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Dr. Luke Bussiere, PhD

Luke Bussiere, PhD
Year Graduated:
2020
Degree:
PhD

Major Professor: Dr. Cathy Miller

Home Department: Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine

Dissertation Title: Examination of viral infection and host response to define therapeutic potential of oncolytic mammalian orthoreovirus

Fellowships and Awards: F. Wendell Miller Scholarship, Iowa State University Research Excellence Award

Current Job Title: Iowa State University Postdoctoral Scholar


Please describe your current position

I am a postdoc in the lab of Dr. Cathy Miller. Apart from research, I supervise/manage the lab on a day to day basis and mentor the graduate students.

Please describe your research at ISU

My research focused on understanding the interactions between mammalian orthoreovirus and the cell, specifically cancerous tissue. Mammalian orthoreovirus is a cancer killing virus that is being utilized in clinical trials for patients with various tumors. The virus has been shown to be safe and in select patients, an effective cancer therapy. My research investigated the interactions between the host and the virus to better understand which tumor types or tumor environments would be most amenable to this cancer therapy.

How did your time in the Interdepartmental Microbiology program prepare you for your current position?

The Interdepartmental Microbiology program encourages rotation students to sample several laboratories in the first year to determine which lab they join, and this has been a great help to me. I rotated through four labs and in the past year as a postdoc I collaborated with two of P.I.s that I rotated with back in 2014. Both P.I.s remembered me and I think this has helped these collaborations to move forward smoothly.

What advice would you give students looking for work in a similar position or field?

Every opportunity you have to interact with other faculty, students, etc. make sure you put your best foot forward. You never know how these people will be able to help you progress in your career, or how you might help them.

What was your favorite part of the Interdepartmental Microbiology program?

I enjoyed how the IM program students tend to stick together throughout their time at ISU. Some of my colleagues from other departments have commented on how friendly and close-knit the IM program students are, and I think this makes graduate school much easier.

What was your favorite part of living in Ames?

Ames is a smaller city but that is what I like about it the most. It has amenities of a bigger city, but it also has a small Midwest city feeling that I enjoy.

If you could give new students in the program a piece of advice, what would you say?

First, each connection you make could help you in your future career. If you are a likable person because you work hard, listen well, smile, and do your best in all situations, you will find that people will go out of their way to help you. Second, start writing manuscripts and reviews early as it will help you collect your thoughts and finish up more quickly. It never hurts to have most of a manuscript ready so that once you get that last, troublesome experiment to work you can quickly finish the manuscript and publish.

What advice would you give students about to graduate and enter the job market?

Let others know that you are looking for a job and ask for their help and advice. Tell your P.I., your undergraduate instructors, your POSC members, your friends, etc, and you might find that someone knows of a job opening or has a connection with an employer that you are looking at.