This week's spotlight is Michelle Pujol, an undergraduate researcher in the Taube lab in the biology department! She is also a Human Anatomy lab assistant for Dr. Parizi.
What interested you to pursue a career in STEM?
I have always had a passion for science and people. I have unique way of connecting with those around me and when coming to Baylor I began exploring different fields in healthcare. I join the Taube Lab the first semester of my sophomore year, from this moment forward I was inspired to make a change even if it was behind the scenes. Dr Taube has been a huge role model and I am honored to work under him. He has taught me so much, takes the time to listen, and makes my days better. I work with Colorectal Cancer, which is very special to me because my great grandma passed away from it very young. I love how every day in the lab I learn something new. I wanted to incorporate all of this into my career, I decided to apply for OT school. The holistic approach and emphasis in the patients cognitive as well as physical well being stood out to me. This past semester I took Dr. Parizi's Anatomy class. I LOVED the class, I learned SO much in so little time. I spent a lot of time going to office hours and getting to know Dr Parizi, she has also become one of my biggest role models. I am very excited to continue my journey helping her teach the lab I enjoyed so much.
How would you describe your work to the public?
I am working with colorectal cancer, specifically Outer Membrane Vesicles. OMV's are released from the membranes of Gram-Negative bacteria. They are very complex, OMV's and their RNA content have recently received increasing attention as novel mediators of host-microbe intercellular and interspecies communication. CRC and Inflammatory Bowel Disease are highly correlated with an imbalanced intestinal microbiome. Additionally, studies have recently shown that Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (a gram-neg bacteria) is a CRC candidate pathogen. When this pathogenic strain releases OMV's they pass directly through the mucosal layer and interact with human epithelial cells. This past semester I worked on exposing different cell lines to these OMV's to observe morphological and functional changes in the cells and if this interaction will change the protein expression. We are ultimately trying to find if OMV's play a role in EMT and if they can affect it in any way. This semester I will be working on conducting RTqPCR for OMV-derived RNAs.
Outside of the lab, what do you enjoy doing?
I like spending time with my friend and family, going on walks, going to Pure Barre (I will be working there this year as well), reading, and going to coffee shops and restaurants!
Is there something during your research career that you have really enjoyed or want to share?
Meeting people! The lab has become my family we are all so close and it has given me some of my best friends, I love our end of semester celebrations, hikes, and talks.
If you can give a piece of advice to the younger generation, what would it be?
Explore many different paths/opportunities when coming to college, you might find out your passion is not what you expected it to be.
Is there a female scientist that particularly inspires you?
Alysia Martinez and Jenna Tobin (pictured above)
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