Undergraduate Student Focus – Aisling Macaraeg
Aisling Macaraeg’s path to NIH Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Trainee began as an inquisitive elementary school student!
Aisling Macaraeg was awarded a NIH Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Trainee position on July 24th and is conducting research in Dr. Matthias Machner’s lab on uncovering effector mechanisms of the pathogenic bacteria Legionella pneumophila. Following her 2-year position at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, she plans to enroll in graduate school studying host-pathogen interactions. Aisling shared that she was “looking for microbiology or biomedical opportunities as I currently want to pursue a career in research specifically, medical lab science, molecular biology, genetics, or microbiology.”
Aisling’s interest in science began in elementary school and shared, “My parents saw my interest in nature. They saw me try and have a better understanding of the world. They really cultivated my interests by buying me a rudimentary microscope in elementary school. Ever since then, they have given me opportunities to continue to grow my love of science, such as showing me the Academy for Science and Design (ASD).” During her enrollment at the ASD (2015–2019), a chartered public school specializing in STEM curriculum, she participated in an internship in the Simulation Lab at Rivier University in Nashua NH where she helped organize the lab before it opened, completed administration duties, and created programs for the simulation lab.
Deciding on URI
Aisling was looking for a more affordable school that had research and clinical opportunities. She loved the laboratory beach and aimed to live at a beach house while attending URI. She shared, “Deciding to come to URI was one of the best decisions I have made. The school has so many great resources, advisors, and community. Every aspect of being a student I felt supported, from being a volunteer, Resident Assistant, student, and most importantly, as a person. I got to go to explore the beautiful southern Rhode Island, make lifelong friends, and of course, get an amazing education. Now I really consider Rhode Island my home.”
Why Cell and Molecular Biology?
When asked why she chose to major in Cell and Molecular Biology, Aisling said, “I thought that I wanted to become a MD, and the CMB curriculum had a lot of overlap with the pre-med requirements. At ASD, to graduate, each student had to complete a senior project. Because I was completely fascinated by phages and bacteria after watching the Kurzgesagt video, ‘The Deadliest Being on Planet Earth – The Bacteriophage,’ I envisioned telling the story of bacteriophages and bacteria through images. I designed a museum to display these images and other interactive aspects. Through working on this project for a year, I realized my passion for microbiology and molecular biology. I get genuinely excited by the prospect of learning about microbes, whether that be fungus, viruses, or bacteria. Prokaryotes are the best.”
The Journey to Research
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a higher education. At first it was medical school, and in junior year I pivoted my goal to pursue a Ph.D. with the goal of graduate education, I wanted to gain research as soon as I could. During my freshman year I talked to some URI faculty that are Principal Investigators, and was told to reach out again sophomore year, but the opportunities were halted due to the COVID pandemic.”
In early 2021, she secured a 5-month Biomedical Research Internship at Berkeley Pharma Tech in Berkeley CA provided the opportunity to research microbiota that boosted the immune system, especially in the elderly.
Aisling joined Dr. Kathryn Ramsey’s lab as a URI Undergraduate Student Researcher from September 2021 to May 2023. She conducted research on the genetic context of the survival of a pathogenic bacterium (Francisella tularensis) when in freshwater, as it is endemic in Nordic regions. Macaraeg said, during this time she was awarded a RI-INBRE Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF 2022), mentored by Dr. Ramsey, Assistant Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology. “I enjoy working in groups to find creative and inclusive solutions, and love to stay organized in every way possible.” Aisling’s 2022 Honor’s project, “A pathogen outside its host: Francisella tularensis survival in water” specifically focused on gene regulation and mentored by Dr. Kathryn Ramsey, URI Assistant Professor.
A University of Rhode Island graduate (May 2023) with a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology, Aisling had the gratification of successfully completing two major endeavors at URI, both relating to her field of interest. Her Senior Honors Project (May 2023) “A CURE for CMB: Empowering undergrads with course-based research” sponsored by Neil Greene, Assistant Professor Clinical, at URI’s department of Cell and Molecular Biology.
Accomplishments, Challenges, and Advice
Her biggest accomplishment so far is “having the opportunity to finish the project that I have been working on for the past year and a half. I was worried that I would only finish the preliminary research, but thanks to Dr. Ramsey, we were able to identify a gene candidate! Additionally, Dr. Ramsey has let me do much of this project independently, and I am able to think and create a lot more than I ever thought I would be capable of as an undergraduate. It’s really cool to see my own growth as an early-stage scientist.”
The COVID pandemic was challenging for many students and Aisling shared that she has been incredibly lucky throughout her academic career, with amazing mentors and her support system.
“There are always more questions to be answered! I am a pretty big nerd, so whenever I see a really cool figure, microscopy, or telescope image, I get really excited. There’s something about seeing something that makes the world more understandable, that makes me happy.”
Macaraeg suggest that students interested in pursuing a career in science or medicine may consider starting as soon as you think you are interested by joining clubs and seeking out opportunities of interest you. Do not be discouraged when someone says “no.” If an email is unanswered after a week, send a follow-up. Find an upper-class student with similar interests and your major to ask questions about classes and future opportunities. “Talk to your advisors! Dr. Simons and Kathleen Maher are AMAZING resources!”