Belen Molina

Hi, my name is Belen Molina.

I attended college in my hometown at the University of Arizona, where I graduated with a degree in Ecology & Evolutionary biology with a second major in Molecular & Cellular biology. My journey toward becoming a young scientist started off on an unpredictable path. As a first generation undergraduate student I found myself disoriented and without guidance. During this time I met a wonderful Argentinian woman who would undoubtedly change my life. Her name is Dr. Patricia Stock.

She welcomed me into her lab where I learned how to critically think about my surroundings, ask interesting and important questions and challenge myself to try to find answers. I also found myself captivated by the diversity in her lab. For the very first time during my college career I was working with diverse individuals; people who I feel I can relate to. My peers and mentors shared stories of how they overcame hurdles as minorities to become successful scientists. I realized then that science has no borders and that through science many could have a voice; a progressive impact on others. I knew from that moment on that I wanted to strive to pursue a Ph.D. in science while also contributing my passion to the public.

My excitement for science and community sparked my interest is in microbiology and science policy. I am intrigued by host-pathogen interactions but also find myself passionate about policy and change around the world.

My long term goals are to obtain a PH.D. in microbiology where I can study host-pathogen interactions in neglected diseases. I hope to use this knowledge to become involved in science policy and implement better strategies regarding these diseases in destitute countries, like Latin America.

I decided to join PREP because I wanted to be better equipped for a graduate school. I wanted the guidance and preparation I need to be successful in obtaining my Ph.D. The program has enriched my path toward a doctorate degree and has benefited me professionally. My hope is to hone the skills necessary for answering meaningful questions and also to gain the professional development needed to engage in a collaborative science community.

This year I have the honor of working with a brilliant disease ecologist, Dr. Vanessa Ezenwa, on a project involving a very interesting mouse with regenerative properties in adulthood called the spiny mouse. This mouse is originally from Kenya Africa and in addition to its awesome ability of growing back tissue the mouse also has a high bacteria killing capacity. Previous studies have narrowed down this characteristic to the humoral immune system but the specific element that is contributing the high elimination of bacteria remains a mystery. Preliminary results have already ruled out component proteins as a contributor and it is now my job to find out if lysozymes are at the root of this phenomenon.

My goal in the Ezenwa lab is to find out if the pattern of lysozyme content in the spiny mice match the pattern seen in bacteria killing assays and thus contributes to the high bacteria killing capacity. To test this question I first have to optimize a tubidimetric assay for the use in wild rodents. The assay essentially measures the loss of intensity of transmitted light of a known wavelength due to the particles suspended in it. A measurement is then given for the amount of absorbed light and can be used to find the number of cells in a solution. Once the assay is optimized I can use the data to best interpret if lysozymes are causing this mouse to be especially good at killing bacteria.

This project will allow me to develop skills in experiment design and troubleshooting, as well as, hone molecular techniques like measuring cell counts and monitoring proteins of interest.

My name is Belen Molina and I am a PREP@UGA scholar.