Phage discovery workshop: a week of hands-on learning

In mid-August, our cohort had the opportunity to take part in a five-day Phage Discovery Workshop led by Isabella and Madeline, students from Vivek Mutalik’s lab at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The workshop introduced participants to the fascinating world of bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) and gave them hands-on experience with techniques central to phage biology.

Over the course of the week, students learned how to:

• Isolate phages from environmental samples

• Perform plaque assays to visualize viral activity

• Explore phage-host interactions and their ecological significance

The sessions combined practical lab work, mentorship, and group discussions, making the science both accessible and engaging. Many participants were working with phages for the very first time, and the energy in the lab was incredible-curiosity, excitement, and plenty of “aha!” moments.

The success of this workshop reflects the power of peer-led training. Isabella and Madeline not only shared technical skills but also their own journeys as researchers, inspiring our cohort to see themselves as future contributors to this fast-growing field.

We’re grateful to the Mutalik Lab at LBNL for their partnership and look forward to hosting more immersive, hands-on workshops like this. Phage discovery is not just about viruses-it’s about building the next generation of scientists who will bring new insights to microbiology, biotechnology, and beyond.

(Photos: students learning to isolate phages, preparing assays, and celebrating successful results!)