Microbiology Personal Statement

The following elaborates on my motivations for seeking a PhD in the biomedical sciences. If you take a look at the palm of your hand, you will notice the striations and ridges, formed from epithelial tissues composed of thousands of cells. Our bodies contain trillions of cells, each with their own functions. When at equilibrium, they collaborate in harmony. It is a beautiful symphony of regulation, proliferation, and complex communicat,ion. Each and every one of us is a universe of microcosms. Cellular interactions that usually proceed without notice, until something is amiss. This view on cellular life influenced me in my choice of undergraduate studies. Learning how microscopic organisms play a role in our lives from disease to dairy products
enthralled my imagination. My Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, and Cell Biology classes have endowed me with a certain level of esteem for pathogenic microorganisms. There is cost to be competitive, while also developing mechanisms to overcome multiple immune systems for proliferation. From an evolutionary perspective this cost is not cheap, and adaption is by no means easy. My research interest is in understanding the mechanisms by which highly infectious zoonotic diseases circumvent animal and human immune system for the exploitation of their host.
The University North Carolina Chapel Hill Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program is the ideal pace for me to pursue a PhD. This program would further the development of my analytical thinking, and abilities as a researcher. One day, allowing me to contribute to scientific community, the field of public health, and science communication. Acquiring a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology will allow me to pursue employment with the government’s public health sector. Throughout my professional career as a scientist, I would like to investigate how mechanisms of virulence operate in infectious diseases. Then one day add to our understanding in this field, leading to advancements in therapeutic treatment, vaccination, and diagnostics. Research that goes from benchside to the bedside is the focal point of my vision. My career goal is to make that kind of impact at the CDC. While in graduate school, I would like to primarily conduct research on viruses. Working with any of the distinguished faculty within this department would be a wonderful
opportunity. I am particularly interested in the work of Dr. Nathaniel Moorman, Dr. Blossom Damania, and Dr. David Margolis. Dr. Moorman studies how Human Cytomegalovirus affects cell signaling pathways to promote viral replication. This work is fascinating due to its focus on the molecular mechanisms that promote viral pathogenicity. I would enjoy being in his lab to study the mechanism by which mTOR kinase is hijacked by HCMV.
These exploited pathways are key strategies this virus uses to proliferate while shutting down regulatory proteins that limit this kinases activity. The development of translational medicine from this kind of research pushes vaccine development, and advancements for public health. Dr. Damania’s work with HIV latency within T-cells is also in line with my interest of how microorganisms that circumvent the immune system. I would enjoy researching in his lab, and learning how the mechanisms of latency function within HIV. She co-authored a paper entitled “The Challenge of Finding a Cure for HIV Infection”, which highlighted the importance of developing treatments outside of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). She explained some of the limitations with current treatments, one being due to T-cell pro-virus latency. Overall I’m intrigued by the premise of the study, and I would learning about these molecular mechanisms that HIV uses. Also, I am interested where basic science research needs to go for more effective treatment. Dr. Margolis lab focus on the mechanisms of latent reservoir of HIV infection found in infected
lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are able to avoid viral or immune cytolysis and remain a hindrance for effective long-term treatment of HIV infection. Looking at the molecular mechanism that contribute to viral latency is within my interest, and I can see myself enjoying research in this facet of science. I would be honored at the privilege to attend UNC Chapel Hill, and pursue a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology underneath the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program. If accepted, my goal would be to grow within the tar heel family, and develop into a great scientist. The kind of scientist who creates opportunities, and encourages a love of learning within others.