Submitted by The Evergreen State College
Emma Stock (Grad., D) from Bellevue, Nebraska, is a key contributor on The Evergreen State College women’s soccer team. In addition, the graduate student has published three academic papers. Stock transferred to Evergreen from Bellevue University (Neb.) after attending Papillion LaVista South High School.
Her research has focused on studying the genome sequences … the order of genetic building blocks in DNA or RNA … of bacteria. She is participating in the environmental science master’s program at Evergreen. She plans to earn an emphasis in conservation and research. At Bellevue, she received a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry.
“I picked Evergreen specifically for its location and variety of ecosystems,” Stock noted. “There are endless areas of study for conservation and research.”
Stock was first published in the ASM Journal of the American Society for Microbiology. The article was printed on June 25, 2024. It was about Genome sequences of Vibrio diabolicus and Agoriphagus isolated from the San Elijo coastal lagoons in San Diego. The research group was able to report on the bacteria found in the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Their initial comparison shows that the studied species were unique.
The second paper published by Stock was in the ASM Journal and was printed on July 17, 2024. The paper was about a complete genome sequence of Cereibacter sphaeroides, which is a non-sulfur purple bacterium. Stock and her co-authors presented the complete genome of Cereibacter sphaeroides, while focusing on its unique features. According to Stock, the bacterium has been thoroughly studied and can grow in many compounds. It is used in bioremediation.
Stock’s third published paper was in the International Journal of Plant Biology and was very recently published on Sept. 19. The paper was about Unraveling Evolutionary Dynamics: Comparative Analysis of Chloroplast Genome of Cleomella serrulata from Leaf Extracts.
“This is the first complete chloroplast-based phylogenetic comparison of Cleomella species to other related genera and helps refine the complex taxonomic distinctions of Cleomaceae,” Stock said. The research group was able to compare features of Cleomella to other similar species.
Stock gained an interest in science years ago. Now, she can participate in scientific activities and write about her experiences.
“I have always been passionate about science, which led me to pursue a degree in biology,” Stock said. “Biology is a versatile field that opens up various career paths within science. I was fortunate to work as a lab technician and research aid at Bellevue University, where I had the opportunity to do genome research and sequencing. Bellevue University has its own in-house Illumina Sequencer, so much of the research is genome-based.”
She continues to focus on genome research. It’s always about learning.
“What I enjoy most about my studies and work as a researcher is the opportunity for constant learning and making discoveries,” Stock asserted. “I also love sharing these insights and contributing to the broader academic community.”
Outside of the classroom and away from research projects, Stock has played in all six games with six starts this season as a member of the women’s soccer team. She is an important leader on defense.
“We’re lucky to have Emma!,” Evergreen Head Women’s Soccer Coach Kate Green said. “She lifts the standards for our team’s intensity every time she steps on the field. She is a true warrior of the sport.”
On the Evergreen women’s soccer team, Stock said that she appreciates “the people and the sense of community.” She commented that her “time management and teamwork” are strengths that allow her to maximize her contributions to the team.
Stock’s abilities as a defender provide the coaching staff with options regarding how to line up other starters on the field.
“Emma has been our starting center back in every game so far which has allowed us more flexibility to move some other players into attacking roles,” Green commented. “Coming in as a transfer, she is mature and vetted in leadership. I believe she can help lead our team to a successful season this year.”