WASHINGTON, PA (Aug. 6, 2019)—Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) senior Alexander Albright ’20 is doing research this summer that could change modern medicine.
The biology major is interning in the lab of Paul Himes, Ph.D., at the University of Louisville. The lab is working with different mutant pathogenic bacteria and examining their growth patterns to determine if other bacteria can disrupt their chemical signaling pathways to limit their growth.
“The most surreal part of this experience is that down the road, some of the research I have done could possibly lead to treatments for people that are affected by these bacteria, which is mainly people with cystic fibrosis,” Alexander said.
Alexander has enjoyed exploring his interest through research. The opportunity is one he wouldn’t have had without W&J.
“A lot of professors helped me find opportunities, helped me apply for funding, and gave me materials of what students had done in previous years,” he said. “Dr. Kilgore, Dr. DeBerry, Dr. March, and my adviser, Dr. Lee, all played a huge role in helping me obtain this internship and funding.”
W&J is supporting Alexander’s internship experience through the Maxwell Internship Endowment Fund.
About Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a selective liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent study work. For more information about W&J, visit washjeff.dev, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.