Megan Dines arrived at Washington State University from Long Beach, California, with her sights set on medical school. While pursuing her undergraduate degree in biology with a pre-med focus in the College of Veterinary Medicine, however, she discovered a passion for research she couldn’t ignore.
Wanting to continue growing as a scientist, she decided to pursue graduate studies before medical school, initially enrolling in the master’s program in molecular biosciences. Now, she’s making the jump to the PhD program in molecular biosciences, working under the mentorship of Drs. Michael Konkel and Lisa Gloss.
Megan’s research explores Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of bacterial foodborne illness, focusing on how the pathogen invades host cells and triggers an inflammatory response.
What inspired you to pursue your graduate studies at WSU?
For a long time, I was very set on going to medical school after completing my bachelor’s degree. However, as I spent more time working in the lab and getting involved in projects, I developed a strong passion for research. I knew that my time in research could not be over yet. After some consideration, I decided to pursue a graduate degree before going to medical school so that I could continue to learn and grow as a scientist and gain the skills needed to continue research in my future.
Can you describe your current research and its significance in your field?
I study Campylobacter jejuni and the mechanisms it uses to promote its invasion into host intestinal epithelial cells. Specifically, I have been investigating how certain Campylobacter invasion antigens (Cia) interact with host-cell proteins. Additionally, I research the inflammatory response elicited by C. jejuni and the impact it has on C. jejuni pathogenesis.
What resources or facilities at WSU have been most valuable to your research?
The confocal microscope in the Biotechnology/Lifesciences Building has been a great resource for visualizing how C. jejuni interacts with host cells, and we have produced some really great images. The Molecular Biology and Genomics Core has been a game-changer, not only for the instruments available, but also for the extensive help I have received from the staff. Students, staff, and faculty have been extremely valuable to me throughout my research. I have received a great deal of guidance and help from many people in the building, and there are things I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to do without them!
What role does collaboration play in your research?
Collaboration is very important in my research. Several faculty members have been kind enough to train me in new skills I can apply to my projects. We’ve also received some help with data analysis, particularly in scRNAseq analysis, which has been super valuable because I am still very new to R and working with code.
How has your mentor helped you in your journey?
Dr. Konkel has been such a great mentor. He goes out of his way to help me grow as a scientist and professional, giving me chances to learn and get out of my comfort zone. I’ve had some pretty awesome opportunities thanks to his help and guidance. Both Dr. Konkel and Dr. Gloss are very supportive and have made me feel a lot more secure as I navigate graduate school.
What are your long-term career goals?
Following my time at WSU, I would like to attend medical school. My ultimate goal is to foster a career where I can combine my passion for research with my passion for practicing medicine. I’m not exactly sure what this will look like yet, but I believe that earning a PhD and studying an infectious disease will play a major role in preparing me for this type of career.
What has been your favorite thing about WSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine?
My favorite thing about WSU and CVM is how much it truly feels like a community. I think the CVM makes a big effort to ensure the wellbeing of students and that is really awesome and not something you get everywhere. I know I am aways supported and I have plenty of people I can go to if I need help with anything.
What surprised you the most about WSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine?
The thing that probably surprised me the most about the CVM is how interconnected all of the departments are. Through classes and events, I have been able to get to know people from Immunology and Infectious Diseases and Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience. It’s nice to become friends with people outside of your department because you feel less isolated to the building you spend a lot of your time in.
What would you say to prospective graduate students considering the College of Veterinary Medicine?
To prospective graduate students considering the CVM: I know that moving your life to a new place, with all new people, can be pretty scary, however, if you choose to come to WSU, you will find some of the most welcoming and uplifting people. I am so grateful for the people who have come into my life since coming to WSU as an undergrad, and I may be even more grateful for the people I have met since starting grad school. There will always be someone here who has your back. Oh, and I can’t forget … go Cougs!