Shohely Anonna: How Signal Transduction Pathways Regulate Morphogenetic Responses

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This project involved understanding how signal transduction pathways regulate morphogenetic responses. Students had the opportunity to study MAP kinase pathways in fungal species including the model genetic system budding yeast and human pathogen C. albicans. Shohley's unique role in this project was to grow yeast biofilm and documenting and analyzing its progress. Here is what Shohley had to say about the experience:

What I Did:

"I started this project with the interest of learning how to apply classroom knowledge to the real world and Dr. Paul Cullen's lab has been the perfect bridge. My role is growing the temperature-sensitive mutants and analyzing their growth pattern, which includes making plates, spotting cells (mutants), taking pictures, entering data, and analyzing them. Throughout this process, I learned to make biofilm, sterile process, and convert visual data into statistical data. My task of making biofilm might seem minute in this sophisticated project but what I do, sets the basis for the project. Only after the conclusion of biofilm analysis is done, the master’s and Ph.D. students can move to the next step in their project. Thus, it's an honor for me to help them. I would say the biggest takeaway from this project is that whether you study biology, chemistry, or statistics, they are all interconnected when it comes to research. Overall, Dr. Cullen's research team has intelligent individuals who are collaborative, kind, and helpful."

What I Learned:

"Because every individual had a unique responsibility, Dr. Cullen strongly encourages communication - small talk from everyone during each lab meeting regarding our progress - so everyone is on the same page. I think this practice of discussing technical issues encouraged me to seek help. I also asked my team members if they needed an extra pair of hands - a way to learn something new as well. Communication is truly the key; and my weakness of critical thinking and communication became two of my biggest strengths. I also had the opportunity to present at the Science Symposium at the Center for Arts at UB in the winter of 2022. Overall, Dr. Cullen's lab helped me grow personally and professionally and I hope to apply what I have learned in my higher studies and career."