Rising Researcher: OSU student Blackburn pioneers new approach to fight infections

Rising Researcher: OSU student Blackburn pioneers new approach to fight infections

Monday, September 22, 2025

Media Contact: Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | [email protected]

Using research to turn bacteria's weapons against itself, Adriahna Blackburn presents findings on Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the 30th annual Research Day at the Capitol.

From starting her research in an Oklahoma State University science lab to presenting at the state Capitol, Adriahna Blackburn never expected her findings on Pseudomonas aeruginosa would make such an impact.

Blackburn's love for research sprouted at a young age. However, this passion grew more rapidly after coming to OSU to study microbiology/cell and molecular biology.

Blackburn quickly got involved and started working in a lab on her own project through the Beckman Scholars Program under the mentorship of Dr. Matthew Cabeen in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics.

"I enjoyed the process of running experiments, troubleshooting problems and building community with my lab," she said.

At the 2025 Research Day at the Capitol event on April 15, Blackburn got the opportunity to present her observations on weaponizing Pseudomonas aeruginosa on a molecular level.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a germ that can cause infections in the blood, lungs or other parts of the body after surgery, according to the Centers for Disease Control. These bacteria are increasingly resistant to antibiotics, the standard treatment option, making infections harder to control.

"If we know the ingredients the bacteria use to make these weapons, there is a potential to hijack them to make more," she said.

Blackburn was one of four students chosen to present at this prestigious event. Unlike other scientific symposiums, she was able to express these findings to a common audience and raise awareness on this topic that is so close to her heart.

"It was especially rewarding to share my work with legislators and highlight the importance of scientific discovery while representing OSU on such a prominent stage," she said.

While presenting her discoveries at the Capitol is a considerable accomplishment, Blackburn expresses her urgency to continue raising awareness outside of the OSU environment. She hopes her findings will serve as a foundation for developing effective treatments for Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

"Because this approach works differently from traditional antibiotics, it would reduce the risk of contributing to multi-drug resistance in hospitals. In the long term, I envision these tools being adapted and expanded to target other drug-resistant bacteria, broadening their impact on hospital-acquired infections," Blackburn said.

Her initiative has not gone unnoticed. Along with her presentation at the Capitol, Blackburn has been presented with many prestigious awards like being a Barry Goldwater Scholar, as well as a Beckman Research Scholar. These only position her to continue raising awareness, not just to fight infection, but to increase scientific exploration accessibility.

Growing up in rural Oklahoma, Blackburn realized that scientific experimentation opportunities and exposure could be limited. This prompted her efforts to make science available and understandable for people of all backgrounds.

"In today's world, where skepticism and fear around science are growing, bridging that gap is more critical than ever. I believe people deserve to know not only why science matters, but also how it directly impacts their health and well-being," Blackburn said.

Story By: Annelise Vinson | [email protected]