University of Tulsa students have just 15 short weeks to make the most of their summer break. For some, that means taking on research projects that prepare them for next steps. Two students in the Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences turned their passion for research into an opportunity of a lifetime after being accepted into summer programs at two of the most prestigious schools in the country.
Augustin Au, a biochemistry senior from Wichita, Kansas, is spending his summer at Stanford University in California, conducting cutting-edge research. Geared toward students interested in pursuing doctorates, the Stanford Summer Research Amgen Scholars Program is a fully funded residential program that takes place over eight weeks. Participants are matched with a Stanford faculty member and work in a state-of-the-art research facility.
Au is working with Associate Professor of Biomedical Data Science Aaron Newman in Stanford’s Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Au’s research focuses on CAR-T cell therapy, an innovative approach to cancer treatment. Specifically, he is studying tumor infiltration by analyzing how modifications to certain genes influence overall gene expression within cells.
Through this work, Au is gaining hands-on experience with a wide range of wet and dry lab techniques. While the complexity of the research presents a steep learning curve, he embraces the challenge.
“This opportunity means the world to me as it will help me grow in so many ways as a researcher and as a student,” he said. “While being at a place like Stanford is rather daunting and surreal, I am excited to see what I can learn from my time here.”
On the UTulsa campus, Au works with Assistant Professor of Biological Science Katelyn Mika, Ph.D. Work in her lab utilizes cutting edge molecular techniques on marine organisms. Undergraduate research opportunities like this help motivated UTulsa students stand out when applying to nationally competitive programs.
“Augustin’s talent and passion for scientific research is exceptional and are well supported by his hard work and dedication to learning, both in his classes and in research,” Mika said, “I’m thrilled he has the opportunity to attend Stanford’s prestigious summer research program as the next step along his scientific path.”
Au credits much of his journey to the mentors who have supported him along the way.
“Dr. Mika is the person who originally gave me the idea of pursuing science as a career, and I am very grateful for her guidance,” Au said.
On the opposite side of the country, biology junior Danny Martinez is spending his summer at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland after being accepted into the JHU BioREU program. Funded by the National Science Foundation, this 10-week summer program provides a mentored research experience in addition to professional development workshops.
Martinez of Mount Prospect, Illinois, is working with Associate Professor of Biology William Ludington, studying the microbiome of the fruit fly gut.
“We are hoping to better understand the mechanisms of how specific species of microbes colonize the digestive tract of host organisms,” Martinez said, “In particular, I am studying a type of bacteria that is naturally found in fruit flies but mutates throughout the fruit fly’s life. This mutation improves the bacteria’s ability to survive, but it decreases the fruit fly’s lifespan.”
He explained that learning about the mechanisms behind species-specific microbiome colonization allows him to gain valuable experience while exploring topics he may decide to pursue in the future.
Martinez plans to continue his education with a graduate degree and a career in academia. He also credits UTulsa professors and friends with inspiring him to set ambitious goals to advance his research capabilities.
“My peer mentor and lab mate, Tammi Morellano, first introduced me to Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs, and my lab mentor, Dr. Katie Mika, helped me apply for and obtain this internship,” Martinez explained. “In addition to her letter of recommendation, Dr. Mika’s advice and mentorship were instrumental in helping me take part in this opportunity.”
Martinez has worked in the Mika lab for two years. Mika said the program at Johns Hopkins will broaden Martinez’s experiences with translational research and networking, developing potential new pathways for his future.
“It’s truly incredible to see how the caliber of undergrad research at UTulsa can open doors to additional opportunities for our students at other institutions – be it summer internships like the ones Danny and Augustin are at – or even graduate school,” Mika said. “The foundations our students are building here clearly set them up to succeed at a national level.”
These internships represent a continuation of UTulsa students’ longstanding tradition of pursuing impactful research experiences, on campus and across the country. Learn more about research opportunities at UTulsa here.
Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences offers small class sizes, instruction and mentoring by faculty at the forefront of their disciplines, opportunities to conduct original research and state-of-the-art facilities. Learn more at https://utulsa.edu/academics/health-natural-sciences/academics/.