Nicholas Keith
In the lab of Joshua Modell, I study the adaptive immune systems of bacteria known collectively as CRISPR-Cas systems. CRISPR-Cas systems generate immunological memories of infecting bacterial viruses to provide defense when these threats are encountered again. We discovered that bacterial CRISPR-Cas systems exploit a unique portion of an infecting virus’s life cycle, a dormant state known as lysogeny, to establish and carry out the steps required for adaptive immunity against these viruses. Our discoveries shed light on the enigmatic mechanisms by which bacteria create and use immunological memories to defend themselves against viruses and other threats.
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?
When interviewing with Ph.D. programs, I was remarkably impressed with the caliber of research and well-rounded nature of the students and professors
at Johns Hopkins. Compared to other top institutions, the collaborative and friendly nature of Hopkins researchers made Hopkins the obvious decision for my graduate studies.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?
I am honored to receive the Bae Gyo Jung award and hope to represent it admirably. Receiving this award is an ideal way to celebrate the conclusion of many wonderful years of graduate studies.
What contributed to your project’s success?
This project was particularly successful due to the guidance and knowledge of my professor Joshua Modell. Though the project took many unexpected twists
and turns over the years, Josh was able to help craft a story we are proud to publish.
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?
I think the Young Investigators’ Day program is an extraordinarily important celebration of those who execute the day-to-day of research. Without the time and commitment of students and fellows, academic research is not possible.
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?
My most cherished memories at Hopkins are those I have shared with my fellow graduate students, raising a glass to celebrate our accomplishments with one another.
What are your plans for the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?
I recently defended my thesis, and I am navigating a transition to the Midwest to continue pursuing scientific research.
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?
One of my life’s passions has been playing ice hockey — my first job in research was facilitated by a teammate on the ice hockey team at the University of North Carolina. Shortly after I started that first research position, we hoisted the league trophy as Atlantic Coast Conference Hockey League champions in 2015.