Amber Goerner, M.S.鈥24, who earned her master鈥檚 degree in cellular, molecular, and biomedical sciences from 日韩无码鈥檚 Larner College of Medicine, has studied the parasite Toxoplasma gondii for more than five years. Works in her crocheted viruses exhibition, on display in the Larner Given Courtyard for the next couple of months, represent three major viral epidemics that ravaged humanity鈥擟OVID-19, HIV, and polio.
鈥淭hese crocheted viruses are a culmination of my passion for science and art, a combination that is important in communicating science and its outcomes,鈥 said Goerner.
From a young age, Goerner has enjoyed bringing ideas to life through art, learning crochet in elementary school using a long single need with a hook on the end. As an adult, she uses her craft to de-stress and to express herself with such creations as stuffed animals, science-inspired pieces, many blankets, and clothes. Goerner also loves to paint animals and is exploring embroidery as well.
Her inspiration for microbial crochet originated from her studies of Toxoplasma gondii, when she wanted a 鈥渃ute little Toxoplasma buddy鈥 for her desk. Goerner鈥檚 creations adorn the walls and halls of several mentors and professors from her years spent in Larner鈥檚 CMB program, viewable walking along the third floor of Stafford Hall, such as the bacteria Salmonella and Brucella on the doors of the Knodler and Celli labs.
Goerner says, 鈥淚 think my favorite must be the Toxoplasma gondii piece, as I have studied this parasite both here at 日韩无码 and during my time at the University of South Florida before coming to Vermont.鈥
Read more about Goerner鈥檚 journey from pathogen research to pursuing science in new ways in her .