Andy Day, PhD Candidate in Molecular Microbiology
Andy Day, a current PhD candidate in Microbiology at the Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), was drawn to the field by a deep fascination with microbes and their role in human health. After leaving Minnesota for Boston, Andy discovered not just a new academic challenge but a supportive and collaborative environment that has shaped both his personal and professional growth. In this Q&A, Andy shares insights into his research, his experiences in the program, and what prospective students can expect from Tufts—offering a glimpse into the opportunities and community that make Tufts unique.
Why did you choose to pursue this degree?
"I chose to pursue a degree in Microbiology because I have always been fascinated by the unseen life of microbes. I wanted to gain an advanced degree in this field to be able to research and think about microbes and other aspects of science as a career."
Why did you choose Tufts to pursue your degree?
"I chose Tufts because I was ready to experience something outside of the Midwest, after spending my entire life up to that point in Minnesota. I really loved the people at Tufts as well."
What is the focus of your research, and what questions are you trying to answer?
"The focus of my research is how the fungal microbiome in the gut impacts the brain in the context of alcohol use disorder."
What has your experience in the program been like?
"My experience in the program has been great. I have gained the training that I needed and have been mentored by a fabulous PI. I’ve had a fairly long leash to investigate things that were super fascinating to me. I’ve also grown a lot personally, and I am very thankful for my last five years in Boston and at Tufts."
What is your favorite aspect of the program?
"I like the collaborative nature of the different labs."
What do you wish to accomplish upon graduation?
"I would like to finish my last paper or two and then get a job doing something that I love."
What do you want a prospective student to know about Tufts?
"Tufts is a great place filled with great people. It is a great place to come work."
Andy works under the mentorship of Carol Kumamoto, PhD, whose research is to understand how the fungus Candida albicans interacts with its host during both normal colonization and invasive disease. |
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