Biology major Rhiannon Lara ’26 is one of four students who recently had research published in Frontiers in Microbiology with biology faculty Associate Professor Adam Silver and Assistant Professor Laura Enzor.
“Our research examines the consequences of climate change on eastern oyster and the aquatic bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a human pathogen that is frequently associated with foodborne illnesses,” says Rhiannon. “Specifically, we explored how increased acidity and temperature, and decreased salinity, impact the ability of eastern oyster to resist V. parahaemolyticus infection.”
Rhiannon is planning on pursuing a degree in medicine with a focus on family medicine and community health and is part of the University’s Pre-Medical Professions Advising Program. “The journey toward medical school is difficult to navigate and the Pre-Medical Professions Advising Program has made it easier for me to visualize the goals I want to achieve and my progress to get there.” She says the advising program provides guidance toward planning her graduate school application timeline and learning how to be the strongest applicant she can be.
“I would like to particularly thank Dr. Silver, who has guided me toward involvement in research in his lab and has supported my development as a scientist and community-involved student,” she says.
Outside of her research with faculty, Rhiannon is involved in the UHart community. She serves as president of the Pre-Health Professions Club, is a lab instructor for Introduction to Biology and Organic Chemistry courses, and is a biology and chemistry tutor. Rhiannon is also a campus tour guide and is a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences and the University’s Honors program.
She says her favorite thing about UHart is the sense of community. “My faculty and peers want to see my success and will do what they can to help make it happen. I also like the ability to have a work-life balance. Between the way that the residential and academic sides of campus are set up, and the many activities that are held on campus, I feel I’m creating memories and learning as much as possible.”
Rhiannon Lara ’26, College of Arts and SciencesThe journey toward medical school is difficult to navigate and the Pre-Medical Professions Advising Program has made it easier for me to visualize the goals I want to achieve and my progress to get there.