Ian Liyayi

 

Hello, my name is Ian Liyayi and I was born in Nairobi, Kenya. I moved to Maryland in 2008. I attended Stevenson University (SU) where I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Science in Biochemistry.

During my undergraduate career, I explored different research fields to determine the path that best fit my interests. My first research experience at SU involved quantifying concentrations of ions in water from the Chesapeake Bay. I developed basic research skills and learned advanced techniques such as ion chromatography. Following this experience, I participated in a National Science Foundation funded research program, Research Experiences for Undergraduates, where I had the opportunity to conduct research throughout the summer at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. There, I was part of a drug discovery project involving a transcriptional activator, VirF, that regulates the virulence of intracellular pathogen, Shigella flexneri. I worked on mutating the virf gene in order to isolate the DNA binding domain. I was able to isolate the and express the truncated domain. The long-term goal was to obtain a crystal structure of the DNA binding domain and probe interactions with a lead compound discovered beforehand. This research experience was instrumental in my decision to pursue a doctoral degree.

Near the end of my undergraduate program, I knew that I wanted to pursue a doctoral degree, but I did not feel quite ready. I wanted to strengthen my research and communication skills and develop as an independent scientist. I found out about the Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) through one of my mentors. PREP seemed like the perfect stepping stone to graduate school.

My time at PREP has been fantastic. I joined Dr. Fikri Avci’s lab in the Center for Molecular Medicine. My current project involves examining a glycan structure found on the surface of the bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae. I am working to characterize this glycan and test it for immunogenic properties. I am also probing the presence of this glycan in different strains of S. pneumoniae. I’m excited to be expanding my experiences beyond bacteriology and delve into immunology and glycobiology. I am also enjoying the lab dynamic and learning from my lab mates. This experience is helping me improve my lab skills and my ability to read, write, and discuss science, making me confident I’m ready for the next step in my scientific career.