An Interview with Microbiologist Dale B. Emeagwali

Megan Sullivan

Although invisible to the naked eye, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can be found everywhere, from the air we breathe to inside our favorite foods. Microbiologists investigate how these organisms exist and affect our lives. Dale B. Emeagwali is renowned for her contributions to the field of microbiology; in fact, she received the Scientist of the Year Award from the National Technical Association in 1996, which recognizes researchers whose discoveries have benefited humankind. Among those discoveries, she demonstrated that Ras oncogene (the most common culprit in human cancers) expression could be inhibited by antisense methodology (the use of small molecules to prevent the oncoprotein from being made, and thereby suppressing tumor formation). Emeagwali attributes her best experiences to working on a variety of organisms and problems, which has allowed her to always bring a fresh perspective to her work.

What inspired you to become a microbiologist?

My parents introduced me to scientific concepts early on through simple questions and experiments. I decided to major in biology in college, which is when I had my first microbiology course. The study of microorganisms was fascinating; I was particularly captivated by the large variety of bacteria. Also, experiments and results are attainted quickly with bacteria because they grow at such a rapid rate�they can multiply every 20 to 40 minutes. Often results can be produced the same or next day. In graduate school I focused on bacteria that grow in soil. Subsequently, I studied other microbes as well, such as viruses and protozoans.

What does a microbiologist do?

Microbiologists study microscopic organisms, of which there are many. Because the field is so broad, microbiologists tend to specialize in areas or organisms, for example: virology, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology (study of fungi), and immunology (study of the body�s defense against disease). And microbiologists work just about everywhere. They can be found in hospitals, research institutions, government laboratories, educational institutions, and in the biotechnology industry working as researchers, technicians, teachers, and administrators. Some experienced microbiologists may also choose to use their expertise in safety programs, policy-making, or legal fields. The overall goal of my work has always been to answer fundamental questions about cellular processes. I also like my work to have potential significant applications in the medical field. Thus, my interests lead me to conduct research in various areas including microbial physiology, virology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. A typical day involves checking on previous experiments, setting up new investigations, and analyzing data. While I find my work fun, it does get busy at times. The reward of obtaining new data makes it worth the effort. In addition to laboratory research, time must also be spent writing papers and reading to keep up with new developments.

What educational background and skills are needed?

All science and math courses offered in high school are required to prepare for a bachelor�s degree in microbiology or biology. A bachelor�s degree can lead to various research positions. Communication is also important, because microbiologists must be able to clearly write research results and give oral presentations. A master�s degree increases career options in laboratory management, marketing, sales, and teaching. A doctoral degree is usually required for higher-level positions in government laboratories, universities, and industry. Also, keeping abreast of new breakthroughs is important because the field is constantly changing. I also believe that everyone, especially scientists, should be well read in a broad spectrum of subjects. An interdisciplinary approach to problem solving improves critical thinking, and scientific discoveries increase as different fields merge. To learn more about microbiology, students should visit a library and The American Society for Microbiology (www.asm.org) website. A passion for the subject, a burning desire to answer a question, and an interest in the outcome are essential.

�By Megan Sullivan

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