Kody Gust

In the Voyich lab, I researched and worked with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). During my semester and two summers there, I gained insight into the mechanisms of pathogenesis used by S. aureus to evade innate immunity. To do this, we created an isogenic deletion mutant in strain LAC (USA300) of the Saint 3 mutant. My study investigates if the deletion of the Saint 3 mutant impairs the survival of S. aureus in human blood and after human neutrophil phagocytosis. I presented my findings at an open house at Rocky Mountain Labs and Montana State University for INBRE, showcasing the value of undergraduate research.

I am a volunteer tutor for the Native American Studies Department. My tutoring responsibilities include helping my peers with classes, planning tutoring events, and scheduling tutors.