Weekly WISE #5
Our final Weekly WISE of the 2025 SSEP features Alpita P., & Raya U. Check out their final thoughts on the program and their positions.
Alpita P., Research Assistant in Computational Biochemistry with Wilson Research Lab
Hey!! My name is Alpita Patro and this summer, I have the honorable opportunity to participate in the WISE Summer Employment Program. At the Wilson Lab, I’ve been working as a research assistant in computational biochemistry. Through this experience, I gained opportunities to explore the realm of computational biochemistry, analyze and run simulations, and ultimately contribute to the research community.
This summer, I’m conducting a research project relating to bacterial membranes and antibiotic resistance. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterial strain that has risen as a global threat in recent years. Though antibiotics exist for treatment, bacteria have become smarter and learned to resist current medicine.
Instead of solely relying on new antibiotics, my research explores a different approach: using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to target bacterial membranes. These small molecules, naturally found in our immune system, have been shown to fight off bacteria, fungi, viruses, and more. My project focuses on using computer simulations to study the E. coli membrane and see if AMPs can effectively break through it.
This week has been extremely busy, especially after being away. As of now I’ve completed my simulations (as shown in the picture). I am now in the process of analyzing the thickness, movement, and space occupied by my membrane. These findings will help me determine if the E. coli membrane behaves like it would in real life. If my findings are positive, I can then move on to adding AMPs!
Under the supervision of Dr. Wilson and her graduate students, I’ve learned how to run simulations using a software called GROMACS, analyze results using python scripts, and troubleshoot errors (which happens quite often). I’ve also gained opportunities to attend group meetings and learn about the various research projects happening in the lab. Through this experience, I gained a better understanding of experimentation, navigating past errors, and analyzing data.
Outside of my placement, I’ve enjoyed our tours and social events. As someone who is still unsure of my career goals, I am grateful to learn and explore various professions. My experience has been memorable so far and I’m eager to see what’s in store for me. I am grateful to WISE NL, the Wilson Research Lab, and Cenovus energy for providing me with this opportunity!
Raya U., Marine Microbiology Research Assistant
Hey! I’m Research Assistant Raya Upward, and this summer I’ve joined Dr. Jeanette Wheeler and her team to support their marine microbiology research. These microorganisms and their movement are vital for life on Earth, but climate change is altering ocean conditions, posing potential threats to these lifeforms and the lives they play roles in.
In the lab, we’ve been running both Growth and Motility experiments, as well as PIV experiments. The former consists of growing Silicibacter (this species of bacteria can break down a chemical called DMSP, that process causes that “ocean smell”! ) in a medium at a set temperature. We compare samples that have been left in the incubator for different lengths of time. Using a high-speed camera connected to a microscope, as well as a machine called a spectrophotometer, we can see the bacteria’s movement and density.
For the larger larval swimmers, we use PIV, or Particle Image Velocimetry. This technique is used to accentuate flow characteristics in a fluid. Suspended in a liquid medium, neutrally buoyant particles follow the flow without sinking or floating. Any force acting on the liquid, like the beating of a swimming larva, is captured by a high-speed camera.
What do we do with all this collected data? Well, I’ve been learning Python, which is very tedious but rewarding. The feeling when a script finally works? It kept me going through the tutorials. Anyway, it’s a very powerful tool for data analysis and visualization. Eventually, I’ll be able to use my acquired skills to create graphs based on the data; for example, using frames from the camera, I can make graphs that plot the movement of bacteria. Another thing I’m doing outside the lab is reading relevant scientific work that increases my comprehension of the research. Specifically, how does the movement of fluid affect these micro-sized lives?
Outside of this everyday, though, I’ve gotten to dabble in other scientific disciplines. Thanks to our workplace tours, I’ve learned about physics, engineering, other areas of biology, chemistry, medicine and more! My standouts were the National Research Council and the MUN departments of Medicine and Science—they highlighted topics, areas, and careers that intrigued me.
The WISE SSEP experience has made this summer one to remember; I’m both excited for what’s next and not ready for it to be over!