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. 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. Dr. Kilgore, Dr. DeBerry, Dr. March, and my adviser, Dr. Lee, all played a huge role in helping me obtain this internship and funding,” Alexander said.