SPRC Spotlight: Shivani Bhut

By: Gabby Wetwiski

Hello! My name is Shivani Bhut and I am a second year Microbiology PhD student in Dr. Angela Mitchell’s lab studying Escherichia coli K-12 and other enteric bacteria.

Specifically, I am focusing on studying the regulation of a lipid molecule, undecaprenyl phosphate (UndP). UndP is an essential, recyclable molecule required to make various cell envelope carbohydrates and is present in nearly all bacteria. Bacteria can adjust envelope composition by altering carbohydrate synthesis to resist stressors like antibiotics. This modulation directly impacts the levels and usage of UndP. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing UndP synthesis and availability in E. coli K-12 remain poorly understood. I hypothesize that regulation pathways control the production of UndP in response to available UndP levels. My project is to identify these pathways and understand how they work.

This project offers a unique approach to antibiotic resistance research by studying UndP and its central role in multiple cell envelope synthesis pathways and will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the cell’s response to the environment and antibiotics targeting UndP-related pathways.

As I reflect on my PhD journey thus far, my biggest piece of advice for future students is to pursue something you are genuinely interested in. Building a passion for your work, or having a preexisting passion, will help foster the drive needed to succeed. I have found a lab, project, and mentor that I truly value, all of which have significantly contributed to my development as an emerging scientist.