Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. Three students in the Biotechnology Program at Del Mar College are already making a name for themselves in the field after earning awards for poster presentations at local and national conferences. Biotechnology majors Maria Hernandez, Elizabeth Rocklage, and Trinity Storr are students of Dr. Daisy Zhang, Professor of Biotechnology; all three students are conducting research on bacteriophages – viruses that specifically infect and replicate only within bacterial cells – under the direction of Dr. Zhang. The work the students have completed to date is already earning awards. Rocklage and Storr were both awarded a Student Award for Excellence at the National Science Foundation’s 2024 Advanced Technological Education conference in Washington, D.C., in October while Hernandez placed first in Best Poster Presentation at the 2024 Health Sciences and Technology Research Symposium at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) on Oct. 26. At both conferences, all three DMC students competed against university students (both undergraduate and graduate students) as well as medical students. Here's some details about each student: Del Mar College Biotechnology Major Elizabeth Rocklage Elizabeth Rocklage earned a Student Award for Excellence at the ATE Conference for her work on isolating and characterizing the bacteriophage Erock, which demonstrates the growing potential of viruses to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. A graduate of Veterans Memorial High School in 2022, Rocklage’s early academic interests were rooted in biology and agricultural science. “In high school, I was fascinated by the study of living organisms, especially how they interact with each other in the natural world,” Rocklage said. This passion for biology led her to enroll at DMC in fall 2022, where she quickly decided to double major in Biotechnology and Biology. Rocklage’s research project, The Characterization and Isolation of the Bacteriophage Erock, centers on isolating a bacteriophage — a virus that infects bacteria — from a soil sample. In summer 2023, she successfully isolated the bacteriophage Erock and characterized its DNA, morphology, and behavior. By using Mycobacterium smegmatis, a bacterium closely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the causative agent of tuberculosis), Rocklage and her fellow researchers were able to explore the potential of bacteriophages as a targeted treatment for bacterial infections, especially those that are resistant to antibiotics. “The idea is that bacteriophages could serve as a last-resort option for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” Rocklage explains. “These viruses only target specific bacteria, so they hold promise as a more precise alternative to antibiotics. If we can use them effectively, it could open up new possibilities for treating drug-resistant infections, including tuberculosis.” Rocklage plans to graduate from DMC in spring 2025 and attend the University of Missouri to pursue a degree in biotechnology. Del Mar College Biotechnology Major Trinity Storr  Trinity Storr earned a Student Award for Excellence at the recent ATE Conference for her work on the potential therapeutic applications of bacteriophages. “Being recognized on a national level was such an honor,” Storr says. “It motivated me to continue my work with even more dedication and passion.” Storr began her college education as a dual-enrollment student at Gregory-Portland High School in 2019, taking nine college-level courses at DMC while still in high school. After a gap year, she officially enrolled at Del Mar College in 2022, initially pursuing a major in Biology. However, after being introduced to biotechnology by her academic advisor, Storr discovered a new path that would ignite her interest even further. “Biotechnology is the perfect combination of everything I enjoy: chemistry, microbiology, biology, and even environmental science. It’s a field where you never stop learning,” says Storr. “It blends so many areas of science and allows you to find real-world solutions to complex problems.” Storr’s research project, titled The Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriophage Pepbellie, investigates the use of bacteriophages — viruses that infect bacteria — as potential vectors, or a DNA molecule used as a vehicle to carry a specific DNA segment into a host cell as part of a cloning DNA technique, for gene therapy. Working with a bacteriophage isolated from soil, Storr studied its ability to infect Mycobacterium smegmatis, a close relative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. “We wanted to see if the bacteriophage could help treat antibiotic-resistant infections, particularly tuberculosis,” Storr explains. “This virus could potentially be used to target and destroy harmful bacteria, offering a new approach to tackling drug-resistant strains.” The practical applications of her research are significant, as bacteriophages offer a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially for treating infections that are resistant to conventional treatments.  Looking ahead, Storr plans to graduate from DMC in December and transfer to TAMU-CC to pursue her bachelor’s degree and continue her academic journey in the field of pharmacology. “I’m particularly interested in drug development and therapeutic interventions,” she says. “My goal is to contribute to advancements in pharmacology, researching new drug targets, and developing innovative treatments for diseases.” While Storr’s focus is on advancing her education and career in research, she also values the collaborative environment of DMC’s Biotechnology program. “We all love being part of the Biotechnology program,” Storr says of her peers. “It’s a place where we can work together, explore new ideas, and learn from each other. That sense of community is really motivating.” Biotechnology major Maria Hernandez  Maria Hernandez, an aspiring biotechnologist, has quickly made her mark as a dedicated and passionate student at DMC, where she is currently pursuing an associate degree in biology and an applied associate degree in biotechnology. In October, she took first place in the Best Poster Presentation category at the Health Sciences and Technology Research Symposium at TAMU-CC.  Hernandez, a graduate of Sinton High School (with a brief stint at St. John Paul II High School), graduated in June 2022 with honors, earning a spot in the National Honor Society and ranking in the top 10% of her class.  In spring 2023, Hernandez enrolled at DMC with an initial interest in marine biology. However, after discovering the fascinating world of biotechnology, she shifted her focus. “Biotechnology is intriguing to me because it’s a field that directly impacts humanity, from small-scale innovations to large-scale technological advancements,” Hernandez said. Her research project involved isolating a potential bacteriophage and conducting experiments to explore its interactions with other bacteria. By examining how this bacteriophage could impact antibiotic resistance, Hernandez was able to hypothesize its potential for medical applications, including use as a vector treatment or for targeting bacterial infections. “The most exciting aspect was seeing how the bacteriophage could reduce antibiotic resistance,  a growing issue in medical science,” Hernandez said. “The potential for this kind of research to contribute to solving real-world health challenges is what makes biotechnology so powerful.” This spring, Hernandez made her debut at a poster competition where she presented her findings. Hernandez credits the support of her professor, Dr. Daiyuan “Daisy” Zhang, for her successful presentation.  Looking to the future, Hernandez has set clear goals. She plans to graduate from DMC with both her biology and biotechnology degrees in spring 2025 and continue her studies at TAMU-CC, where she intends to earn a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratories.  Beyond her research and academic goals, Hernandez is quick to highlight the collaborative spirit among her peers. “We’re all very passionate about our work,” she says. “We enjoy working in the lab together, and I think that enthusiasm helps drive our success.”