Ainsley Smith Email & Phone Number

Austin, Texas, United States

I am currently a student researcher in the Paull Lab at UT Austin. My project is focused on a protein called ATMIN that is thought to potentially interact with ATM and affect cell senescence and the SASP. I am studying ATMIN through the utilization of cell culture, ELISA, western blots, and bacterial transformation techniques.

Antigua, Guatemala

For four weeks, I studied abroad through UT Austin in Guatemala and Belize. The majority of the program was held at Casa Herrera in Antigua, Guatemala where we took part in a course on Maya Art and Architecture. Our primary goal throughout the program was to conduct research on a chosen aspect of Maya culture. I spent my time abroad researching how the Popol Vuh and Maya mythology depict female deities and how this transfers to how the Maya view and value women both in the ancient past and in present-day Maya societies. I read and watched variations of Maya creation stories, analyzed artistic depictions of mythological scenes, and dove into the current literature on the topic to have the most representative project possible in a four-week scope. Alongside my research, the program was full of immersive experiences where we got to meet with Maya people and learn their stories and traditions which are still practiced today. Furthermore, we stayed in host homes in Antigua, Guatemala where I was able to speak Spanish with my host family at mealtimes and try local cuisine that my host mom cooked for us. Finally, I added periodic blog posts to the program's blog to communicate the program's value to prospective students and anyone interested.

Austin, Texas, United States

After spending a year as a student researcher in the FRI X-plants lab, I transitioned to a peer mentor role. During this time, I taught first-year students basic wet lab skills and led two projects that extended the work I had done as a student in the lab. Specifically, I guided two students in studying how different concentrations of Gibberellic Acid affect early-stage plant growth in Panicum hallii with a gene knock-out believed to influence the plant's relationship with Gibberellic Acid. Additionally, I led a group of three students in a project using similar methodology, focusing on Auxin and a gene knock-out involved in Panicum hallii's relationship with Auxin. My responsibilities included teaching students essential skills, such as pipetting, experimental design, scientific writing, and data measurement techniques. My role emphasized teaching, organization, and knowledge of scientific techniques related to phytohormone assays.

Austin, Texas, United States

I utilized basic wet lab skills to research characteristics of Panicum hallii, a model organism for the potential biofuel crop Switchgrass. In my main project, I conducted an experiment to determine how seeds with a specific mutation potentially involved in the plants' interactions with Gibberellic Acid might be affected by growing in various concentrations of Gibberellic Acid. This lab is part of UT Austin's Freshmen Research Initiative program in coordination with the Juenger lab.

Austin, Texas, United States

As an RA, my job was all about helping people and communicating well. I served as a bridge between the management of the dorm and the residents. I oversaw a hall with around thirty residents and served as a 24/7 resource to them. I planned social events and took responsibility for creating community in the dorm. I also worked shifts in the front office where I answered phone calls, ensured residents got their mail, monitored people entering and exiting the dorm, gave tours, and did whatever else was needed to keep the dorm running properly.

Bachelor'S Degree, Plan Ii

Bachelor'S Degree, Biology, General

Activities and Societies: Dean's Scholars