Trainee Spotlight: Kaelynn Parker

I’m Kaelynn Parker and I’m from Virginia where I received my BS in biology from the University of Mary Washington. I’m a cellular biology Ph.D. student in Deigo Huet‘s laboratory.

What made you want to study science?

I took a genetic course at Germanna Community College as an elective while pursuing an associate’s degree part-time and working as an assistant barn manager. We did an experiment where we transformed E. coli with GFP and I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever done. It was a turning point where I decided I wanted to be in science.

Why did you choose UGA?

I chose UGA because of my undergraduate research advisor, Dr. Swati Agrawal, a CTEGD alum. I fell in love with parasitology (something I never imagined would happen) working with her, which inspired me to continue in the field. She also organized a seminar series featuring graduate students from CTEGD labs. After hearing from the graduate students at CTEGD, UGA was the only place I wanted to go for graduate school.

What is your project and why did you choose this research focus?

My project focuses on understanding interorganellar communication in Toxoplasma gondii through discovery and characterization of membrane contact sites between the ER, mitochondrion, and apicoplast. I am also investigating mitochondrial dynamics and stress response in T. gondii. I came to UGA with the desire to work on T. gondii because my original undergraduate project was supposed to be characterizing proteins important for egress in T. gondii. However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt on that plan and I wanted to return to Toxoplasma for graduate school.

What are your career goals?

I would like to remain in academic parasitology.

What do you hope to do for your capstone experience? Is there a collaborator/field site you would like to visit?

For my capstone experience, my plan is to utilize the opportunity to go to another lab to learn techniques to apply to membrane contact site research.

What is your favorite thing about UGA and/or Athens?

I love to go bird watching at the botanical gardens and local parks.

Any advice for a student interested in this field?

Talk to people, take every opportunity to present your work and build connections.

 

Support trainees like Kaelynn by giving today to the Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases.