Gabby Walker

MGM Graduate Student

gabby.walker@duke.edu

Favorite Animal:

How did your career path lead you to Duke?

After experiencing numerous Undergraduate Research Experiences, I started to understand what I wanted in a graduate school, which encompassed more than what research I could pursue. I wanted an institution had strong ties to the research sector and an institution where I knew I could grow professionally. Furthermore, I accessed personally what life I wanted to live when not in lab. Durham is the perfect city, I saw, for me to create a foundation that I can continue to grow upon. Durham offered endless activities that keep me interested and engaged with the community I am continuing to grow. So, coming to Duke was a choice I knew was best for me and still continues to show every day.

What do you like to do outside of lab? Hobbies? Interests?

Outside of the lab I like to do a lot of different things. My main hobbies include baking and running ( as seen in my pictures). I'm actually training for a half-marathon so that keeps me active and occupied. Additionally, I have picked up an adult ballet class that allows me to engage with the greater Durham-Chapel Hill community. Also, I love to build Legos, travel and really just be outside!

Where do you hope to be after your Ph.D.?

After my Ph.D., I hope to just be in a career where I can directly impact my greater community. Whether that is in academia or working in scientific communication or public policy. 

Publications

Vargas-Cuebas, G. G., Sanchez, C. A., Bezold, E. L., Walker, G. M., Siddiqui, S., Minbiole, K. P. C., & Wuest, W. M. (2024). Adaptations to cationic biocide exposure differentially influence virulence factors and pathogenicity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Virulence, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/21505594.2024.2397503