Student Spotlight: Zach Applebee

Zachary Applebee is a graduate student in the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering.  He shared what brought him to UMaine and his experiences in multiple research labs on campus, including the Howell lab. Caitlin Howell, PhD., is affiliated with the Institute of Medicine. 

Zach was supported for his first two years as a GSBSE student by the Transdisciplinary Predoctoral Training in Biomedical Science and Engineering T32. He is currently supported by Caitlin Howell’s R01 from the NIDDK, Award No. R01DK128805.

What led you to UMaine and to your major?

I am from Orono, Maine, and the University of Maine has been a constant presence in my life. Growing up, I became familiar with the campus through personal connections with professors and performing as a cellist in its auditoriums. During my junior and senior summers of high school, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in paid research through the EPSCoR program, working in two different labs within the School of Marine Sciences.

My first research experience under Dr. Paul Rawson involved examining oysters for the presence of the marine parasite Polydora websteri. The following summer, I joined Dr. Ian Bricknell’s lab to collect and dissect green crabs from the Maine coast, studying the presence of the marine parasite Profilicollis botulus. These early research opportunities ignited a passion for scientific discovery that would shape my academic journey.

When it came time to choose a university, I knew I wanted to continue exploring research alongside my undergraduate studies. As a chemical engineering major at UMaine, I conducted research throughout my four years with Dr. Peter van Walsum. This work culminated in a research-based Honors Thesis, which deepened my skills and solidified my commitment to innovation and novelty. After earning my degree, I worked at Husson University for two years, where I discovered a growing interest in biomedicine.

This newfound passion led me back to UMaine, where I am now pursuing a graduate degree in Biomedical Engineering through the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering. Under the mentorship of Dr. Caitlin Howell, I am working on cutting-edge research that aligns with my academic and professional aspirations. My journey has come full circle, and I am proud to continue contributing to the vibrant research community that first inspired me.

What is a short description of a research project you are involved in?

I am working on a project that involves collecting and processing clinical urinary catheter samples in association with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of Maine. The goal of this project is to gather clinical data from the VA population to better understand how a diagnosis of infection correlates with the types of pathogens and proteins present on catheters in vivo. To do this, I am collecting and processing the clinical samples and preparing them for analysis at the University of Notre Dame. The samples we collect will be assessed for the type and quantity of protein and bacteria adhered to the surface. Together, with information on how long the catheter was in place and whether or not an infection was diagnosed, we will better understand catheter-associated urinary tract infections at a fundamental biological level.

What are some of your research tasks?

My main role in this project is to develop protocols for collecting and processing clinical catheter samples from veterans to prepare them for analysis by our collaborators. My responsibilities include organizing anonymized datasets to track catheters and their associated relevant clinical information, enabling our collaborators to investigate whether any recorded identifiers influence catheter-associated infections. Additionally, I process clinical samples under sterile conditions to ensure the viability of bacteria for future incubation and study or to preserve bacteria and proteins on the catheter surface for fixed analysis without incubation.

What were some exciting, rewarding moments, and some setbacks?

This project has offered many exciting and rewarding moments. One of the most fulfilling aspects has been the opportunity to collaborate with VA Maine and the Flores-Mirales Lab at the University of Notre Dame, knowing our work has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes for veterans. A particularly rewarding moment came when I spoke with EMTs and veterans, who all emphasized the potential impact of our research. Hearing firsthand how valuable this work could be in saving lives by improving the understanding of pathogenic infections reinforced the importance of our efforts and the real-world difference they could make.
The project hasn’t been without setbacks. One challenge has been navigating the logistical and regulatory complexities of collecting clinical samples, which required significant coordination and compliance with strict protocols. However, addressing these challenges has strengthened our methodologies and highlighted areas for improvement in clinical research practices. By overcoming these barriers, we are advancing this project and paving the way for more reliable and efficient infection studies in the future.

Would you like to recognize one or more faculty members, advisors, or
administrative staff for their help?

None of this work would have been possible without the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Caitlin Howell and my thesis committee. Their resources, experience, and other support have enabled me to make meaningful contributions to an essential medical field, helping to advance veterans’ healthcare in Maine and beyond.

Can you see this research continued by others?

Yes, this research leverages a comprehensive infection database and is designed to develop collection, processing, and analysis methods that can be broadly applied. We anticipate that these techniques will enable others to investigate the pathogenesis of common infection-causing pathogens found on catheters.

Will it have clinical applications?

This project undoubtedly has many clinical applications. The research aims to improve clinical understanding of CAUTI at a fundamental level by evaluating and refining the methods used to assess catheter-related infections. These advancements can enhance patient care by ensuring more reliable identification and management of catheter-associated infections, benefiting veterans and other populations in all clinical settings. The techniques developed could also be adapted for broader use in healthcare, further supporting infection prevention and control efforts.