Mia Bruno

 

My experience as a GLBRC summer undergraduate research student has left me with immense feelings of gratitude and appreciation. Over the 10-week-program, I had the wonderful privilege to conduct research in Dr. Michaela TerAvest’s lab alongside my mentor Elhussiny Aboulnaga. We worked on integrating and expressing the Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) pathway in the bacterium Zymomonas mobilis and studying how this affects its metabolism.My mentor guided me throughout the research project with sheer patience, was very encouraging every step of the way, and ensured that I left with more knowledge and a stronger foundation in bioenergy and biochemistry research. The welcoming, friendly, and supportive lab environment made working in the lab an even more enjoyable experience.

Throughout the program, we were able to engage in weekly REU career workshops and lunch seminars that allowed us to gain more insights into our future careers, explore numerous opportunities in the field of bioenergy research, network and interact with experts, and attend graduate school panels. We also visited the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), where we explored the research facilities and field sites, and went canoeing. There, we also got to meet the GLBRC students stationed at KBS and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Outside of the lab, I was able to socialize with students within and outside of my cohort. We had fun dinners together, visited MSU’s Broad Art Museum, explored MSU’s beautiful and GIGANTIC campus, went on various adventures, and made long-lasting memories and friendships with each other.

I am very thankful to the GLBRC for a wonderful summer and an amazing learning experience! I will forever be grateful to my mentor and PI for sharing their knowledge with me, believing in me, and for imparting skills that have shaped me to be a better scientist.