Bacteria Beware: Goldwater-backed Research is Coming for You

Now, thanks to the Goldwater Scholarship, it’ll be that much easier to achieve the kind of bigger goals that benefit humanity.

Trista was one of three Duquesne students this year granted the prestigious Goldwater, a federal award that provides financial assistance for students committed to research careers in natural science, mathematics or engineering. Only 441 were given the honor across the nation.

“The reason why I'm doing this is because antibacterial resistance is a growing global crisis,” Trista said. “We have to identify new compounds that can be used as new antibiotics to fill this gap.”  

As an upperclassman, she now works in Dr. David Heisler’s lab, where they endeavor to remedy a startling fact: every minute, approximately 20 lives are lost globally to antibiotic-resistant pathogens—a staggering figure projected to double within the next 25 years.

More than a Number

A biochemistry major hailing from Indiana, Pa., Trista was drawn to Duquesne because she understood she could become involved in research even as a freshman. She spent her first year working with Dr. David Seybert, now professor emeritus.

“As a freshman I was learning about what it is to be in a research lab, including literature collecting, keeping a good lab notebook, collaborating, and talking with peers. My research in the Seybert lab specifically focused on enzyme kinetics and macromolecular crowding,” she said. “After Dr. Seybert’s retirement in my sophomore year, I joined Dr. Heisler’s lab, where I continued to expand my skills in biochemistry and microbiology.” 

Knowing Duquesne’s class sizes were more intimate than larger research universities gave her confidence that the Bluff was the place for her.

“The professors will talk to you, and you can talk to them. It's very much one-on-one when you need it,” she said. “And the class size is also very helpful to learning in an intimate environment where if you do struggle, they will be there for you. I'm not at a large school where I'm a number and they're like, oh well, if you're struggling then figure it out.”

Validation and Pride

Goldwater applicants go through a rigorous vetting process. For Trista, sharing the courses (some graduate courses already!), years of research (as a junior!), and communication skills developed as a Duke (who was able to study abroad in Dublin!) gave her confidence she was a deserving contender.

“All of the experiences I have had at Duquesne, that’s what I talked about in my Goldwater application,” she said.

It was still a shock to win, however.

“When I actually got the email that said, ‘Congratulations, Trista,’ I didn't even read the whole thing,” she said. “I literally opened my phone, it said ‘Congratulations,’ and I freaked out. I jumped I was so excited. My friends were with me and they were cheering me on.”

The horizon is bright for Trista, who looks forward to more research, travel, and scientific breakthroughs.

“The committee saw something in me that validates myself and what I want to do with my life,” she said. “I feel very good, I feel very happy, I feel proud of myself and my abilities.”