Alexa Mihaita, ‘24

For the last two years, I have conducted ongoing research with Shantanu Bhatt, PhD, associate professor of biology. In his lab, we studied how gene regulation allows bacteria such as Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and E. albertii to cause disease. These bacteria are a significant cause of infantile diarrhea, especially in developing countries. By studying gene regulation in these bacteria, our long-term goal is to identify targets for new and effective therapeutics against EPEC and E. albertii infections. 

Since last summer, Dr. Bhatt and I have been researching how an RNA Chaperone Protein called ProQ regulates the ability of EPEC to cause disease. This protein regulates the expression of many genes that are required for EPEC to colonize and infect the small intestine. Even further, we have found that ProQ affects a number of processes involved in causing disease, such as motility and the formation of highly antibiotic-resistant groups of bacteria called biofilms. 

I have an ever-growing passion for bacterial pathogenesis research. Given my long-standing interest in molecular biology and public health, I was drawn to Dr. Bhatt’s lab and the chance to explore gene regulation in a pressing context: the virulence of pathogens that pose significant health risks in developing countries. 

After my first meeting with Dr. Bhatt, I was immediately excited by the prospect of filling in the gaps of an incomplete map of microbial pathogenesis. My time in his lab has transformed this initial curiosity into a long-term interest. 

This scholarship is like a springboard that will allow me to foster my growing interest in attending graduate school, where I hope to pursue a research career in microbiology or immunology. 

Working with Dr. Bhatt's has helped me change and grow both as a scientist and as a person, building confidence in my own capability to pursue this scholarship. I truly could not have done this without him.

Aside from giving me the encouragement I needed to pursue a career as a research scientist, this opportunity has also allowed me to connect with an incredible network of Goldwater Scholars, both past and present. I am looking forward to learning from those who are already on my desired career path in graduate school and beyond, and I hope to serve as a mentor for future scholars in the years to come!