Olufemi Adekunle Osonowo
Career Development Subcommittee
Dalhousie University

Research Interest

Metabolomics and genomics are two distinct but complimentary approaches that offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of complex traits, such as feed efficiency in sheep. My current research, which involves sustainable livestock production and the application of bioinformatics and machine learning to livestock production, seeks to unlock those insights.

In addition, I seek to develop a standardized operational procedure for optimizing the feed intake test period to use limited test station facilities more efficiently and accelerate selection rate by testing more animals in sheep production. Through genomic signature selection, both metabolomics and genomics will enable the measurement and association of metabolites in sheep that are linked with feed efficiency while also identifying specific genetic biomarkers associated with feed efficiency in sheep.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

As an MSc student, I have multifaceted interests, encompassing both academic and applied aspects of science. My primary focus is sustainable livestock production, where I aim to improve efficiency and productivity while minimizing environmental impact. This interest aligns with the growing global demand for sustainable agricultural practices and the necessity to feed an increasing population.

One of the most intriguing areas for me is the application of bioinformatics and machine learning to livestock production. These cutting-edge technologies offer immense potential to revolutionize traditional agricultural practices. By analyzing large datasets, we can uncover patterns and insights that were previously inaccessible, leading to significant advancements in animal breeding, disease management, and overall farm management. For instance, genomics and metabolomics data can be used to identify biomarkers for disease resistance or superior production traits, enabling more precise and efficient breeding programs.

Machine-learning algorithms can predict and optimize various aspects of livestock management, from feed efficiency to animal health monitoring. The integration of sensor data, environmental factors, and historical performance records into predictive models can help farmers make informed decisions, ultimately leading to more sustainable and profitable operations.

In addition to the technical aspects, I am also passionate about the translational impact of my research. I believe that bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and practical applications is crucial for advancing the field. This connection involves collaborating with industry partners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure that innovative solutions are effectively implemented and adopted.

Moreover, I am interested in the educational and mentorship aspects of my career. As a scientist, I feel a strong responsibility to contribute to the development of the next generation of researchers through activities such as teaching, supervising undergraduate students, and participating in outreach activities to promote scientific literacy and enthusiasm among young people.

I am driven by the potential to impact both the scientific community and the agricultural industry. My goal is to contribute to a future where agricultural practices are more efficient, sustainable, and capable of meeting global food demands while fostering scientific curiosity and innovation in others.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

By bridging gaps between different fields, we can develop innovative solutions to complex problems. In my work, I actively seek collaborations with experts in bioinformatics, machine learning, veterinary medicine, and environmental science. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches my research but also opens new avenues for discovery and application. I aim to foster a culture of collaboration in the scientific community, encouraging researchers to look beyond their disciplines and work together to tackle global challenges.

Furthermore, researchers must be able to convey their findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public. I am committed to improving my own communication skills and helping others do the same. This outreach involves not only publishing in scientific journals but also engaging industry partners, writing for popular science platforms, and participating in science communication workshops. By making scientific knowledge more accessible, we can inspire public interest in science and inform evidence-based decision-making.

In addition, different perspectives and experiences can lead to unique insights and innovative approaches. I am dedicated to promoting diversity in all its forms within the scientific enterprise—e.g., mentoring underrepresented students, advocating for inclusive policies, and participating in initiatives that support diversity in STEM fields. By creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we can ensure that the best ideas and talents are brought to the forefront.

Advancing the scientific enterprise requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond individual research endeavors. These initiatives not only enhance the quality and reach of scientific research but also ensure that science continues to serve society effectively.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

As a leader within GSA, I aim to foster innovation, promote inclusivity, enhance professional development, and advocate for science policy. By addressing these areas, I seek to strengthen the GSA community and make a meaningful impact on the field of genetics.

Innovation is at the heart of scientific progress. As a leader, I want to create an environment that encourages creative thinking and novel approaches to genetic research. Thus, by organizing symposiums, workshops, and conferences for collaborative brainstorming and interdisciplinary exchange, we can drive forward the frontiers of genetic science.

