Eleanor Ford came to UW–Madison to participate in the Cellular and Molecular Biology of Stress Summer Research Program organized by WISCIENCE. During this 10-week program, Eleanor got hands-on research experience in the Molecular Ecology Lab while also learning about research careers and practicing science communication skills.
Eleanor comes from Bainbridge Island, Washington, and she’s majoring in biology and studio art at Oberlin College. Outside of her studies, she is interested in various creative endeavors as well as bike riding, reading, and film photography.
Briefly, what is the research project you are working on right now?
My research is focused on how hypoxia physiologically limits Nebria, a genus of alpine ground beetle. I’m testing for expression of a hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF-1a) and some other relevant genes. I’m also working to map the beetles’ tracheal systems using micro-CT in order to identify morphological differences.
What led you to apply for this program?
I applied for CMBS because I wanted hands-on experience working in a molecular biology lab. I’ve been considering pursuing a scientific research career and was hoping to gain a full understanding of what doing research full-time might be like before I completely commit to it. My home institution, Oberlin, is relatively small and I was excited to branch out and work with types of research not available to me there.
What has been the most valuable part of your lab experience this summer?
The technical skills and resilience I’ve gained as a researcher have been very valuable. Many of my experiments involved challenges and pivots along the way, and I’ve found constant exposure to the world of research to be an excellent teacher of perseverance. It has also been delightful to work closely with such a brilliant group of scientists and learn from each of them.
How do you think your experience here will impact your goals for the future?
Having had such a positive experience in the Molecular Ecology Lab this summer has made me even more eager to continue doing research and has confirmed my desire to attend graduate school. Each topic I’ve grazed the surface of in my research seems a potential road to explore in the future. For example, what one paper I cited referred to as “the complexity of insect breathing” made me curious to further explore the genetic basis of something so unfamiliar as insect respiration. I would love to continue work with entomology and potentially branch out into adjacent disciplines.
What advice would you give to future CMBS students?
Show up with resilience in lab and spend lots of time exploring Madison outside of it. Research-wise, expect to get out of the opportunity what you put into it and always be curious, ask questions. In Madison, I highly recommend swimming in the lake, trivia at The Library, and the Madison Night Market.
Learn more about the CMBS Summer Research Program.