Isabel Orbe

Originally from Southeastern Connecticut, I earned by BS in Biochemistry at Eastern Connecticut State University and completed an undergraduate thesis on the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cannabidiol as a part of the University’s Honors Program. During my undergraduate career, I interned as a summer chemistry research assistant under Dr. Bruce Branchini at Connecticut College to develop a bioluminescent system for in vivo imaging. These experiences sparked an interest in biomedical research and encouraged me to pursue a career in research. After graduation, I worked as a research assistant in the Spirochete Research Group at the UConn Health Center under Drs. Juan Salazar and Kelly Hawley on the development of a vaccine for syphilis. As a research assistant, I purified recombinant outer membrane proteins to be tested for immunogenicity to identify strong antigens. After two years as a research assistant, I knew I wanted to take the next step in my research career and pursue a PhD.

Upon acceptance to the PhD in Biomedical Sciences program at BU, I was interested in applying my biochemical knowledge and cell biology experience in translational research on neurodegenerative disorders. In the summer of 2023, I joined the lab of Dr. David Harris to study the cell biology of prion strain susceptibility and to investigate potential therapeutic mechanisms in prion disease.

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