Meet Casey Meili!

Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from, what degree(s) do you have? What are your interests?

I’m originally from Centennial, Colorado. I went to Oklahoma State University (go pokes!), where I earned my bachelor’s in microbiology and cell and molecular biology. Afterward, I stayed at OSU, and earned my master's degree in cell and molecular biology. As my background is in microbiology, my first true scientific love was bacteria. But broadly, I am interested in the microbiota, inflammation, microbe-host interactions, and -omics.

Why did you choose the U for graduate school?

The short answer is that the vibes were good. I honestly applied to Utah on a whim and ended up falling in love when I visited for my interview. It was obvious to me that the students were super happy, both professionally and personally. I love how collaborative the science is at the U and that everyone really embodies the “work hard, play hard” mentality. Plus, Salt Lake City is great in that it is super easy to get outside while still having all the benefits of a big city.

Tell me about your lab. What do you study?

I am in the lab of Ana Beatriz (Bia) DePaula-Silva in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. We study how inflammation induced by viral infection of the CNS contributes to epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Currently, I am studying how diet, the gut microbiota, and various metabolites can modulate neuroinflammation and seizure burden in mice.

Why did you choose to join your lab?

I joined my lab as a fourth rotation. I was looking for a lab where I would be doing exciting and meaningful science with a mentor whom I could have a close relationship with while still having space to grow and develop ideas on my own. I found that in the DePaula-Silva lab. Bia is an enthusiastic mentor and a super positive and kind person, which I value tremendously. I feel appreciated both as a scientist and as a person in the lab. The lab is also super welcoming and collaborative, making it easy to ask questions, propose ideas, and learn new skills. Plus, I find the research super exciting and am always encouraged to drive it in directions that most interest me. 

What do you like most about living in Salt Lake City?

I love how accessible the outdoors are. Growing up in the Denver area, it was much more of an ordeal to go skiing for the day or spend time in the mountains. In Salt Lake City, everything is so close! I also love that Salt Lake City has all the benefits of a big city (like an international airport, solid public transit, bars, concert venues, and professional sports) without feeling overwhelming.

 

 

 

 

What do you like the least?

Seasonal allergies!!!

What do you like most about being a graduate student?

I love the flexibility, community, and, most importantly, the science. I appreciate the constant opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills, as well as the ability to tailor my training to fit my specific research interests and career goals. Additionally, my peers are incredibly supportive, and it’s easy to celebrate each other’s successes. And, of course, I find the science I get to do every day incredibly fulfilling and exciting!

What types of things do you do outside of class and lab?

Outside of science, I love spending time outdoors, watching sports (especially baseball), hanging out with my dog, traveling, and participating in outreach through various organizations.

What does a typical weekday look like for you?

I’m most definitely a night owl and prefer working in the evenings. So, I usually get into the lab around 10 am and start the day with a coffee and checking my email. Afterward, I spend the day in the lab running experiments. Typically, I leave the lab for home by 5, though I sometimes have later days when we are running flow. When I get home, I walk my dog, cook dinner, and spend some time working on any preparation for my experiments the next day or writing. I have found that this is the time I’m usually most productive. Honestly, every day is different, though.

What does a typical weekend look like for you?

My typical weekend really depends on the season. In the winter, at least one day is spent skiing, and in the warmer months, I try to get out on a hike with my dog. It is also common for me to take weekend camping/skiing trips to different locations. I decided early on in graduate school that I would not make a habit of weekends (unless there is something I’m really excited about), so even if I’m not getting outside, I am taking a break from science. I’m also always good for hanging out at home and watching sports or binge-watching some sort of reality TV show.

What advice would you give to someone applying and interviewing for graduate school?

Trust your gut. Yes, graduate school is about doing science that you find exciting and fulfilling, but it is also about personal growth. You will be so much happier if you find a community where you feel valued both as a scientist AND a human being outside the lab. Everyone has different things that are important to them (for me, work-life balance is huge), and it’s important to be true to these values when going through the grad school application process. Yes, research fit and scientific interests are important but they aren’t the end all be all. There is more to being happy in grad school.