Fueling Discovery: UNC's Ava Astilla Charts a Course in Translational Science

There's something truly special about watching a young scientist discover their path, especially when that path is illuminated by pure, unadulterated curiosity. Meet Ava Astilla, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, whose journey through the intricate world of biology is anything but typical. A proud member of the Class of 2027, Ava isn't just navigating her coursework; she's actively shaping the future of translational science, thanks in no small part to her prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute Cech Fellowship.

It was her Cech Fellowship research, conducted at Vanderbilt University under the guidance of Dr. Mariana Byndloss, that truly highlights her investigative spirit. Imagine diving deep into the gut microbiome of children battling inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). That's precisely what Ava did, meticulously comparing the gut bacteria profiles of patients who responded well to infliximab treatment against those who didn't. What she found was quite compelling: elevated levels of a protein called MUC2 consistently appeared in the remission samples. This discovery, while still needing further validation, hints at a fascinating possibility – MUC2 could potentially serve as a biological marker, offering doctors a new way to predict treatment success. It’s the kind of insight that could genuinely change lives, bridging the gap between bench research and bedside care.

But her scientific explorations extend far beyond that pivotal fellowship. Since the summer of 2025, Ava has been a dedicated assistant in Dr. Rob Dowen's lab within the UNC School of Medicine's cell biology and physiology department. Here, she's tackling another intriguing question: how does the increasingly popular kombucha tea actually affect aging, longevity, and even lipid metabolism? Using humble roundworms as their model organism, she and the team, including supportive doctoral student Annalee Schmidt, are sifting through complex data to uncover these secrets. It's a long-term commitment, one that will see her through graduation in 2027, showcasing her dedication to consistent, impactful research.

Ava's intellectual journey has taken her even further afield. Before she began her work with Dr. Dowen, she was immersed in stem cell research during a spring 2025 stint in Denmark, working with Blue Cell Therapeutics – quite an experience for a college student! She even had the opportunity to contribute to brain-related research at UNC’s Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, thanks to an offer from Professor Flavio Frohlich. What’s more, Ava isn't solely confined to the lab; she’s a leader on campus, serving as president of the student dining board for Carolina Dining Services and a dedicated member of the Student Health Action Coalition. It's clear she believes in making a difference not just in science, but in her community too.

Looking ahead, Ava isn't rushing into the next chapter without careful thought. After she crosses the graduation stage in 2027, she plans to take a gap year, dedicating herself entirely to research. This focused time will serve as a crucial stepping stone before she pursues her ultimate goal: a doctoral degree. Her sights are firmly set on a future in translational science, where her passion for discovery can continue to bridge fundamental scientific insights with real-world health applications. It’s a testament to her vision and the incredible foundation she's built here at UNC.