Major Professor: Dr. Thomas Bobik

Home Department: Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

Thesis Title: Analysis and characterization of the choline-utilizing microcompartment in uropathogenic E. coli 536

Current Job Title: Clinical Microbiologist

Please describe your current position

Clinical microbiologist for the Department of Health in HI. I currently do extraction and PCR for SARS-CoV-2.

Please describe your research at ISU

I utilized a variety of molecular techniques to analyze and characterize bacterial microcompartments found in E. coli.

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

It provided me with the knowledge and skills to work as a molecular clinical technician. This includes the study of a variety of pathogens as well as the lab work needed to identify them.

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

Research the state requirements to become a clinical microbiologist as it is different in each state. Working for the Department of Health pays less and is much slower pace than private labs. I am personally looking forward to working in a private lab.

What are your favorite part of the Interdepartmental Microbiology program?

The diversity of research going on in the department. Super awesome!

What was your favorite part of living in Ames?

Cheap housing and great folks.

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

Find time to sleep and take care of yourself even if course work and research gets overwhelming. I promise you, your brain works so much better with sleep and a little TLC.

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

Once you start a job, it's ok to leave it if new opportunities arise. This degree will provide you with more opportunity than you will realize. DO NOT SETTLE!