using CRISPR-based approaches. I have gained industry experience through an internship at Eli Lilly, which broadened my perspective on the role of research in medicine. Outside the lab, I am involved in science outreach through the WonderLab Museum and engage in campus organizations such as Alpha Chi Sigma. My work is motivated by a personal connection to disease and a strong interest in cancer and immunology research. I plan to pursue a PhD and build a career centered on investigating the biological mechanisms underlying disease.”

Nick is a 5th-year graduate student in the McKinlay lab with broad interests in microbial physiology and metabolism. His thesis project seeks to understand the metabolic constraints and genetic regulation of nitrogen metabolism in bacterial species with industrial potential. Following his defense, Nick plans on pursuing a career in sustainable bioprocessing to help provide environmentally conscious solutions to real-world industrial problems. Outside of his research, it has been his rewarding privilege to help mentor so many students both within the lab and in classroom settings helping each of them engage with science in their own unique way. Nick greatly appreciates the recognition of his hard work in the form of this award, which will be used to help support him this summer.

Logan is a third year microbiology Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Julia van Kessel. Under Dr. van Kessel's mentorship, Logan investigates how different species of Vibrio bacteria evolve in response to quorum sensing inhibitors. In addition, Logan is heavily committed to outreach and currently serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the Microbiology Graduate Student Association. In this role, he has created and facilitated several learning modules for local schools in Monroe and Brown counties working to communicate science to a wide audience.

Emily is a third-year student co-mentored by Professors Rich Hardy and Irene Newton to study how the bacterium Wolbachia blocks the transmission of mosquito-borne viruses. In addition, Emily is passionate about broadening the participation of minorities in science through outreach and making sci-art to communicate science to broader audiences.