BYU Life Sciences student Kyler Linton (MMBIO ‘26) is tackling a real-world problem through hands-on research. Enteric Red Mouth Disease (ERM), a bacterial infection, is devastating fish farms worldwide. Caused by the antibiotic-resistant Yersinia ruckeri, ERM hits Atlantic freshwater fish harder than their Pacific counterparts—a problem Linton is determined to solve.
Searching for Answers
Linton hypothesized Pacific fish might have bacteria in their microbiome that inhibits Yersinia, which could explain their ability to resist ERM. To test this, his team collected fish from Alaska and Utah, isolating native microbes. In the lab, Linton tagged Yersinia with a green fluorescent protein (GFP), making it glow under blue light. By mixing Yersinia with the isolated microbes, they monitored changes in brightness: more light indicated thriving Y. ruckeri, steady light indicated slowed growth, and dimming light indicated Y. ruckeri was dying.
The team identified several Aeromonas and Pseudomonas species that suppressed Yersinia growth. One particular Pseudomonas strain stood out as unique, and researchers are now analyzing it to confirm whether it represents a new species. This strain suppressed Yersinia fluorescence for 72 hours, making it a strong candidate for future ERM treatments.
Linton initiated his research in Dr. David Erickson’s bacterial pathogenesis lab after a pivotal conversation where Erickson emphasized the life-or-death impact of their work. “The more we understand about the pathology of these bacteria,” Linton said, “the more we’re able to find alternatives to antibiotics to help or alleviate people from their diseases.”
Discovering a New Direction
Linton started his academic journey as a mechanical engineering major at BYU, inspired by working on a 1948 Toyota Pickup with his dad. While choosing general education classes, Linton remembered being fascinated by a fetal pig dissection in high school where he’d been told by some classmates that he should become a doctor. He initially dismissed the idea, but his sister’s positive experience in anatomy influenced him to take an anatomy course. He enjoyed it immensely and began seriously considering a career in medicine. “I started to see the human body as a massive living engine,” Linton explained.
With those experiences in mind, Linton reviewed medical school prerequisites and took a molecular biology class with his friend and roommate, Max. The experience sealed his decision to change majors. “Medicine is the best combination of my skills,” he explained. “I was blessed with a good brain and with good hands. I wanted to use them both.”
Divine Influence
Linton believes faith often guides his research and his life. Initially unsure about trying a swim agar assay, he eventually found it was the breakthrough he needed. “I think God nudges us,” he expressed. Looking back, he sees those nudges everywhere: a memory of dissecting a fetal pig, a push to take anatomy, and taking a class with a friend all gently steering him toward medicine.
Linton hopes to continue tackling real-world problems as a physician. Now, as the first in his family to pursue medicine, his parents regularly send him encouragement and news about medical applications. Linton is grateful for the support he’s received at BYU that has prepared him to take this path.