Anneliese Ahrens
Author: Anneliese Ahrens | Major: Biology | Semester: Fall 2022
My name is Anneliese Ahrens, and I am a senior earning my Bachelors in Science in Biology from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. In Spring semester 2023, I will complete my research regarding Coccidioides under Dr. Donald Catanzaro, Research Assistant Professor in Arts and Sciences and Biological Sciences. Following graduation, I hope to further my education by attending medical school. The opportunity to participate in research at the University of Arkansas has broadened my skill set and opened doors for me that I otherwise may have not been identified or which may have not been available otherwise.
Our research is focused on Coccidioides (cocci), a fungus which grows in warm, arid regions such as California and other states in the southwest region of the United States and many other countries in the Western Hemisphere. When this fungus in the soil is aerated and inhaled by humans, it can cause a pulmonary infection and lead to many other health issues such as pneumonia or even disseminated disease.
An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test like the Coccidioides Ag Enzyme Immunoassay can detect if there is a cocci infection. Our research evaluates this test for accuracy of detection of the galactomannan antigen that is from cocci. If it is shown to be accurate it will be the second antigen test on the market that will hopefully be more accurate than the one other antigen test and could lower the morbidity and mortality rates of cocci.
It is important for an accurate antigen test to be produced so that communities and physicians can diagnose active Cocci infections and take preventative measures. Usually, cocci tests are not performed because the symptoms are like those of a bacterial or viral respiratory infection and are, therefore, misdiagnosed. With migration of the infection outside of the endemic regions, it is becoming more urgent for an accurate test to be readily available. When considering my options for research mentors and topics, I considered all areas of study, but I considered science, particularly biology, to be my first choice since that is my degree program and my main area of interest. I reviewed the directory of research faculty for potential mentors and reached out to those who had topics that resonated with me. After speaking with Dr. Catanzaro and looking through his work with tuberculosis, I determined that his current projects were interesting and that the work would be challenging and worthwhile. After considering the available research topics, I decided that the research regarding cocci was the most interesting.
Considering I had already been pursuing my biology degree and had taken numerous science courses, I thought I had a good grasp of what research meant, but I soon learned there was still so much I had to learn and challenges that I would face. Even with an experienced mentor who has done many research projects in the field, there were parts of preparation and testing that took much longer than we expected, as well as many different approval requests to obtain samples for testing. Also, with the analysis Dr. Catanzaro and I are doing, it is crucial to be exact in the steps in the protocol to make sure the enzymes can bind correctly so that the test yields correct results, so this has taken some trial and error.
I would not have been able to go through this research process alone and having a mentor to guide me through was something I am incredibly grateful for. It allowed me to have access to many opportunities and resources that I would otherwise not have had. Dr. Catanzaro and I would meet weekly to discuss what needed to be done for the week. This would include contacting people to gather resources and samples, writing up proposals or other materials for funding or approval, scheduling test runs and pickups, and much more. Dr. Jeannine Durdik and Dr. Casey Kayser are the other two faculty members on the committee that I will defend in front of. Dr. Durdik has also been very generous in letting us use her lab and equipment to run our analysis.
Now, I am waiting for supplies to run another test, and then I will complete my thesis and defend it in the spring of 2023. After that I will have completed my thesis research, submit it for publishing, and be ready for graduation. I am so thankful for the opportunity to take part in research and apply for funding from the Honors College and the help of University of Arkansas faculty that have guided me through my research thesis. I have learned and grown as a student and person from completing research.