Natalie Berman-Schneider ’27 explores cellular biology in summer research internship

From making cells glow to building 3D models of mitochondria, Natalie Berman-Schneider ’27 is gaining a variety of lab skills this summer at the Scripps Research Institute in its department of structural biology. While the department broadly aims to study molecular structures, her lab is specifically focused on defining the architecture of the mitochondria during fission events, when the organelle splits into two. 

Berman-Schneider’s work consists of two parts. Her main project uses light microscopy, confocal microscopes, and STED microscopy to look at septin — a specific type of protein that is part of the cytoskeleton and involved in cell division — in order to understand why the septin is near the mitochondria and if it has anything to do with fission. Berman-Schneider is involved in every step, from start to finish; beginning with nurturing and growing cells, then antibody labeling to make the septin glow, then imaging the final results. Completing this process on her own and seeing the cells she had worked on glow, showcasing the tangible results of her hard work, was a very positive moment during Berman-Schneider’s experience in the lab.

The second portion of her work involves computer science, a foreign subject to Berman-Schneider at the start of the summer. Through this internship, she has found it “very interesting to learn all these computer elements that I didn’t think I’d ever get into.” Finding her footing in the world of Linux coding and multidisciplinary imaging methods was not easy, but Berman-Schneider has found success by asking for help.

The most helpful thing that Carleton equipped Berman-Schneider with before embarking on this internship was the ability to ask questions, she says. 

“Because classes are so small and intimate at Carleton, professors push you to go to office hours and ask questions,” Berman-Schneider said. “I brought my ability to ask questions that I learned at Carleton to the lab.” 

Having a “welcoming, accessible, and open lab culture” has helped Berman-Schneider embrace being open about what she doesn’t know and when she needs help.

Berman-Schneider has found value in both the technical and social aspects of her internship. Having a heightened understanding of how a “real-world” lab functions, Berman-Schneider now feels empowered to be a scientist in the field and work with other scientists. 

“Learning to communicate with these people of all different walks of life has been an incredible experience, and I want to bring that back to Carleton,” said Berman-Schneider.