Stowers Assistant Investigator Kamena Kostova, Ph.D., is passionate about fostering the next generation of scientists through an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. In the Kostova Lab, graduate students bring an infectious energy and an open mind—approaching problems with curiosity, determination, and fresh perspectives.

“What I love about educating young scientists is the excitement and curiosity they bring,” said Kostova. “When new people join the lab, there’s this buzz that is very contagious.”

The Institute’s collaborative nature and the wealth of technology and expertise from Stowers Technology Center scientists provides Investigators with the freedom and support to tackle big ideas. This translates to how Stowers Graduate School students approach science.

“The Stowers environment is one of the most exciting things about being a scientist here,” said Kostova. “As a result, our Ph.D. students are very adventurous. They don’t shy away from big problems or challenging questions, and they are persistent—it is a crucial skill in science and in life.”

A key pillar of Kostova’s attitude toward mentorship is building a supportive team, and recognizing that while science can be challenging, this network helps researchers navigate and overcome obstacles.

“Really great science is built on a solid foundation but also requires learning how to collaborate with other scientists,” said Kostova. “My lab always celebrates successes—whether big or small discoveries, they are all worth celebrating.”

Reflecting on her own Ph.D., a difficult project taught Kostova that science doesn’t always take the direction one wants yet this built stamina that carried her through her own career. And that time encompassed some of the happiest years of her life.

“I remember moments in the lab when I knew I had a novel answer, and that I was the only person in the world who knew it,” said Kostova. “That was really magical.”

Kostova’s research focuses on ribosomes, the molecular machines that make proteins, to answer fundamental questions for how changes in their composition aid complex processes, such as development and adaptation, as well as disease initiation and progression. Learn more about the Kostova Lab here.