Thesis Thursday: Sam Wagner-Robertson '26
"Uncovering the Phagocytic Mechanisms behind Batten Disease: Imaging CLN Protein Localization in a Human RPE Cell Model"
"Uncovering the Phagocytic Mechanisms behind Batten Disease: Imaging CLN Protein Localization in a Human RPE Cell Model"
Sam Wagner-Robertson ’26 is a Biology Major and Chemistry and Archaeology double minor. Below, she shares insights into her senior thesis process.
Tell us about your thesis!
How did Bryn Mawr support you during your thesis work?
Beyond the lab, there were three key groups that supported me through this research:
- First, Williamson’s Wing, a lab-member only space where we could discuss our progress, vent through our challenges, and most importantly write while listening to Hamilton and eating snacks. This community helped me so much during the thesis process by reminding me to enjoy every day, no matter the challenges.
- Second, the student led BIOL B400 Thesis Group. This group met biweekly and allowed seniors to discuss our work with other students completing a thesis in any Biology lab on campus. During our meetings, I was able to hear about how others approached the thesis process and practice communicating my work to those not in my specialty. Every lab and thesis is unique, and it was so rewarding to connect with my peers about their work.
- Lastly, the writing center. At the beginning of my spring semester, I chose to sign up for a semester-long Writing Partner with a fellow senior who works at the Writing Center. We met every Sunday afternoon, minus spring break, to discuss my writing progress and how I can navigate different aspects of the process. Writing is a huge component of a senior thesis and it was incredibly helpful to have a scheduled time once a week to check in with work and my progress. Although a senior thesis is completed individually for those in the Biology department, there is a huge supportive community who has your back every step of the way.
"Completing a thesis in the Biology Department at ±©·ç×ÊÔ´ has prepared me both as a scientist and a person to take on such a transformative opportunity for me and my career."
How, if at all, will you be using your thesis work in your post-grad plans?
After graduation, I will be working as a Research Specialist for the . My thesis work will help me immensely during this transition, as I am now very familiar with cell culture, sterile technique, live-cell confocal microscopy, scientific writing, and more. Completing a thesis in the Biology Department at ±©·ç×ÊÔ´ has prepared me both as a scientist and a person to take on such a transformative opportunity for me and my career.
Did anything surprise you about your thesis work?
When I first started my thesis, I was daunted by the sheer idea of conducting an independent research project over an entire year. In the past, I’ve managed smaller projects, typically a semester long, but did not have the same degree of deliverables at the end. At the start of the fall semester I was quickly surprised by how much support there was for the thesis process and soon felt right at home navigating long term experiments and new techniques.
In brief, what are your post-grad plans?
After graduation, I will be working as a Research Specialist for the Anguera Lab at the University of Pennsylvania. This role will allow me to take on my own research projects while supporting the lab by managing day to day operations.
Curious about student research at Bryn Mawr?
±©·ç×ÊÔ´ offers undergraduate students many opportunities to undertake academic research. Students refine their research skills once they have declared a Major course of study, with many departments offering research methodology courses along with senior thesis opportunities. Click the button below to learn more.