Masters of MicroscopyMasters of Microscopy

From the Pacific shores of San Diego, California to the tropical eastern city of Charleston, South Carolina, the Engevik sisters have taken “blood ties” to a whole new level. Raised by an emergency room physician and a pediatric nurse, Mindy, Amy, and Kristen grew up in a household where science and medicine weren’t just dinner table conversation, but a way of life. That early influence shaped their futures in undeniable ways, ultimately leading all three to the same destination: the Department of Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

Beyond their shared passion for scientific discovery, the Engevik sisters have also made their mark in the world of microscopy, each earning recognition in the prestigious Nikon Small World competition. Their striking images, each offering a glimpse into their unique research focus, have contributed to a broader appreciation of the microscopic world and a deeper understanding of gut health and disease.

Mindy's work delves into the intricate relationships between microbes and their hosts – specifically, how commensal bacteria in the gut secrete metabolites that strengthen the mucus barrier and promote overall health. Her research also explores how pathogens can disrupt this barrier, leading to disease. By uncovering these microbial interactions, Mindy’s findings offer critical insights into maintaining gut homeostasis and developing new strategies for combating infections.

Amy’s research, meanwhile, focuses on the epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal tract, investigating their role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and precancerous changes in the gut. One aspect of her work examines how a molecular motor, myosin 5B, is associated with IBD, while another explores how a high-fat diet alters the gastric epithelium, leading to precancerous lesions. By studying these cellular changes, Amy aims to better understand the mechanisms driving gut-related diseases and potential interventions.

Kristen, the newest principal investigator among the sisters, launched her lab at MUSC in September 2024. Her research centers on cell communication, particularly purinergic signaling, which examines extracellular purines as triggers for specific cellular responses. She investigates how this signaling pathway maintains gut homeostasis and how dysregulation can contribute to disease. By unraveling these complex cellular interactions, Kristen’s work sheds light on fundamental processes that could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches.

While completing her postdoctoral training at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Amy trained under several well-known microscopists, some of whom had placed in the Nikon Small World competition. In 2019, she came across a wall calendar featuring images from past winners, including several of the colleagues she worked alongside. Intrigued, Amy mentioned the competition to her sisters, and from there the three were hooked.

Though Amy has placed five images in the competition over the years while Mindy and Kristen have placed one each, there is no competition among the three. “A win for one Engevik is a win for all Engeviks,” Mindy said in an interview with Nikon Instruments. “I don't think we would have made it this far if we were competitive with each other. Science is highly competitive, so you need to surround yourself with people who can just be supportive.”

For the sisters, working in the same department and collaborating on research papers and grant proposals, science is both a lifestyle and a team effort. “It’s hard to extract our labs from each other at this point because we are intimately connected,” Amy added. “During peak periods where you have very little extra time, it’s really helpful to have your sisters to rely on and help your lab through it when you can’t physically be there, whether that’s holding hands or demonstrating new techniques and troubleshooting problems.”

The sisters' shared journey is a testament to the power of positive representation and support in traditionally male-dominated fields. As they push the boundaries of research together, they also serve as role models for the next generation of women in STEM, showing that collaboration and mentorship can make all the difference. This makes their story especially fitting for Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women who have paved the way in their fields. The Engevik sisters not only break barriers in science but also exemplify the importance of visibility, proving that young women can see themselves in careers that once seemed out of reach.

“When we were children, I never saw female scientists. I didn't have anyone I could look to in either the media or in my personal life that would mirror this person that I wanted to become,” Amy noted. “I think that it’s really obviously important for kids to see people like them succeeding in jobs. And as a woman and a scientist, I want future generations of young girls to not have the same issues, and to be able to succeed and overcome barriers more easily than we had to.” To this, the sisters all nodded their agreement, echoing Amy’s sentiments and acknowledging the way their work in academia contributes toward that goal.

Their story is a reminder that visibility and mentorship can open doors for future generations, whether in research, academia, or even competitions like Nikon Small World. “It's important for people to see that science is also art,” said Mindy. “A lot of people think there’s a divide, or you’re either left brained or right brained, and art and science aren’t compatible. In reality, scientific discovery requires creativity, just as art is often driven by curiosity and exploration.”

Through their work, the sisters hope to challenge misconceptions about the two disciplines and inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty of scientific discovery. Their work, and the images they capture, serve as a bridge between research and public engagement, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and visually compelling.

“Competitions like Nikon Small World have never been more critical in the United States. I think it’s important for the public to know what we do. This competition gives a broad look into our work, and hopefully, as more people see it, it will start the wheels turning in their head. Then people will start doing their own research and asking more questions about some of these scientists and why they’re doing what they’re doing,” Amy added.

When not in their labs or celebrating each other’s wins at the occasional happy hour, the well-traveled trio can be found embarking on one to two international trips together every year. Last year they visited South Korea, and India the year before that, though all agreed on Egypt being their favorite destination. Wherever they go, science is always at the top of the sisters’ minds. They often plan their trips around conferences, spending time sightseeing once the event is over and taking advantage of long flights to work on grant proposals.

As the Engeviks continue to push the frontiers of gut health research, their impact extends far beyond the lab. Through their work, mentorship and striking microscopy images, they are shaping the future of their field and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Their story is a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration and perseverance — and proof that science is at its best when shared.

To stay up to date with the "Masters of Microscopy" series and receive your daily dose of Nikon Small World, follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Be sure to follow Nikon Instruments for the latest updates on equipment and technology.