News from PNRI
The room was buzzing. Slides clicked forward. A yeast cell diagram here, a clam DNA sequence there. Eight interns, each at the podium for just 15 -20 minutes, stood before their mentors, peers, and PNRI scientists sharing the projects they had spent the summer pouring themselves into.
For some, it was their first time presenting original research. For others, it was the moment their summer’s work finally crystallized into a story they could tell: how they built a computational pipeline from scratch, trekked across muddy tide flats to collect water samples, or uncovered genetic clues hidden in rare disease datasets.
This was presentation day for PNRI’s 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Internship (SURI) cohort — the culmination of nine weeks of hands-on research, problem-solving, and discovery.
Of course, the slides only showed part of the picture. Behind them were hours of experiments, new skills learned, plenty of questions asked, and the kind of mentorship that helps young scientists find their footing. Each of the interns brought their own curiosity and energy to PNRI, and left with experiences that will shape where they go next.
Here’s a closer look at their projects and what they’ll take away from their summer at PNRI.
In the Code: Where Biology Meets Computation
Not all discoveries happen at the lab bench. For some interns, the biggest breakthroughs came from writing code, building pipelines, and using algorithms to make sense of enormous datasets. This summer, three interns showed how computation can unlock new ways of looking at genetics.
Melia Golden (Biochemistry, University of Washington)
Melia’s project, Detecting Small Copy Number Variants in a Turkish Rare Disease Cohort, used computer algorithms and whole genome sequencing data to identify small deletions and duplications in patients with undiagnosed rare diseases. “I really enjoy being in a research environment,” she said. “I also found there are many opportunities in research to use my interests in education and writing.”
Her most memorable moments of the internship were the weekly Scientist Spotlight sessions—chances to hear diverse career journeys and ask candid questions. She credits Dr. Cláudia Carvalho for modeling the importance of global collaboration, open science, and thoughtful communication.
Saiya Shah (Computational and Systems Biology, UCLA)
Saiya’s talk, Building a Pipeline to Analyze Short Tandem Repeats in the Human Genome, explained how she built a pipeline to analyze short tandem repeats (STRs) in the human genome—work that will help the Carvalho Lab study all types of genetic mutations in greater detail. “The SURI program confirmed my interest in the sciences and motivated me to consider applying to PhD programs in the future.”
One highlight: celebrating the Carvalho Lab’s 5th birthday, a fun break from the intensity of research. She says Dr. Carvalho’s kindness and encouragement pushed her to do her best work.
Ashley Elfrank (Biology, Oregon State University)
Ashley presented her project, Development of Mating Method in Yarrowia lipolytica, which focused on using this yeast — often used in genetics and biotechnology — to replicate citrin deficiency and lay the groundwork for a future model system. “This internship has genuinely meant everything to me… I learned so much about myself and how far I can push my brain to work harder and ask more curious questions.”
A Scientist Spotlight session helped her realize she wants to pursue biotechnology and bioinformatics rather than a long-term wet lab career. She credits Dr. Aimée Dudley for her honesty, guidance, and inspiration.
In the Lab: Finding Purpose at the Bench
For others, the summer was all about hands-on science — pipettes, assays, and long days learning the techniques that drive discovery forward. These projects gave interns their first real taste of what it’s like to design and carry out experiments, and to see how careful lab work connects to bigger questions in medicine and biology.
Edhil Haid (Brown University)
In her first lab-based research experience, Edhil developed a yeast-based system to investigate how specific genetic variants affect protein function in her project, Functional Impact of ORNT1 Variants.“As an aspiring physician, SURI has given me great insight into the significant relationship between researchers and clinicians through bi-weekly meetings, “ she said. “I’m now interested in operating in a role as a clinician who collaborates with researchers as I have seen the meaningful work that takes place.”
She was particularly inspired by her mentor, Dudley Lab scientist Dr. Michelle Tang, who guided her through techniques like PCR and site-directed mutagenesis, while also helping her understand the broader purpose and impact of each step in the research process.
Demiana Shenouda (Molecular Biosciences, Bellevue College)
Demiana studied The Interactions of APOBEC (A3As & A3Bs) Against LINE-1 Activities, exploring how certain proteins restrict the activity of mobile genetic elements. “This was my first internship focused on research rather than clinical work, and I found myself more interested in a research career than I expected.”
She’s grateful to her mentor, Sara Nematbakhsh, for walking her through each experiment with patience and support.
In the Field: Science with Muddy Boots and Sea Air
Science doesn’t always stay indoors. For two interns, research meant pulling on boots, wading through tide flats, and collecting seawater samples to better understand how disease moves through marine environments. Their projects focused on Bivalve Transmissible Neoplasia (BTN) — a contagious cancer in clams — and how its environmental DNA (eDNA), the genetic traces cancer cells leave behind in seawater, can be tracked across shifting tides.
Tyren Ignacio (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Boston University)
Tyren tackled two projects: detecting Bivalve Transmissible Neoplasia (BTN) in littleneck clams and expanding genomic analysis in cockles to study mitochondrial recombination and heteroplasmy. “While I had been uncertain about pursuing a science-focused career, I thoroughly enjoyed each day of the program and am now seriously considering a future in this field.”
He fondly recalls realizing clams and cockles are not the same — and collecting them in the field.
Liliana McClain (Environmental Science & Chemistry, Seattle University)
Liliana examined The Impact of Tidal Dynamics on Cancer eDNA Dispersion in Triangle Cove, studying how tidal movement affects the spread of BTN environmental DNA — fragments of genetic material released into seawater by cancer cells from infected clams. Her work helps researchers understand how the disease spreads through marine environments and how best to track it over time. “SURI has strengthened my drive to move forward with hope and tenacity, no matter the challenges.”
Her standout memory? A 15-hour day of driving, hiking through quicksand-like terrain, and collecting water samples. She describes the Metzger Lab as one of the most supportive scientific communities she’s known.
Looking Ahead
From building pipelines and assays to hiking muddy shorelines for samples, the 2025 SURI interns tackled complex projects and discovered new passions. Many leave with sharpened skills, clarified career goals, and lasting connections to mentors and peers.
Their advice to future interns? Ask questions, talk to everyone, keep an open mind, and enjoy every second!
To learn more about the SURI program, visit: https://pnri.org/education/