The Pipette Gazette recently had the opportunity to interview, Dr. Caroline L. Hall, a doctoral student in the Integrated Multidisciplinary Graduate Program (IMGP) – Microbiology and Immunology Track, working under the supervision of Dr. Ellen Kraig. The title of Dr. Hall’s thesis was “Baboon T Cell Immunity Challenges Conventional Paradigms of Immune Aging.”

Dr. Ellen Kraig, Caroline’s mentor, had the following to say:

“Watching Caroline (Bonnel) Hall defend her PhD
research last week filled me with such pleasure and pride. Not only does she get the award for the longest dissertation ever (at least from my lab), but most impressively, her writing was exemplary and my suggestions were minimal!
Caroline had undertaken a challenging project and showed, somewhat surprisingly, that T cells from old baboons do not show the effects of
immunosenescence seen in other species. Her diligent and thoughtful approach to development and optimization of baboon assays assures me that she will be able to tackle any project and will accomplish much in her future research endeavors. I wish Dr. Hall every success!”

[PG] Please provide a few sentences about yourself. 

[Dr. Hall] As an undergraduate at the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) I quickly found my calling [in] the study of immunology while investigating avian malaria in native Hawaiian bird populations. My training as a research assistant cultivated my interests in infectious disease and directly contributed to my pursuit of a career in immunology. I obtained my Ph.D. at UTHSCSA investigating immunological aspects of aging in non-human primate models. During my time as a graduate student here in San Antonio I married my husband, Allan Hall, a fellow UHH graduate and former research associate. We currently reside in San Antonio, TX with our two dogs.

[PG] Who inspired you the most in your life and why?

[Dr. Hall] My mother, Lt. Col. Linda L. Bonnel, who has always balanced a demanding career and close family life. She taught me to constantly strive for success but to never take life too seriously.

[PG] What did you learn during your graduate school career?
[Dr. Hall] I learned the organizational structure, experimental design, and management strategies necessary to independently conduct innovative scientific research. The interpersonal skills I gained are a direct result of working within such a diverse institution. The UTHSCSA community has enabled me to effectively cultivate productive and creative research.