Small Creatures, Big Questions: Student Research Explores Viruses in Soil
Nathaniel Cremascoli ’28 designed his own summer research project using springtails to investigate how RNA viruses interact with the environment
Adam Sodders
This summer, 91ian Nathaniel Cremascoli ’28 began building a model to study viruses in the environment, all with the help of bug-like, soil-dwelling critters called springtails.
“I took a simulated virus and wanted to see if it could be better protected inside the springtails at different temperatures,” said Cremascoli of his Mentored Advanced Project (MAP) this summer.
He designed his project to gain insight into how RNA viruses — the culprits behind influenza, COVID-19, West Nile fever, and many other human diseases — interact with soil ecosystems, especially agricultural soils.
In the Driver’s Seat
As a biochemistry major interested in medical school after graduation, Cremascoli was excited to get started on his MAP, particularly because of the control he had over the project’s supplies and processes.
“I got to independently design my project,” Cremascoli said. “I did a lot of pre-project research and consulting with faculty, and I had to order the needed supplies.”
Partnering with Associate Professor of biology Shannon Hinsa-Leasure, Cremascoli was able to use specialized lab tools and techniques — like the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, process — to get a closer look at the virus’ genome.
“It’s a lot of work, and there’s a lot of planning,” Cremascoli said. “I needed to use the general knowledge from my previous classes to have success.”
The first experimental run seemed to produce useful results. Cremascoli had to problem-solve in real time, including when he discovered — and fixed — an issue with his sample washing protocol.
After getting his research off to a strong start this summer, Cremascoli felt compelled to continue analyzing results and finding conclusions. To do so, he worked out a plan with Hinsa-Leasure.
“I started this lab from ground zero this summer, so I’m continuing my research this semester to see if I can get better results,” Cremascoli said. “A MAP is 10 weeks long, but that’s still pretty short for research in general, so I thought it was great to be able to follow up on certain things.”
Making the Most of a MAP
Cremascoli said he enjoyed leading his own research project, as the skills involved are critical for success in medical science. He said the time, freedom, and faculty support he received made for a great experience.
“You get to dive a lot more specifically into something you’re interested in,” Cremascoli said. “You also get to try to answer a question that people haven’t answered before, which I think is rewarding.”
Hinsa-Leasure said she enjoys creating an environment where students can explore, problem solve, and learn about their areas of interest — and about themselves.
“In the summer, I let students really jump into new projects because I am there to help,” she said. “Summer research also allows students time to make new friends and experience fun things to do in 91, like the farmers market and the city pool.”
Cremascoli said connecting with fellow biology students and working closely with Hinsa-Leasure were big benefits of the MAP experience.
“The ability to work with someone who has a Ph.D. that closely is a really big deal,” he said. “[Faculty] are there for you, I think that makes a big difference.”