SPRC Highlight: Michael Debrah
By: Gabby Wetwiski
This SPRC highlight features Michael Debrah, a post-preliminary graduate student who won 1st place in his poster presentation!
What is your research model?
I seek to understand how a bacteriophage-derived antimicrobial peptide disrupts the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. I employ several experimental systems to explore the regulatory mechanisms governing the peptide’s activity using both wet bench techniques and bioinformatics.
In your own words, tell us about your research.
In 2024, the World Health Organization updated the list of drug-resistant bacteria that are the highest threat to human health. Gram-negative bacteria comprise 82% of the critical and high-priority bacterial pathogens. As antibiotics become less effective in the clinic, scientists have become interested in using bacteriophages (phages) as an alternative therapy. Phages are natural predators of bacteria, releasing their progeny by host cell lysis. We recently discovered a novel class of small cationic peptides that independently disrupt the outer membrane leading to cell death. I am currently exploring the properties of the peptide that are important for its development as a phage-derived therapeutic.
Since this event was a part of our recruiting efforts, what advice do you have for future students?
The dream of graduate school and its reality are worlds apart. When you finally step into grad school, the experience hits differently than you might have imagined. To face this new challenge, you need to come prepared:
- Dress yourself in resilience
- Arm yourself with perseverance
- Equip yourself with a strong support network
With these tools in your arsenal, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the demanding yet rewarding journey of graduate education. Remember, the path may be challenging, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can rise to meet its unique demands.
