Meet Vacation Studentships recipient: Zimo He
Posted on January 8, 2025 by Microbiology Society
The Society offers a limited number of Vacation Studentships to enable undergraduates to work on microbiological research projects during their summer vacation. The scheme also gives early- and mid-career scientists the opportunity to gain supervision experience.
Meet the Vacation Studentships receipients and learn more about their journey.
What is your name and institution?
My name is Zimo He and my institution is the University of Surrey.
Please can you tell us why you applied for the Harry Smith Vacation studentship?
The Harry Smith Vacation Studentship offered a unique opportunity for me to gain hands-on experience in virology and to discover how research is conducted. Living through the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with my learning about various emerging viral diseases, such as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, has deepened my understanding of the importance of preventing zoonotic spillovers into human populations. These experiences have emphasised the profound impact that viral diseases can have on global health and the need of identification, study, and preventative measures. The more I learn, the more I recognise the importance of viral research for mitigating future outbreaks and ensuring better preparedness. This drives my passion for virology and eagerness to research how virus infect our cells. This studentship has allowed me to extend my knowledge into real-world applications.
I was eager to learn from experienced researchers and contribute to meaningful projects during the program. This opportunity was aligning perfectly with my goals, allowing me to develop the practical skills essential for my future career. As I am considering pursuing a PhD or MRes in virology, this studentship served as an important stepping stone toward achieving those aspirations.
How did you feel when you found out your application was successful?
I felt incredibly honoured to be selected for such a prestigious program, knowing how competitive the selection process is and how valuable this experience will be for my future. I was thrilled when I found out my application was successful. The opportunity to carry out the research project I had designed with Dr. Petit was incredibly exciting for me. I saw it as a crucial step to gain hands-on experience and confirm my strong interest in academic research and virology.
How would you go-about explaining your research to someone who may not understand science?
My research focused on how BME/CTVM6 cells from the tick Rhipicephalus microplus respond to Poly I:C, a synthetic analogue that mimics viral infection by acting as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a genetic material found in many viruses. By introducing Poly I:C to these cells, I can study their behaviour under simulated viral attack.
After Poly I:C uptake, I assessed its impact using microscopy to observe dsRNA localization and found similarities between tick and mammalian cell uptake. I then quantified antiviral gene expression through quantitative PCR, discovering that dsRNA sensing stimulates antiviral genes in tick cells. This finding highlights the detection of dsRNA in tick cells, triggering an antiviral response—an important step in understanding tick virology and antiviral defence mechanisms.
Additionally, I explored the precise localization of Poly I:C in tick cells, particularly in endosomes, which are known to play a role in viral recognition. By correlating antiviral gene activation with Poly I:C presence in these compartments, I aimed to understand how tick cells recognize and respond to viral dsRNA. This research helps identify which antiviral genes are activated in response to dsRNA, providing valuable insights into the antiviral mechanisms in ticks; which are important vectors of viral diseases.
What have you learnt from your experience?
I have gained valuable experience with key molecular biology techniques such as PCR and qPCR, where I learned to amplify and quantify DNA and RNA. My microscopy work has allowed me to study cell structures and protein localization in detail, while immunostaining and RNA extraction have enabled me to visualise proteins and obtain high-quality samples. Additionally, I became proficient in performing transfections to introduce poly(I:C) (dsRNA-analogue) into tick cells. Through these experiences, I developed skills in data analysis, writing protocols, independently managing cell cultures, and presenting research findings clearly.
Importantly, working on tick cells has given me an appreciation for how small research questions, such as understanding antiviral responses in ticks, can contribute to answering larger, impactful questions about vector-borne diseases and public health. Furthermore, interacting with PhD students from different laboratories has provided me with insights into their research and the PhD program, which has been helpful in shaping my future career aspirations. Through these interactions, I have learned new techniques that, although developed for their projects, could be beneficial for my own research. The exchange of ideas and suggestions has been invaluable; highlighting the collaborative nature of science.
How do you think this vacation will help your career progression?
The studentship enhanced my research skills, provided experience in advanced techniques, and helped me build a professional network. It gave me practical insights and experience that are essential for pursuing a career in scientific research, making me better prepared for future opportunities in my chosen career path. This research studentship has been invaluable for my career. It not only sharpened my research and technical skills but also taught me that a research project goes beyond experiments. I developed a new protocol to study dsRNA detection in tick cells, which strengthened my communication, organization, time management, and scientific thinking. I also improved my ability to critically analyse literature. These experiences and the connections I made will directly support my future career and help me achieve my goals.
Why is support, such as this grant provided by the Microbiology Society, so important?
This grant is incredibly important to me because it offered the chance to immerse myself in a professional research environment which is an experience that goes far beyond the labs we have during semester time. While academic labs help build foundational skills, having the opportunity to work on my own project in a real research setting is invaluable. It allowed me to take full ownership of my work, which is something I have never experienced to this extent before. Knowing that the research I contribute could play a small role in advancing larger, meaningful projects, is very exciting and motivating.
This grant gave me the resources and freedom to explore important research questions we were interested in and supported the time and effort my supervisor, Dr. Petit, dedicated to mentoring me. It is not just about gaining technical skills but also about experiencing the collaborative nature of science in a professional setting, where every piece of research has the potential to make a real impact. The idea that the work I left behind could contribute to the broader goals of the lab is something that makes this opportunity so special for me.