Student Profile: Ana Clara Caobianco
During her time as an undergraduate, Ana Clara Caobianco worked in the Industrial Microbiology Laboratory at the UGA New Materials Institute, under the direction of Dr. H. Travis Ichikawa. The laboratory team focuses on sustainable production of biopolymers that includes recovery and reuse of processed water. Caobianco earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of Georgia in 2025.
Caobianco worked two years at the UGA New Materials Institute. She talked to us about her experiences working at the UGA NMI and how they may impact her future.
How did you become interested in studying materials science?
I was drawn to materials science because it was an area I hadn’t explored yet but was eager to understand. After learning about the UGA NMI through UGA CURO and speaking with Dr. Ichikawa, I realized this opportunity would be exceptional. The faculty’s dedication and the Institute’s collaborative environment made it clear that NMI was the perfect place to grow as a researcher. I knew this experience would be a significant step in my academic and professional journey.
Provide some details on your specific area of interest.
I’m particularly interested in the intersection of materials science and medicine, especially in developing sustainable materials for medical applications. It’s exciting to see how these materials could improve healthcare by reducing waste and enhancing patient outcomes. My time at the UGA NMI has shown me how research in this area can have both environmental and medical benefits, which is something I want to keep exploring.
How has your experience with the UGA New Materials Institute influenced your academic trajectory or career goals?
My experience at the UGA NMI has solidified my interest in research and shown me that I want it to be a part of my career. Working in the laboratory has given me hands-on experience that directly connects to my academic coursework, allowing me to understand concepts on a deeper level. The skills I’ve developed at the UGA NMI—like analyzing data, performing experiments, and thinking critically—have made me more confident in my lab classes and reinforced my interest in solving real-world problems through research. This experience has shaped the way I approach learning and problem-solving.
Share an example of a successful partnership or project you’ve been involved with through the UGA NMI.
I’ve worked on independent research studying protists, specifically focusing on the morphology and movement changes of the cloned ciliate Colpoda steni sp. during starvation-induced encystment. This project aims to provide more insight into the organism’s life cycle and adaptations. I’ve also contributed to experiments involving a cyanobacteria, specifically Synechocystis spp., and its potential role in wastewater treatment, exploring how cyanobacteria can help reduce wastewater impact by consuming CO2 and growing in treated municipal wastewater.
What challenges have you faced in your work and how have you overcome them?
Research can be challenging due to the many unknowns and unresolved questions that arise along the way. It can be particularly discouraging when experiments don’t go as planned or when the path to a solution remains unclear. However, I have come to understand that even a wrong answer is still an answer—every misstep brings me one step closer to being the right one. I believe resilience is the most essential quality a researcher can possess, as it enables us to push through doubts and setbacks that are common in both academic and professional research. Through resilience, I have learned to embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities, allowing me to grow from every experience—whether positive or negative.
How do you see your work at the UGA NMI as contributing to global sustainability efforts?
My work at the UGA NMI contributes to global sustainability efforts by exploring biological solutions for environmental challenges. Research on Synechocystis and its role in wastewater treatment could help reduce pollution and promote more sustainable water management practices. Additionally, studying Colpoda steni sp. Helps us better understand how microbes adapt to their environment, which can lead to more informed decisions about ecological and resource management.
What skills have you gained from working at the UGA NMI that you believe will be most valuable in your future career?
Working at the UGA New Materials Institute has strengthened my problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to think critically. I’ve learned how to approach challenges, analyze data effectively, and adjust my methods when faced with setbacks. Collaborating with researchers has also improved my ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and to work efficiently in a team. Most importantly, the UGA NMI has taught me how to learn from challenges and keep improving, which is incredibly valuable to me now and will continue to be my whole life.
What advice would you give to other students interested in being involved with the UGA New Materials Institute?
I’d tell students to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone and take the initiative to get involved. The UGA NMI is a place where you’ll be challenged, but that’s what makes it such a great learning experience. Research doesn’t always go as planned, however learning from setbacks and staying curious will help you grow the most. Ask questions, be open to new ideas, and don’t worry if you don’t know everything at first—everyone starts somewhere.