The AdaMarie Mirrors reflect back to us the many roads (often winding, never smooth) to success! Real stories of real women to see yourself reflected in. At first, you’ll see Casey in this mirror, but eventually, we hope you’ll see yourself.

Welcome, Casey Meili!

Microbiologist - and another one of our Student Ambassadors! - Casey Meili reveals her lifelong love affair with science. From dreaming of dinos and busting myths with Jamie and Adam to diving headfirst into the microbial world, she’s let curiosity be her guide!

Getting to Know You:

Field of Work: Microbiology
Expertise In: Microbiomes, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and -omics
Current Company: University of Utah
Job Title: PhD Student
One-liner about what you’re working on: The mechanisms by which gut microbes influence disease.
Currently geeking out over: Archaea, the origin of life, and AI
STEM hero (alive or dead!): Margaret Dayhoff

Tell us about your professional journey – how did you get where you are now?

My scientific journey started in high school when I began volunteering at a local zoo. I was interested in pursuing a career in conservation biology and entered undergrad with plans to major in zoology. However, as I continued to explore the field (and dip my toes into research), I quickly realized I wasn’t cut out for fieldwork (major respect to the scientists who do it!). After exploring multiple scientific avenues, I eventually discovered a passion for microbiology. I got involved in research within the world of bacterial metagenomics and followed this track until I graduated with my bachelor's in microbiology in 2020. Afterward, I pursued a master’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, where I was exposed to the wonderful world of microbiome research (especially as it relates to anaerobic fungi). This work led me to pursue my PhD in Microbiology and Immunology. I am currently studying the microbiota from a functional lens, trying to understand how our commensal microorganisms influence health and disease.

We’re also curious to know your personal story and upbringing. What has made you “you”?

Science has called to me since I can remember.

As a child, I was obsessed with dinosaurs and wanted to be a palaeontologist when I grew up (and even today, I still find myself drawn to questions about early life, evolution, and systematics). After school, I would spend hours watching whatever was on Animal Planet or the Discovery Channel; there was just something about the natural world that ignited a curiosity deep within me. Later, upon the advent of the DVR, I would use all my family's memory to record every episode of MythBusters (much to my mother's dismay). Watching someone answer a never-before-answered question (or debunk a myth) truly captivated me.

In high school, my love of animals led me to volunteer at a local zoo and even participate in summer fieldwork trips, which became my first exposure to research. While I quickly realized that my interests lay elsewhere, this was an invaluable step into the scientific world and picturing myself as a scientist. This, of course, wouldn’t have been possible without my parents, who spent hours driving me to and from volunteering and supporting my exploration through the sciences.

Though I am the only person in my family in STEM, my parents always fostered my curiosity and empowered me to follow my interests. I have always felt free to chase after questions that excited me. Growing up, I truly believed I could be anything I wanted, and I owe that entirely to my parents. I am absolutely the scientist I am today because of their unwavering support.

We know that real life isn’t a smooth and linear journey. What was your initiating moment that led you to your calling - can you tell us about that moment, what helped you move forward, what you learned/discovered?

I struggled to find my place in science throughout my undergraduate degree, but after several major changes (including a minor stint in business), I decided to regroup and return to my first love, biology.

I enrolled in various classes spanning multiple disciplines to explore my options. I went into all of them with an open mind, but it wasn’t until I took Introduction to Microbiology that something finally clicked, and I knew I had found my calling. We had a project (like in many intro micro labs) where we were given an unknown bacteria and had to identify it through a series of biochemical tests and microscopy throughout the semester.

This project not only challenged me but also sparked a curiosity and excitement for the microscopic world. This experience not only marked a turning point in my academic journey but also propelled me to change my major to microbiology. It ignited a fascination for the largely invisible and often forgotten microbial world that exerts a profound influence on various aspects of our planet, from our health to agriculture. This decision to follow my newfound passion set the course for all of my subsequent academic and research endeavors.

You’re a working woman in a performance-driven industry. Where do you find balance?

First and foremost, I am pursuing my graduate work in a program with an incredible culture and emphasis placed on work-life balance. I am super lucky in that my institution, professors, and peers all value me beyond my work as a scientist. I’m constantly reminded that I am more than my research and encouraged to take time for myself and my hobbies.

I have always found a tremendous amount of peace in the outdoors, and living in Utah affords me countless opportunities to get into nature. I make it a point to hike, camp, ski, or get outside in some form or fashion regularly. I also have an incredible group of friends I can always count on outside of work!

If you were a part of the human body, what would you be?

If I were a part of the human body, I would be the microbiome! The dynamic interplay of diverse organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) inside each of us mirrors the diverse experiences that have shaped me as a scientist and as an individual. Much like the ever-expanding knowledge about the microbiome, I also see parallels in my continuous growth and evolution as a scientist, recognizing that there is always more to be learned.

We’d love to feature your work! How can we spread the word about what you’re doing? Some examples you might want to share:

I’d love to connect on Twitter (@casey_meili), Bluesky (caseymeili.bsky.social), or LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/casey-meili)