Published August 10, 2026 | 3 min read | Intern Spotlight
Quick Facts:
University: University of Virginia
Major: Neuroscience
Internship Role: BioTech
Hometown: Gretna, Virginia
Internship: Summer 2026
This summer, IALR welcomed Vivian Taylor as one of the CEA Innovation Center’s Biotechnology interns. During her eight-week internship, Vivian gained hands-on experience in applied plant research while contributing to projects investigating plant health, beneficial bacteria, and stress tolerance.
About Vivian
From Gretna, Virginia, Vivian graduated as the Valedictorian of Gretna High School—- earning the highest cumulative GPA among her classmates throughout all four years. This fall, Vivian continues her academic journey as a freshman at the University of Virginia, where she will pursue a degree in Neuroscience.
Internship Responsibilities
As a Biotechnology intern, Vivian worked alongside researchers in the Applied Research department and developed laboratory and research skills. She learned techniques including preparing laboratory media, operating an autoclave, pouring plates, conducting plate assays, inoculating and culturing bacteria, and maintaining sterile conditions. She also assisted with research involving spinach, bok choy, beneficial endophytes, and corn stubble degradation.
Project Spotlight
One of Vivian’s primary projects investigated whether bacterial endophytes could help protect hydroponically grown spinach from Pythium. The team screened endophytes from the IALR Endophyte Library against three species of Pythium before selecting promising bacteria for further testing. The researchers then applied selected endophytes to spinach seedlings and evaluated their ability to reduce the effects of the pathogen.
Skills Developed
Through her internship, Vivian strengthened her laboratory, research, and data collection skills while gaining experience working in an applied research environment. She developed hands-on experience with bacterial cultures, laboratory assays, hydroponic plant research, and experimental procedures. The experience also provided her with valuable preparation for future research in the sciences.
Looking Ahead
After graduating from the University of Virginia, Vivian plans to continue her education and pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon.
