Violet B
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at Duke University
Expertise
biochemistry, analytical chemistry, microbiome, genetics, biology
Bio
My name is Violet Beaty and I am a current PhD Student at Duke University. The focus of my research is to better understand the impacts of the human microbiome on host longevity. I utilize a variety of techniques to investigate the impacts of microbially produced metabolites on host aging and longevity including biochemical assays, mass spectrometry, model organisms, microscopy, bioinformatics, and many others. I am passionate about research and look forward to continuing my career in this field as a researcher and mentor. Outside of the lab I enjoy spending time with friends, family, and my adoring dog. I love to hike and spend time outside whenever I can. Also, I am an avid foodie and can usually be found exploring new restaurants on weekends. A fun fact about me is that I played a small role in a Sci-Fi film that came out in 2017 and even won a few awards at film festivals.Project ideas
Looking inside your gut: understanding the structure of human gut microbial enzymes
In this project you will learn the basics you need to do structural biology and bioinformatics. You will investigate an enzyme of your choice that is known to exist in the human gut. Once you pick an enzyme that interests you, you will model this real life enzyme in 3D using structural biology and bioinformatics techniques. You will then investigate and model the compounds known to bind in the active site of this enzyme. This project will help you gain skills in structural biology, bioinformatics, enzymology, modeling of biomolecules, and making figures for publication.
You are what you eat: a review of how diet impacts your gut microbiome
What is your favorite food? Have you considered how that food impacts your gut microbiome? Through this project you will investigate the currently available information on how your favorite food might impact your gut microbiome through a literature search. You will compile information using a collection of available published data to date. As you complete this project you will build your skills in: searching for relevant scientific literature, reading and interpreting scientific literature, biochemical concepts, biosynthetic pathways, host-microbiome interactions, and scientific writing.