Rosemary Northcote

Rosemary Northcote is an MGI doctoral student in the Crosson Lab. These are her answers to the Micro Biography questions:

How and when did you become interested in the field(s) of microbiology, genetics, and/or immunology?

I have been interested in science for as long as I can remember, but I really started to become interested in genetics and microbiology in high school when I took a class called Genetics, Biotechnology, Bacteriology, and Embryology. I found it interesting to learn all about different heritable traits and genetic disorders, and our biggest project in the class was the “Unknown Lab” where we had to identify two different microbes based on various testing. I then started my undergraduate degree as a Genomics and Molecular Genetics major here at MSU, and I fell in love with microbiology when I took the introductory microbiology lecture and lab classes my sophomore year. After those classes, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in microbiology.

Were there any particular people or events who were influential in your journey?

There are a lot of people in my life that have been influential and helped me get to where I am today. I had quite a few teachers in high school that sparked my interest in science, like Mrs. Peterson and Mr. Beregszaszy, that led me to pursue a genetics degree in undergrad. Also Dr. Hammer, who hired me and gave me my first research project as an undergrad, which is when I ultimately decided I wanted to pursue my PhD after I graduated. My mentor in the Hammer Lab, Dr. Paige Kies, was also instrumental in that decision because she taught me how to think critically about my research project and encouraged me to see that going for my PhD is not an unattainable goal. More than anyone though, I’d have to say my parents have been the most influential. They have always been extremely supportive of me in all my endeavors and are my biggest cheerleaders. I love sharing my excitement over my new experiments with my dad or telling my mom all about my day in the lab. I know that if I ever need anything at all, whether it be an ear to listen to me rant about my frustrations or a fun weekend home, they are always there for me. Without their support I know I wouldn’t be here today.

How did you come to be a part of this department?

I first became part of this department during my time as an undergraduate here at MSU. Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to go to Michigan State. My mom is an MSU alum, so I grew up rooting for the Spartans, and when I came to tour the campus, I knew it was the place for me. I officially joined the department during my sophomore year when I started as an undergraduate research assistant in the Hammer Lab. When I was applying for PhD programs, I visited other schools but loved the MGI department here too much to leave.

What is your main role / research area right now and why is it important?

I just joined the Crosson Lab in January, and my research focuses on the Gram-negative bacteria Brucella. My main project is investigating how the bacterium organizes its mRNA decay machinery, along with the impacts it has on intracellular fitness and envelope stress survival. Brucella is the etiological agent of the zoonotic disease brucellosis, so it is important to understand how mRNA decay plays a role in infection biology.

How do you see your role / research evolving?

Given that I just started working on my project a couple months ago, I could see it changing and evolving drastically over the course of my time here. I am not entirely sure how it will change just yet, but I am excited to see where my research will take me.

What types of activities are you involved in outside of work / research?

Outside of the lab I usually spend my time at the gym, relaxing at home, or socializing with my friends and trying out new restaurants or places around East Lansing. I also love watching sports, both MSU and Detroit professional teams, and really enjoy going to games. Michigan also has the best summers, so when it gets warm out, I like to try to spend as much time outside as I can, either lying by a pool, going for a walk, or just hanging out with my friends.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Just that the MSU MGI department truly is the best department to be a part of. Everyone here is so supportive of each other, and the social events like tea at 3 are a super nice way to break up my days in the lab and chat with other people in the department.

What is next for you?

Honestly, I am not entirely sure what is next for me. Right now, I am just focusing on developing my project and working towards my preliminary exam (which is still a while away). Past that I think I am just going to see where my research takes me.

What do you see as your current career trajectory?

I am not sure yet what I want to do after I earn my degree, except that I want to keep doing research in some capacity. I love being at the bench, and any job that will allow me to keep doing what I love would be a dream.