Jorge Rodriguez, COL ’26, Vineland, NJ
This past summer, and my final one at Penn, I had the privilege of conducting research in the Marino Lab within the Department of Pathobiology. The lab investigates the dynamic and ongoing evolutionary arms race between bacterial defense systems and their viral predators, known as bacteriophages or phages. Phages have evolved to express their own anti-defense systems, such as anti-CRISPRs (Acr), which can disrupt the typical function of the CRISPR-Cas bacterial defense system.
My project this summer has been focused on characterizing the interaction between two specific defense and anti-defense systems, CRISPR-Cas12a and AcrVA2. Initially, when I joined the lab, I had only a basic understanding of CRISPR, and the concept of anti-CRISPRs was entirely new to me. Although there was an extensive amount for me to learn, I would not let my confusion get in the way of learning. I read background literature, asked questions, and engaged in lab meetings with a determination to fill in the gaps in my knowledge. My PI and lab mates played a huge role in this process, generously taking the time to walk me through complex mechanisms and experimental designs. Gradually, I built a solid foundation, and before long, what once seemed complicated began to click, and I found myself explaining CRISPR-Cas systems and Acr interference mechanisms to others with confidence.
Working in the Marino Lab has been one of the most formative experiences of my undergraduate career. As a biology major, working in the Marino Lab has expanded my perspective and deepened my understanding of biology beyond the classroom. The experience has also made class concepts more tangible; what I learn academically is often reinforced through hands-on application in the lab. Outside of this, as I am studying to take the MCAT, I’ve found that many of the biology and biochemistry topics I’m reviewing feel more intuitive, having engaged with them directly during my research. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Marino Lab, and it has not only strengthened my scientific foundation but also deepened my appreciation for the collaborative and constantly evolving nature of research.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2025 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
