Ariana Calkwood Calderon-Zavala, PhD Candidate in Molecular Microbiology

For many students, the decision to pursue a PhD is driven by personal experiences, academic curiosity, and a desire to make an impact in the field of biomedical research. Ariana Calkwood Calderon-Zavala, a current PhD candidate in Molecular Microbiology at Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, exemplifies this passion. Her journey from an undergraduate student at Lawrence University to his current research on cancer-causing viruses is both inspiring and focused. In this Q&A, Ariana discusses the inspiration behind her studies, the collaborative environment at Tufts, and the professional milestones she’s reached. She also shares a glimpse into the supportive community that makes Tufts a unique place for academic and personal growth.

Why did you choose to pursue this degree?

"Having witnessed how my parents were affected by chronic and infectious diseases undoubtedly drove me to pursue a career in biomedical research. From their experiences, I developed a fascination with how we function as human beings and, more specifically, how we can be ravaged by diseases. But it wasn't until my final year of undergrad that I found an area of research that sparked my innermost curiosity... virology! Since then, it has been my passion to understand how viruses, particularly those that are cancer-causing, are able to achieve so much."

Why did you choose Tufts to pursue your degree?

"Inspired by my undergraduate research experiences at Lawrence University, I applied and was accepted to the NIH-supported Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) here at Tufts. As a PREP scholar, I not only had the privilege of working with Dr. Karl Munger to study the molecular mechanisms by which high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) drive cancer, but also the opportunity to witness, first-hand, the vibrant and collegial community that resided within the Molecular Microbiology (MMB) Program at Tufts. I then became interested in Micro’s medically-oriented infectious disease research track (MERGE-ID), which would provide me with a deeper clinical understanding of my research. Collectively, this solidified my decision to pursue my PhD in the MMB program at Tufts, with the goal of one day leading an interdisciplinary research group focused on understanding virus-host interactions to identify therapeutic targets for disease prevention."

What is the focus of your research, and what questions are you trying to answer?

"Two gamma-herpesviruses, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), infect most of the global population, causing approximately 13% of all human tumors and infection-related malignancies worldwide. For this, these viruses must translocate newly assembled capsids from the nucleus into the cytoplasm for maturation into infectious virions. To accomplish this, these viruses utilize an unusual process termed 'nuclear egress,' in which viral capsids exit the nucleus through nuclear membrane budding and fusion events. This process is dependent on the nuclear egress complex (NEC), a conserved, virally encoded, heterodimer that has been shown to bud membranes independently by oligomerizing into membrane-bound coats.

As a PhD student in Dr. Katya Heldwein’s lab, I am focused on structurally and functionally characterizing the mechanisms by which these two oncogenic herpesviruses remodel membranes to mediate nuclear egress. Using cutting-edge techniques and interdisciplinary approaches, I am investigating the following questions:

1. What is the NEC heterodimer coat structure in gamma-herpesviruses and how does it oligomerize in vitro?
2. Which residues in the gamma-herpesvirus NECs are critical for membrane budding?
3. How does KSHV achieve nuclear egress and what does this process look like in vivo?

Given the absence of a KSHV or EBV vaccine or virus-specific antiviral, this work is critical for developing effective therapeutics designed to block nuclear egress."

What has your experience in the program been like?

"Since joining the Molecular Microbiology PhD program, I have felt continuously supported by the faculty, students, and staff. Especially through the Micro DEI committee, which has allowed me to build connections within the Micro community and beyond. We host so many events that allow me to catch up with peers, learn more about department/program members, raise awareness on social issues, and mentor students interested in pursuing a career in the biomedical sciences. I have also had the amazing opportunity to connect with and share my culture through the Tufts SACNAS chapter, which has truly enabled me to find my home away from home."

What is your favorite aspect about the program?

"I really love the close-knit environment we have in Micro. As a first-year student, it can feel really daunting to approach anyone outside your cohort. But through Micro teas, DEI-sponsored events, and department gatherings, I was able to meet so many people outside my cohort and lab in a very organic way. Just by chatting with someone, you could get advice on anything from your rotations or quals to new restaurants you should check out or your next vacation. All these interactions facilitated by the program made finding and building my community a lot easier than I would expect."

What is your proudest accomplishment while at Tufts?

"Scientifically, it would have to be training in so many techniques that are completely new to me. It's been very tough, but I have managed to stay patient, positive, and persistent for I know that I will be an expert in all these techniques soon enough. On a more personal note, I feel very proud to have been a founding member of the Tufts SACNAS chapter. We have been formally recognized as a student chapter for almost a year now, which is an amazing thing to accomplish with a couple of friends and mentors."

What do you wish to accomplish upon graduation?

"Upon graduation, I hope to lead a diverse, multi-disciplinary research group focused on studying molecular mechanisms of viral diseases. I would love to mentor students at all stages of scientific development, from high school students to post-doctoral fellows."

What do you want a prospective student to know about Tufts?

"Don't underestimate the proximity we have to world-class research facilities, leading experts, renowned universities, consulting firms, and biotech companies. Boston truly is a hub for biomedical research. Any equipment or resource we might lack is readily accessible to us by neighboring facilities. Any expert you might need or want to communicate with is often a T-ride away (if not in the building). As for job prospects, our alumni are always eager to help. Tufts truly has established relationships with so many scientists, in so many areas, that your needs are met. Also, we are conveniently located by the best bubble tea around!"

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