Pronouns: she/her 

Graduation year: 2017 

Hometown: Aspen, CO 

Currently living in: Berkeley, CA 

Current occupation: PhD candidate in Microbiology at the University of California, Berkeley

What was your experience at CC like as a Molecular Biology major? 

My experience with molecular biology started with my FYE where I was first exposed to primary research. As research was completely novel to me at the time, I was a little surprised to discover how much I loved it. Fortunately, there was an opportunity to continue working on the research project studying DNA-associated bacterial appendages using atomic force microscopy in the joint lab of Prof. Lostroh and Prof. Lang (physics) that I seized. As I continued taking courses in the department, I uncovered a passion for molecular biology that solidified my decision to major in MB. The courses I took within the major helped me hone my skills as a scientist in both experimental design and critical thinking. I enjoyed that, in the introductory courses, we were given a foundation in biology that provided the toolkit necessary to understand how to ask questions. In the upper division courses, we were taught how to use those tools to become independent thinkers. The breadth and depth of these courses exposed and fueled a love of molecular biology within me that led me to pursue a career in the field.  

Why were you interested in focusing on Molecular Biology as your major? 

I was interested in focusing on molecular biology as a major because I was fascinated by the complexity of molecular machines at work within cells. There had been so many questions about biology that I felt had been inadequately answered until I could delve into the molecular level. Courses in the major revealed to me the techniques and logic used to study and understand these molecular processes within a cell, giving me a path to find the answers I had been seeking. The enthusiasm the MB professors brought to the classroom was contagious and I found myself eager to keep learning more about molecular biology.   

How are you using your major in your post-CC life?

My time at CC not only let me grow my knowledge in the classroom, but also afforded me several years of experience in the lab. Because of the research I did at CC, I was empowered to apply to graduate school to earn a PhD in microbiology at the University of California, Berkeley. Currently, I am studying how a phage satellite (PLE) parasitizes a lytic bacteriophage (ICP1) of a global pathogen (Vibrio cholerae). I have a particular focus on molecular mechanisms underlying hijacking of bacteriophage structural proteins. Now, in my final year of the program, I can reflect and see that the training I got from coursework and lab work at CC was the foundation for my scientific career. Without my experience at CC, especially with regard to the incredible support and encouragement from professors in the MB department, I highly doubt I would be where I am now.