Allison Korpi

This summer I had the opportunity to perform research in the Pfleger Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The goal of my research was to genetically engineer the isobutanol pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) to produce a higher amount of isobutanol, a hydrocarbon that can easily be converted into a biofuel for the aviation industry. To do so, three enzymes along the isobutanol pathway were expressed at different levels and screened to see which expressions contributed to the highest isobutanol production. I had the chance to independently assemble a library of DNA, a collection of the enzymes at different expressions, delete genes in a strain of yeast, grow lots of yeast, and electroporate cells, or run electrical current through cells to allow DNA to pass into them. I plan to apply the skills I learned at my home institution, where I will be pursuing more undergraduate research. 

Learning lab skills is a fundamental step on the path to a successful career, but the opportunity to meet and network with so many other individuals allowed this program to stand out. I enjoyed getting to know members of the Pfleger lab, other undergraduate student researchers, seminar speakers, and plenty of others I had the chance to interact with. Everyone was so welcoming which made the transition to a new city seamless. 

Speaking of the city, Madison was the perfect place to spend the summer. From the farmer’s market to the Lakeshore Path to Devil’s Lake, I was never bored. Often I would explore without a destination, taking in the scenery as well as all of the hustle and bustle of a city.

I would like to thank my mentor Josh, the Pfleger Lab, the GLBRC, and everyone else who supported this opportunity for me. It was truly a life-changing experience!