Philip Strandwitz, Biology PhD ’16, sits down with the College of Science Graduate Program staff to talk about what he’s been up to since defending his dissertation.
What have you been up to since graduation?
I am currently working as a post-doctorate associate in Kim Lewis’ Antimicrobial Discovery Center here at Northeastern (the same group I did my PhD with). I continue to expand upon my graduate work, in which I am searching for links between the trillions of bacteria which resides on our body or inside our gut (the “microbiome”) and human behavior. With this project, we’ve uncovered a very large panel of bacteria which seemingly have the ability to modulate levels of neurotransmitters – the compounds which drive our behavior.
We have also recently established a very large project in which we are trying to understand the complexities of Lyme disease. One exciting component of this work is determining whether our microbiome may have a role in the development of symptoms, which might lead to microbial-based therapeutics to help individuals suffering from this debilitating disease.
What advice would you give to COS graduate students?
Surround yourself by people that are smarter than you, and try to pick up as much as you can. Boston is an incredible place to network academically, and you should absolutely take advantage of the many opportunities to learn more about your field (and even those you are not studying).
What was your favorite part about Northeastern?
What drove me to Northeastern was the caliber of research, and still today that is my favorite component. Well, that and Wollaston’s Gobbler sandwich.
Tell us how your experience at Northeastern prepared you for success after graduation.
Specifically in the biology department, the faculty are exceptionally supportive and encouraging. I’ve been taught here to always try to tackle impossible problems and when you run into people that try to discourage you, use that as motivation to try harder. The world is full of negativity, but never let that stop you from reaching your goals.
What is your favorite part about Boston?
The incredible diversity of the people and culture (and like I said before, the science is top-notch).