Q&A with Former Global Health Institute Student Fellow Brian Kirk
In this interview with Brian Kirk (G’23), a spring 2022 GHI student fellow and alumnus of the biotechnology program at Georgetown University specializing in industrial sciences, Kirk shares his recent research projects and what he is most looking forward to in his new role researching neurogenesis.
Could you share what you are currently working on?
In June 2023 I started a new position as research associate 2 at Sanford Burnham Prebys in San Diego, California. I lead a project studying adult neurogenesis using mouse models, in which we look at how neurons regenerate and the key genes associated with neurogenesis. I have also continued my work supporting the lab of Dr. Paul Roepe in the Department of Chemistry at Georgetown University.
Before moving to San Diego, I worked as a research associate in recombinant antibodies for Meso Scale Diagnostics, where I was responsible for designing experiments and analyzing the resulting data in support of antibody development, antibody engineering, and reagent and assay development projects.
Did you find any relation between your current work and the research project you conducted with Dr. Paul Roepe as part of your GHI fellowship?
I worked with Dr. Roepe on researching antimalarial drug resistance. This experience opened my eyes to a love of laboratory research and ultimately led me to my current position. I valued my time working under his tutelage so much that we have remained in contact after the fellowship and still collaborate on projects.
Additionally, following my GHI fellowship I worked at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, supporting the research, development, and applications of biological technologies for the U.S. Navy. My research focused on the understanding of antimicrobial drug resistance. So, that experience and my research with Dr. Roepe had a thematic overlap.
What were some of the highlights of your experience with the GHI fellowship?
I would highlight three main aspects of my experience, the first being that it was an excellent opportunity to conduct proper research. In my case, I knew of Dr. Roepe before learning about the GHI fellowship, and when I saw that he was one of the options for the fellowship lab activities, I applied immediately. Second, there are many networking opportunities connecting student fellows across many different research fields. And third, the Global Health Security Seminar Series was a great showcase of thematic seminars that allow fellows to learn about different areas of global health.
What advice would you give to students who wish to apply to the GHI fellowship in the future?
I advise future students to research the opportunities available and learn as much as possible about the focus areas of each faculty member. The fellowship can be an opportunity for long-term collaborations, so it is definitely worth applying and participating.
Do you plan on exploring other fields of interest in the coming months?
I plan on staying with my current project on neurogenesis for the coming months. However, I will have the opportunity to get involved in other projects, including one that focuses on epigenetic markers and how changes in these markers over time relate to aging. Ultimately, the goal of the project is to help predict aging-related disorders and find treatments for these disorders.