Anna Broerman
Major
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Awards
College of Engineering and Applied Science Research Award
College of Engineering and Applied Science Academic Engagement Award
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Outstanding Course Assistant Award (CBEN)
Post-graduation plans
Pursue a PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Santa Barbara
Associated Lab
Assistant Professor Kayla Sprenger
Tell me about your research
I study how herpes simplex virus attaches to human cells prior to infection by modeling the interaction between a viral protein called glycoprotein D, and a sugar found on the cell surface. To do this, I use computer simulations to approximate how glycoprotein D responds to this binding interaction. This research will potentially elucidate the mechanism behind the receptor binding interaction. Ìý
How could your research make a difference in everyday life?
Herpes is extremely common, yet there is no current licensed vaccine. My work may contribute to identifying structural changes in viral proteins that are important for infection, which might be useful in future vaccine development.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the funding and recognition I’ve received to support and share my research. I’ve secured multiple grants and participated in programs such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), CHER4U, Young Scholars Summer Research Program (YSSRP) and the Discovery Learning Apprenticeship, through which I have been able to fund my molecular dynamics project in Dr. Sprenger’s lab. I have also received travel funding to present at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers twice, once for my REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) project and once for my current work. Applying for these grants has taught me how to advocate for my research, and it has been delightful to be recognized for my work.
What was your biggest challenge during your time at ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ?
My biggest challenge arose from my research. When I joined Dr. Sprenger’s lab in my junior year, my graduate student mentor was in her first year at CU. This meant I had to establish a project from scratch. The initial lack of progress was disheartening, but it provided valuable insight into the realities of graduate-level research, which isn't always fast-paced. Through this process I realized that it is much more difficult to develop a project that is impactful and grounded in integrity than it is to solve the problem itself.Ìý
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I spend most of my free time backpacking, climbing and cooking. I thru-hiked the Colorado Trail last summer, have plans for the Pacific Crest Trail this summer and have climbed most of Colorado's 14ers.
What is your biggest piece of advice for future engineering buffs?
I would not have been able to engage so deeply in this community without my mentors'Ìýencouragement. There are students and faculty in this department that want to contribute to the scientific community, and by extension, invest in your success. My advice is to seek them out, ask questions and approach every interaction with humility and curiosity. If you do, you will find that this community has much to offer and that you have something valuable to contribute to it as well.