Enya Hoxha ’27 is exploring the power of bacteriophages — viruses that infect bacteria — as tools for molecular discovery. Working in the TAMU Biology Jolene Ramsey Lab, she has isolated and characterized two novel bacteriophages capable of infecting both Caulobacter henricii and its relative Caulobacter crescentus. No one has previously reported phages capable of infecting C. henricii, making this a first and opening the possibility of harnessing phage tools for their study. Caulobacter species are model organisms for studying the bacterial cell cycle and development, expanding the known phage hosts for them opens new possibilities for research.
For Enya, who plans to go into a research career, the experience has been transformative. “This project has helped me navigate turning unexpected results into learning opportunities both inside and outside the lab,” she shares. Along the way, she has strengthened her resilience, problem-solving, and independence as a scientist, while deepening her appreciation for the creativity required in discovery-driven research.
Her work highlights not only the scientific importance of bacteriophages, but also the impact of hands-on research in shaping the next generation of scientists.