Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (MID) graduate Lee-Ann Notice-Sarpaning crossed the stage at May’s commencement ceremony, marking the end of her journey as a PhD student. Now she looks toward her future, expanding on the training she received at the Graduate School and building her career as a scientist.

Love for biology inspires career

Notice-Sarpaning fell in love with science in her first college biology class. Although the science classes she took in high school were exciting and challenging, she discovered a special love for science in college largely thanks to her professor, Mr. Luyster. His fun and engaging lessons made her see science in a way she never had before, and after a research internship her junior year, she was hooked.

A phenomenal internship experience

Notice-Sarpaning knew the Graduate School was her research home after an internship during undergrad. “I chose to study at the Graduate School because I had a phenomenal experience during the UTHealth MicroSURP (undergraduate) internship in 2018.” She worked in the lab of Nayun Kim, PhD, then a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG). She was impressed by the friendliness of the department, the intelligence of the graduate students she worked with, and the variety of research opportunities available. After seeing firsthand the Graduate School’s commitment to a student-centric learning environment and the camaraderie among the students during her interview weekend, she knew the Graduate School was where she wanted to be.

Notice-Sarpaning’s passion for working with yeast during her MicroSURP internship led her to seek a lab focused on similar research. After completing two tutorial rotations and having the third interrupted by COVID, she faced a difficult choice. “I learned a lot in both my rotations, and the Principal Investigators (PIs) were both exceptional mentors.” She ultimately chose the lab of Ambro van Hoof, PhD.

Gaining novel insight into an essential molecule of life

“My research focused on proteins called endoribonucleases that cut RNA to trigger degradation or the further processing of ribonucleic acid (RNA) transcripts. RNA is an essential molecule of life, and as such, its synthesis and degradation are highly regulated and carefully balanced in the cell. The overall goal was to gain novel insight into the roles of different endoribonucleases in the processing and degradation of RNA.” Her work primarily aimed to investigate whether the endoribonuclease Rnt1, which has well-studied roles in the processing of several non-coding RNAs, could cleave protein-coding RNA (mRNA) as well, and potentially affect gene expression. Notice-Sarpaning's research determined that Rnt1 does, in fact, cleave mRNAs, affecting gene expression and overall cell growth.

Expanding the horizons of RNA research

Notice-Sarpaning plans to pursue postdoctoral training to gain expertise in other model systems and areas of mRNA research. Her ultimate goal is either to have her own lab or work in a position solely focused on teaching at an undergraduate institution, but she is open to multiple paths. She has recently developed an interest in science communication and is excited to see what the future holds for her career.

Staying the course

Graduate school is a challenge, and Notice-Sarpaning experienced typical highs and lows throughout her journey. “My biggest challenge has been ignoring the constant feeling of not being good enough, the imposter syndrome.” However, she was able to overcome it with the help of family, friends, and supportive mentors, as well as building a support network of scientists from underrepresented backgrounds through the Yale Ciencia Academy. She also sought counseling during her lowest points and prioritized a balance between life in the lab and life outside the lab through hobbies like volleyball, game nights, and binge-watching reality TV.

“It’s tempting to think that you can live in the lab for years on end without a social network and the support of family and friends, but I think we all as grad students come to realize that burnout is real. Sometimes you just need to step away for a bit and enjoy life with those you care about most.” Notice-Sarpaning considers staying the course of graduate school through personal challenges, self-doubt, and periods of exhaustion to be her greatest success, and appreciates the support of her mentors, friends, and family along the way.