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Q&A With Alexzandria Stewart

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Alexzandria Stewart
Undergraduate Research Intern, Washington University in Saint Louis
Location: Montgomery, AL
Joined: Jul 27th, 2025

About (request update)

I'm a biomedical engineering student with hands-on research experience in sustainable biotechnology and system design. At Alabama State University and through my internship at Washington University in St. Louis, I engineered a custom rotating biofilm reactor to improve biomass collection from Anabaena 33047. I combine lab-based research with mechanical design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Outside the lab, I’ve contributed to student leadership, supported freshman orientation, and competed as a SWAC Women’s Bowling Champion. I’m passionate about using science to solve real-world problems.

Education (request update)

Alabama State University class of 2026

Undergrad Major: Bioengineering

Claim To Fame:

In college, my claim to fame has been bridging science and engineering to solve real-world problems. I’ve always been drawn to projects that don’t just live on paper, but they also solve something or push something forward. As part of my research in a lab at Alabama State University, I designed and built a custom rotating biofilm reactor to support continuous biomass collection of Anabaena 33047. Unlike traditional batch harvesting methods, which are time-consuming and inefficient, my system allowed for consistent growth and simplified collection optimizing both biomass yield and experimental workflow. What made this project so meaningful was how it brought together multiple disciplines: I was doing hands-on microbial work, building hardware from scratch, analyzing data trends, and translating those findings into presentations and written communication. That experience reinforced what I’ve come to see as my core strength, using research and engineering as tools to solve real, tangible problems and making sure they matter.

Most Memorable Moment:

My most memorable college moment was when my team won the 2024 SWAC Women’s Bowling Championship. That victory wasn’t just about a trophy, it was about proving myself and my hard work. It represented months of early mornings, late-night practices, and pushing through mental and physical fatigue. We faced tough competition, but we stayed focused, trusted each other, and kept our energy up through every frame. In the moments after I realized we won; it reminded me how powerful teamwork, discipline, and resilience can be. It’s an experience I’ll always carry with me not just as an athlete, but in every part of my academic and professional journey.

Experience

I currently work with Washington University in Saint Louis as Undergraduate Research Intern
I have 1 years of experience working in the Engineering industry.

Undergraduate Research Intern | Prakarsi Lab, Washington University in St. Louis
From June 2025 to August 2025 • 0 year(s)
Engineered a low-cost, continuous biomass collection system for Anabaena 33047 Designed and built a rotating biofilm reactor using 3D-printed parts and DC motor integration Compared biomass yield vs. traditional agar plate methods, achieving over 10× improved efficiency Collected, analyzed, and presented research results at DOE Science Foundation For Energy Earthshot (SFEE) Annual All-Hands Meeting

Research Assistant | Harvey Hou Lab, Alabama State University
From August 2024 to May 2025 • 1 year(s)
nvestigated the role of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) in cellular metabolism and nitrogen regulation in cyanobacteria Conducted biochemical analysis of AKG production pathways, transporter function, and biological significance Performed High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to quantify AKG and analyze its role in energy metabolism Studied AKG transporters and their role in ATP production and amino acid biosynthesis Analyzed AKG’s contribution to the TCA cycle and glutamate synthesis through graphical data interpretation Co-authored scientific poster and presented findings at 2025 Research Science Symposium

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