GG Scholar Spotlight

What aspect of genetics and/or genomics most interests you?

I enjoy the combination of genetics and biotechnology. I take a strong interest in various genetic engineering techniques such as transformations and CRISPR and hope to grow increasingly familiar with them in laboratory practice. Particularly, I am fascinated by how genes in agricultural products can be edited for sustainability and/or food quality purposes.

What (or Who) influenced you to go into your field of study?

I have always had a strong connection to genetics. I was born with a congenital heart defect known as transposition of the great arteries (TGA). This condition has no known cause, although genetic mutations are the leading suspected culprit. Growing up, I would always ask my cardiologist questions about my conditions and became increasingly obsessed with the biological/genetic link. This passion blossomed throughout my academic career where I found myself gravitated toward/excelled in my science courses. Although my current passions and lab work is in plant genetics, my passion for what I do is still engrained in these same principles.

Who or what do you hope benefits from your research?

I hope to provide immense benefits to the world of agriculture. I hope to engage in research that can simultaneously benefit the industrial and commercial sides of agriculture. In other words, not only do I wish to partner with industry to improve crop longevity and sustainability, but also engage with everyday people through education, outreach, and improving the quality of crops commonly purchased at stores and markets.

What do you think is the most pressing issue or problem in your field of study?

I believe that there is a severe gap between science and society within the world of agriculture. Consumers have grown skeptical over labels such as GMOs and have developed a mistrust in the scientists and improvements that have been developed in agriculture. This prevents groundbreaking and important research efforts from progressing due to social, political, and financial barriers stemming from such a disconnect.

How would you describe your research interests to a 3rd grader?

Have you ever changed something about yourself that allowed you to be better at something? This is what I do with plants! I look at genes inside plants, which are the things that govern what they’ll look like, how they’ll taste, and how they’ll survive in the environment. I make certain changes to these genes in order to improve their ability to succeed in these categories and many more!

What’s your dream job?

Although I don’t have a specific company or job in mind, I hope to continue my position as a researcher in the agricultural sphere. I hope to continue applying molecular biotechnology/editing mechanisms to crop systems to improve them from a quaility and/or sustainability standpoint.

What else do you wish others knew about you?

I have an extremely strong passion for scientific communication. I am extremely comfortable with public speaking and I am always eager to explain my research/associated benefits to anybody who wants to know!