SUMMER RESEARCH FELLOW: Talia Morgenstern ’26

Meet Talia Morgenstern ’26, a rising junior and one of 10 students granted a 2024 Summer Research Fellowship at Westminster College. Morgenstern, a biology major from New Wilmington, is researching “Effects of Neuropeptide Y on S. aureus Biofilm Formation” with her mentor, Dr. Joshua Corrette-Bennett, associate professor of biology. Morgenstern is a member of Pi Sigma Pi Honor Society and serves as the secretary of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) Club.  She also plays guitar for her church worship team.

Why did you apply for the fellowship?
I applied for the fellowship to gain research experience and have additional time to work toward my capstone project. It also offered me the unique opportunity to meet and learn from faculty and other students participating in the program.

Can you briefly describe your project?
We are studying something called biofilm. Biofilm is a substance produced by bacteria and protects it. This poses unique challenges to health and medicine as biofilm-producing bacteria are hard to treat. When biofilms form on medical devices and implants, they are of concern because they can contribute to severe infections due to patient transfer. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an emerging factor of interest because of their size, accessibility, and ability to prevent microbial growth and biofilm formation. This research studies the effect of a specific AMP called Neuropeptide Y on Staphylococcus aureus, a type of biofilm-forming bacteria. Our preliminary results show that Neuropeptide Y might have an effect at reducing biofilm formation.

What have you learned from your collaboration with Dr. Corrette-Bennett? What kinds of insight and support does he contribute to your project?
I feel very fortunate to collaborate with Dr. Corrette-Bennett. He has been an amazing mentor and has demonstrated the importance of planning, focus and critical thinking to ensure both accuracy and efficiency of any project. His attention to detail and emphasis on understanding underlying concepts and lab techniques have helped me become a more confident scientist and researcher.

What aspects of research have been your favorite and most challenging?
Some of the most challenging parts of research include practicing reliable technical lab skills, rigorous experimental design and problem-solving. It’s been a useful experience navigating the complexities of research and learning to be flexible. The most satisfying part of research is seeing improvement in whatever I’m doing. Being able to produce consistency in action and have confidence in my methods—whatever the result—I know that information can be used to help other people. And that’s really inspiring.

How do you think your work as a student researcher will shape your future student and career success?
I think my time as a student researcher has enhanced my appreciation for science. I have a lot of respect for the scientific process—learning concepts, applying them to relevant issues, finding ways to study these interesting topics and then putting plans into motion. Research involves time, effort, thoughtfulness, trial and error. This process has a lot of value, especially when we embrace it. It reminds us to stay open and stay curious.

What is your favorite thing about being a Westminster student?
My favorite thing about being a Westminster student is the community. We have so many great people here. From amazing professors to dedicated staff and caring students, we are well supported throughout this part of our educational journey. As a rural, liberal arts institution, Westminster provides so many great opportunities to form meaningful relationships, be involved on campus, engage with the local community and have professional experiences. Having the space to learn and grow alongside others has been truly special.

What are your plans for the future?
As of now, I am interested in attending graduate school to continue my education in molecular biology and possibly specialize in pediatric oncology. I would love to develop a career where I can be involved in many fields, including medical research, education and philanthropy.

To learn more about Westminster’s Department of Biology, visit www.westminster.edu/biology.

Sponsored by the Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research, Summer Research Fellowships at Westminster College allow students to conduct hands-on research and creative projects under the guidance of our experienced faculty mentors.

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