Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, what are you studying, and what sparked your interest in science?

I'm a Microbiology major from the Philippines. Growing up in a rural community, with a mother who was raised on a farm, I developed an understanding early on that science should extend beyond the laboratory. It should serve as a tool to improve people's lives.

What made you apply to the Stowers Graduate School Summer Scholars Program?

I wanted to challenge myself in an environment where I could explore research questions beyond what I had previously experienced. When I learned about the Mashruwala Lab and the team’s work on bacterial communication, I immediately saw a connection with my interest in understanding how microorganisms interact and coordinate behaviors. Beyond the research, I was drawn to the Summer Scholars Program and the Stowers Institute because it fosters a culture of curiosity and encourages scientists to ask meaningful questions.

What is the potential impact of your current research project?  

I am studying how bacteria communicate with each other and coordinate behaviors that allow them to adapt and survive. My project uses a genetic tool that allows us to “turn down” specific bacterial genes to better understand how changes in gene activity affect bacterial behaviors and interactions with their environment. Cholera, a severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, affects an estimated 1.3 to 4 million people each year, primarily in regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation. By better understanding how bacteria regulate behaviors such as adapting to different environments and interacting with other microbes, this research can provide a foundation for future studies aimed at developing new ways to control cholera. In the long term, a deeper understanding of how Vibrio cholerae regulates its behavior could contribute to strategies for preventing or managing the disease and improving human health.

What has been the most exciting, surprising, or memorable part of your experience so far?

The most memorable part of my experience has been realizing that science is also about the people behind it. In addition to learning new techniques and concepts in the lab, I’ve built friendships with my lab members and fellow scholars from different backgrounds. Sharing stories and experiences with them made this summer not only an exciting scientific journey but also a meaningful personal experience.