After an insightful dinner that around fifteen of our lucky fellows got to have with Dr. Karine Gibbs, we were able to witness an extremely energetic and informative talk on the wonder and love of Dr. Gibbs, the bane of our bladders' existence, and the ppGpp chugging microbial equivalents of sprinters... the Proteus mirabilis!
Distinguished Speaker for PRISE, Dr. Karine Gibbs is an associate professor of molecular and cellular biology whose lab studies the relative genetic simplicity and tractability of P. mirabilis to discern the molecular mechanisms underlying its self/non-self-recognition process.
During her talk, Dr. Gibbs acquainted us with how she and her lab have striven to solve the biological puzzles associated with this bacterium's 'screwed up' (with respect to E. coli) cell-cell communication, cooperative migration, competition, and pathogenesis.
Main takeaways from the talk include:
1. Always talk ask even the smallest of questions
2. Become a microbiologist, become a millionaire!
3. Cabot House is the best house! (Disclaimer, I do not endorse this, Dunster all the way!!!)
4. To get by in life, all you need is:
- a little bit of craziness
- to be used to being different
- a little (or a lot of) money
5. Dr. Gibbs' kids are insanely cute!
Also, if you didn't get the memo, get into microbiology! Woooo!
The on-brand Lucky Charms (no Marshmallow Mateys woooo!), Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Frosted Flakes along with A LOT of candy was a great way to add a sugar rush to the adrenaline rush we had after such an exhilarating talk!
