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Last month, I had the incredible honor of being selected as one of 40 Intel Science Talent Search finalists nationwide (the Intel Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science & the Public (SSP), is a nationwide science competition for high school seniors). As a finalist, I got to spend time with my fellow finalists and learn more about their research. I met two finalists, Somya Khare (pictures on right) and Sam Epstein (pictures on left), who are doing fascinating work in microbiology, and I knew I just had to interview them! Here's what they have to say!
What was your research about?
Somya: My project studied biological processes involved in how bacteria sense and respond to the starvation condition. This project has important applications in antibiotic research. Non-growing bacteria under starvation conditions do not respond to antibiotics, resulting in latent infections which could resurface when conditions become favorable. Better understanding of the biological processes involved will help us develop antibiotics to target such drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Sam: As reducing caloric intake has been shown to increase lifespan and decrease disease susceptibility in many organisms, the purpose of my study was to determine if the presence of microbes and the manipulation of genes in a pathway, that senses nutrient levels (the TOR pathway), can reduce caloric intake. My research provides scientific evidence that confirms the direct correlation between target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling levels and feeding behavior. My findings also propose that different microorganisms can either help or hinder the effects of TOR. My research will provide insight in determining the factors that play vital roles in slowing the aging process. I hope my study encourages scientists to test more microbes with TOR-containing model organisms to increase the chances of discovering this ideal combination.
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What got you interested in your research?
Somya: I was fascinated by how bacteria can survive under starvation conditions. Antibiotic resistance has been a rising issue in recent years and many microorganisms that cause bacterial infections have been constantly evolving and mutating, making it an interesting challenge to work on.
Sam: Upon learning about genetics as a sixth grader, I was amazed by the concept that a long sequence, made up of only four bases, determines what makes every person unique. I realized that there were endless opportunities that can be achieved by manipulating the human genome. I also wanted to research something that will help a large range of people, which is why I became interested in studying a mechanism to reduce the aging process.
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What do you find interesting about microbiology?
Somya: I think microbiology is fascinating because it studies small microorganisms which have the potential to be helpful to our bodies or wreak havoc across the world. Microbiology helps understand life processes at a fundamental level and even though microorganisms are so small, there is so much we don't know about how they grow or function. I love engaging in a science that helps push the boundaries of what is known.
Sam: I have developed my love for microbiology over the past few years, while I was studying the impact of microorganisms on humans. It amazes me that such "little animals," as they were originally termed, have a large impact on our daily lives. The ability of microbes to cooperate with humans in regulating very important human processes, along with their great variation, fascinates me and inspires me to research them.
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Pretty neat stuff, right? I can't wait to see what they do in the upcoming years!
(All photos by SSP, used with permission)
