RuthMabel Boytz

Life After L&C Update

October 2024

Congratulations on being a published coauthor in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One. Can you tell us about your research with Professor Sharon Torigoe?

I started research with Dr. Torigoe during the spring of my junior year, then continued the project over the summer through the Rogers Summer Science Research Program, and developed it into my senior honors thesis. My project investigated how the expression of a critical gene in stem cells is regulated, taking a DNA-sequence level approach. I learned how to do molecular cloning and how to grow stem cells. My favorite part of the experience was meeting with Dr. Torigoe to discuss data, design my next experiments, and develop models to explain our findings. I also enjoyed lab meetings where everyone in the lab got to share their progress and discuss each other’s findings.

What impact did your participation in the research have on your post-graduation opportunities? How did it prepare you for life after Lewis & Clark?

My research at Lewis & Clark prepared me for the research technician position that I took right after graduation. I believe that having this independent research experience helped my application stand out and enabled me to make meaningful contributions to the lab that I joined. Through my research with Dr. Torigoe I was also able to present a poster and give an oral presentation at two local research conferences in the greater Portland area. The whole experience solidified my intention of pursuing a PhD in microbiology, and eventually a career in scientific research.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I wanted a college where I could pursue biology and music; where I would have the opportunity to do original research and work closely with professors; and a community of outdoor enthusiasts. L&C as a whole encourages students to engage in multiple interests, and individual professors were supportive of me doing this as well. The small class sizes enable students to learn directly from professors, and the faculty labs and Rogers Summer Research Program provide opportunities for students to perform original research. Through College Outdoors, I was able to regularly get out of the city and meet fellow hiking and skiing enthusiasts. Lastly, I loved the people at L&C that I met during a campus visit.

What have you been doing since graduation?

For two years I was a research technician in a virology lab at the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Labs in Boston. In the fall of 2022, I started a PhD program in microbiology at Yale University, where my research focuses on interactions between viruses and their hosts.

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your PhD program?

L&C taught me how to critically assess and synthesize information from diverse sources and to apply my understanding to new situations. This initiated my development as a scientist and prepared me for graduate science courses. L&C’s emphasis on developing writing skills made me a strong candidate for my research tech position and set me apart when writing applications for PhD programs.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

The most important thing I learned at L&C was that I shouldn’t let a challenging course or other situation prevent me from trying it anyway. If it looks interesting, if I think I will learn something, then I shouldn’t let the fear of not doing it perfectly stop me from giving it a go.

Why did you major in biology?

I was interested in microbes since middle school, and I wanted to learn more details about how they live and where they came from. Majoring in biology was the best way to learn facts and develop skills to ask my own questions about these bacteria and viruses.

Why did you minor in mathematics?

Biology requires math, and I wanted to better understand how scientists develop models and biological systems and why we use certain statistical methods in our research.

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

I still email and Zoom with my research mentor, Dr. Sharon Torigoe. I follow L&C Instagram accounts to keep up-to-date on college events and sports teams.

What was your favorite class? How did it expand your knowledge?

Cell Biology with Professor Greg Hermann in my junior year. I learned how scientists think through problems and how they make decisions about experimental designs to answer specific questions. I gained a new understanding of what the scientific method is and why each part plays a specific role in creating new knowledge.

Where did you find your community on campus?

Through orchestra and jazz combos I met fellow musicians who became a community outside of academics. I also found a community through my biology courses.

Who was your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?

Dr. Sharon Torigoe. I did research with her for about two years. She taught me techniques, procedures, presentation and writing skills, and challenged me to take risks. When I began applying for graduate school, she helped me think about what I wanted in a PhD program and supported me as I wrote countless personal statements.

Biology Mathematics