Anne Lemek

More about me

What is your hometown?

New Paltz, NY

What is your major and anticipated graduation?

Microbiology, 2025

How did you decide to attend MSU?

Both of my parents are alumni (as well as about half of my mom’s family), and so I’ve been around campus for a good portion of my life. I applied because MSU is familiar, and its research opportunities and academic programs made attending an easy decision.

How did you select your major?

I find microorganisms fascinating. The way they show incredible diversity in type at a scale non-visible to the eye, the way they interact with each other and their environment, the way they are everywhere and are both beneficial and harmful: I’ve always been interested in them, and I’d like to learn as much as possible about them. Microbiology was the obvious choice.

Can you describe your research?

My research examines a bacteria called Spirobacillus cienkowskii that infects freshwater zooplankton called Daphnia that was first described in the mid 1800s, but has yet to be cultured since. My research focuses on isolating the bacteria so we can study its biology and infection dynamics effectively.

What is the societal impact of your research?

Isolating pure cultures of microbes is the best option for effectively and reproducibly studying how pathogens work. It allows us to change the genetic background, reliably infect hosts, and observe responses to external changes much better than other methods. By working to isolate this bacteria, we are contributing to the knowledge on isolating difficult to culture pathogens.

How has your undergraduate experience been impacted by this experience?

Participating in undergraduate research on the infection dynamics of a pathogen has helped me find my path forward to my future career in research on pathogen biology. It has also provided a place for me to apply the skills and knowledge I learn in my classes to real-life situations.

Of everything you have experienced at MSU, what has surprised you the most/what is something you never expected?

How easy it is to get around campus. I thought that the size of the campus would make it a daunting task to get from class to class, but walking takes less time than it seems, and the bus system usually has a convenient route when walking isn’t an option.

If your little brother/sister was coming to MSU, what is one piece of advice you would give them?

It may feel like there’s too many people attending MSU to make friends, but you’ll find people you like to be around easily enough. There’s no shortage of potential friends, as long as you know where to find them.

Person/People who have inspired you?

My parents because they are incredibly well-respected and well-liked, and they always seem to find the next step forward with whatever they put their minds to.

Plans after graduation?

I plan to achieve a PhD in microbiology and research pathogenesis.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I will, realistically, be working on my PhD.

Where do you see yourself in 25 years

In 25 years, I plan to be an established researcher in academia working with pathogenic bacteria.

What are some of your favorite MSU memories?

Hanging out with my friends, mostly: late night car rides, playing games, picnics by the river on nice days.

What is the Importance of this scholarship to you personally and to your future career?

As a Dean’s Research Scholar, I will be in a unique position to expand awareness of the different types of research within the field of microbiology. Additionally, I will be able to build scientific communication skills that I will need to succeed as a research scientist.

What person would you most like to meet (living or dead)?

Ursula K. Le Guin: she had an interesting way of exploring and subverting common science fiction themes. I also admire her dedication to her beliefs both in her writing and her life. I think she’d have some interesting insights into the world as it is today.

On a Saturday afternoon, what would we likely find you doing?

Doing homework or taking a nap.

What major research breakthrough of the next decade (not your own, but overall) do you think we will see?

A new therapy for treatment-resistant microbes.