Biology Students Gain Transformative Research Experience at LSU

When University of the Ozarks biology majors Jessie Wright (pictured, right) and Savea Cunningham (left) stepped into the labs at Louisiana State University this summer, they weren't just participating in an internship-they were stepping into the frontlines of groundbreaking medical research. Over six weeks, the two Texas natives immersed themselves in studies that deepened their scientific knowledge, strengthened their career aspirations, and offered them a glimpse of the real-world impact of biology beyond the classroom.

Wright, a senior from Decatur, Texas, and Cunningham, a junior from Lake Jackson, Texas, served internships at the National Hansen's Disease Program (NHDP) lab on LSU's Baton Rouge campus. Their work placed them in the heart of research into Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria that causes leprosy.

One of their primary projects examined whether armadillo livers could provide a reliable source of M. leprae for research. By enumerating bacterial counts in liver samples taken at different stages of infection, they were able to help determine the viability of the bacilli.

"Our results showed that armadillo liver samples were an accurate way to measure bacteria counts in armadillos," Wright explained. "There was a strong correlation between early dissemination of armadillos and higher M. leprae viability counts."

They also worked on a project testing the effectiveness of a new compound against M. leprae infection using radio respirometry.

For Cunningham, the LSU experience was an exciting expansion of research she had begun at Ozarks under Professor of Biology Dr. Frank Knight, who is considered one of the country's top scholars in armadillo research.

"This past year, I worked with Dr. Knight to test the gut microbiomes of armadillos and their offspring," she said. "That work was fascinating, but we were limited by what we could do in a small lab. At LSU, I had the chance to move beyond step-by-step kits and really engage with the chemical processes and designed procedures. That strengthened not only my knowledge of biology, but also my understanding of the chemistry required for this kind of research."

Wright agreed, saying the internship gave her invaluable perspective.

"I was introduced to some of the tools science has provided us to combat and investigate concerns on the molecular level," she said. "This experience exposed me to the rewarding aspects of long-term research and its real-world implications. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for how concepts from the classroom connect to the medical field."

Both students came away from the summer with sharpened goals.

Wright, who plans to attend medical school, said the internship reinforced her passion for medicine and research.

"I strive to be a physician who not only treats patients but also values research that can advance modern-day medicine and practices," she said.

Cunningham said the experience solidified her desire to pursue graduate studies in molecular or microbiological research.

"This opportunity not only benefited me academically, but it gave me valuable connections to researchers and potential inclusion in a published article," she said. "Long term, I hope to build a career in bacterial or viral research similar to what I experienced at NHDP."

Their participation was made possible through the University's Student Enrichment Fund (SEF), which provided financial support for the internship.

"Receiving the scholarship ultimately made this opportunity possible," Wright said. "I am eternally grateful for experiences that enrich my understanding of medicine and science."

Cunningham echoed that sentiment.

"This trip was only possible through SEF funding, and it benefited me in numerous ways," she said. "It has not only impacted my future, but also contributed to the broader research into leprosy."

Topics: Biology