By taking advantage of WSU’s enthusiasm for undergraduate research, former undergraduate Kayla Simons’ work was published in “Nature,” a international academic science journal, in February.

Simons, a professional student in pharmacy, contributed to a research project on the defensive immune system of plants as a WSU undergraduate. She said being published in “Nature” was an honor and an amazing reward for all of the extensive time and effort she devoted to the study.

Simons said she felt as if she was “walking on cloud nine, but you’re the only one who knows,” when she found out her work would be published.

During her freshman year, she found herself working under the guidance of Liqun Du, an assistant research professor of horticulture and landscape architecture, and Regents Professor of Horticulture Joe Poovaiah, thanks in part to a high school teacher.

Jim Boyce, a science teacher from White River High School in Buckley, referred her to Poovaiah as an exceptional student and qualified candidate for lab research. With funding provided by the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates program, Simons was paid for the research she conducted during all four years of her undergraduate education.

Poovaiah praised Simons on her curiosity, work ethic, independence and absolute commitment in her studies. Not intimidated by specific protocols and technicalities, she took them as a challenge and showed promise in future scientific research, he said.

“It’s so exciting to see students like Kayla who show drive and dedication,” Poovaiah said. “I’ve been here 33 years, and that’s a very rare thing to find.” The research findings have implications for agriculture, horticulture and human genetics, because the protein AtSR1 has been found to perform similar functions within the human heart and brain. Much of the information found from experimentation with plant life is being applied to “higher organisms.” “That is the beauty of biology,” Poovaiah said.

Simons said she is fortunate to have mentors such as Poovaiah and Du, who were patient and willing to take a chance on her.

Simons also said having such an opportunity as an undergraduate speaks volumes for WSU.

“It may sound cheesy, but I honestly experienced ‘World Class. Face to Face,’” she said.

Simons is the vice president of GPSA and will transfer to Spokane, where she is vice president-elect of WSU Spokane’s GPSA. There, she hopes to have the opportunity of doing future pharmaceutical research through clinical trials.