I am currently a third-year graduate student at UCSF in the Chemistry and Chemical Biology program. My time as a research intern at Oak Crest in 2016 strengthened my desire to pursue a PhD and allowed me to gain many new skills I still use today. While at Oak Crest I worked with Dr. Paul Webster and Karla Ruiz to study the formation of biofilms in bacterial communities and in human microbiomes. I was introduced to microbiology, molecular biology, and microscopy under the expert guidance of Dr. Webster. I loved exploring these new techniques and mentoring high school students during the summer. I believe Oak Crest’s mission to engage the community, provide exposure to science, and perform outstanding research is one of a kind.
My experience at Oak Crest broadened my interest in science. Since starting my PhD I have worked on research that has a long-term goal of having a medical application to combat microbial pathogens, from drug resistant bacteria to HIV. I am currently focused on designing biological tools to study the complex interactions between the innate immune system of humans and HIV.
Oak Crest provides fantastic opportunities for students to see what being a scientist is really like by enabling students to become independent researchers and present to both the scientific and greater community.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatrice-ary-4545a742/