Student Spotlight: Emily Mah

Emil Mah (she/they) ‘23 studies microbiology in the College of Natural Sciences. While she works as a peer advisor for the microbiology department and studies rigorously, Mah’s most memorable experience in CNS revolves around research. She currently works as an undergraduate lab assistant at the Hazen Lab studying the impact of climate change on grasses related to wheat, barley, and rye.  

Mah started as a junior in Kristen DeAngelis’s lab researching the interactions between climate change and soil microbes. Few labs accepted research assistants during the semester due to the pandemic, so Mah began lab work last summer. There, Mah got a taste of daily life as a full-time research scientist. She loved every minute. 

During her time in the lab, Mah developed meaningful connections with other lab members, especially with mentor and graduate student Greg Gregory. Mah originally felt timid around older students who have more experience and expertise, but Gregory and Mah bonded over their love of science fiction fantasy. Mah says, “I've mentioned my favorite author [to Gregory], and then over the course of the year that I've worked with him, he's listened to all of the audiobooks from my favorite author.” At the end of the summer Mah switched into the Hazen Lab to continue working with her newfound friend.  

Mah advises CNS freshmen to get involved in research as soon as possible. She wanted to wait until sophomore year to begin emailing professors for opportunities because college can be a tough transition. But then COVID delayed her involvement even further, and now she regrets hesitating. She really wishes she had more time in the lab.