Environmental Internship Program - 2023 Booklet

Zehao Wu ’26
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Certificates: East Asian Studies, Environmental
Studies
BIODIVERSITY AND
CONSERVATION
PROJECT TITLE
Naturalizing the
Environmental Experience
of “Model Mammals” for
Immunology and Beyond
ORGANIZATION(S)
The Graham Group,
Department of Ecology
and Evolutionary Biology,
Princeton University
LOCATION(S)
Princeton, New Jersey
MENTOR(S)
Andrea Graham,
Professor of Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology;
Yoon Chang, Ph.D.
candidate, Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology;
David Chang van Oordt,
Postdoctoral Research
Associate, Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology; Alec
Downie, Ph.D. candidate,
Ecology and Evolutionary
Biology
In many biomedical experiments, lab mice
are considered “model mammals.” However,
immune profile differences contribute to a
disparity between mice and clinical results. At
Stony Ford Research Station, I participated in
a study of how releasing lab mice into a natural
environment impacts how their immune system
responds to parasitic nematode (Trichuris muris)
infection. In the field, I assisted with cleaning the
mouse feeders, refilling food and water and fecal
sampling. I also edited camera footage of mouse
activity to present to the lab and assisted with
compiling daily reports that checked the number
of mice and the number of escapees. I found that
observing mice’s behavior patterns and social
interactions was one of the most captivating
aspects of the work. Through this experience,
I gained a more robust knowledge of fieldwork
logistics and a more advanced understanding
of R programming. This internship affirmed my
interest in the intersection of environmental
science and immunology. Although fieldwork
was initially challenging, I plan to continue
researching immunology and environmental
science through lab or fieldwork.
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