Additionally, a diverse and inclusive community is essential for the health and vibrancy of any scientific organization. I am committed to promoting inclusivity within GSA by championing programs and initiatives that support underrepresented groups in genetics—e.g., mentorship programs, scholarships, and networking opportunities. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, we can ensure that all voices are heard and valued, leading to a richer and more dynamic scientific community. Also, supporting the professional growth of GSA members is a key priority. Planning professional development resources—including career workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs—will help members at all career stages to develop essential skills, navigate career transitions, and achieve their professional goals. Investing in the professional development of our members helps us cultivate the next generation of leaders in genetics.

I aim to advocate for policies that support funding for genetic research, promote science education, and ensure the ethical use of genetic information. Doing so involves engaging with policymakers, contributing to public discussions, and collaborating with other scientific organizations to amplify our voice. By advocating for supportive policies, we can create a favorable environment for genetic research and its beneficial impacts on society.

Overall, a strong and connected community is fundamental to GSA’s success. I will work to enhance member engagement and communication through regular updates, interactive platforms, and community-building events. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose, we can strengthen the bonds within our society and create a supportive network for all members. We can make significant strides in advancing the field of genetics and addressing the complex challenges of our time.

Previous leadership experience

• Communication Officer, Dalhousie Agricultural Association of Graduate Students, May 2024-Present
• Globalink Mentor, Mitacs, April 2024-Present
• President, National Youth Service Corp; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Community Development Service, August 2019-July 2020
• Intern (Team Lead), Community-Based Farming Scheme, September 2016- July 2017
• Editor-in-Chief, The Source Magazine of Nigeria Association of Agricultural Students, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, November 2015-September 2016

Hector Mendoza
Communication and Outreach Subcommittee
University of Michigan

Research Interest

My research goals converge around the evolution of sexual reproduction. During my doctoral program, I investigated mitochondrial inheritance, a mechanism that ensures that mitochondria are only inherited from one parent. In the case of humans, children inherit mitochondria from their mothers, as the race to the egg during fertilization takes an important toll on sperm cells that damages their mitochondria. When this maternal inheritance mechanism is perturbed, rare mitochondrial diseases ensue, ranging from ophthalmic manifestations to muscular dysfunction. I decided to investigate the mechanism of biased mitochondrial inheritance from a fungal perspective. These organisms can reproduce sexually but do not differentiate into separate biological sexes. Instead, fertilization happens between two morphologically identical cells. Why would mitochondria need to be segregated appropriately? This fundamental question drives my fascination with the process of sexual reproduction and, accordingly, led to a fresh perspective as I continued my scientific training.

For my postdoctoral training, I decided to explore sex from a completely different lens, this time focusing on the mechanisms that allow for clear differences between biological sexes. Specifically, my current line of investigation focuses on the emergence and maintenance of sex chromosome systems. I am currently using the nematode C. elegans to model how sex chromosomes shape sexual dimorphism at both the genetic and developmental levels. This organism adds an additional layer of complexity to this work, as it comprises a hermaphroditic system in which males are naturally rare. Understanding and further characterizing the regulatory mechanisms behind sex chromosome can shed light on the evolutionary history of sex, in addition to potentially impacting the reproductive sciences.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

I am interested in opportunities in academia, specifically in leading my own research laboratory and teaching both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses. As I transition into an academic position, I am still struggling with deciding what sort of institution I would like to join. While I would love to start my own research laboratory at a research-intensive institution and fully commit to training the next generation of scientists, I am very passionate about teaching and curriculum design. For this reason, I am exploring primarily undergraduate institutions, which focus on the education of undergraduates in a liberal arts context. I find this particular approach to post-secondary education quite impactful, as the undergraduate experience can be much more well-rounded and students can make the best decisions regarding their career paths. Additionally, I am quite excited to design and implement a research program that caters exclusively to undergraduate researchers, as their time in my lab will most likely be limited. The constant turnover in my lab, however, will mean that multiple students can contribute to a bigger project that can lead to a collaborative publication.

As an undergraduate, financial and time constraints prevented me from doing research and exploring how a biology degree could be used. If I am honest, I might reconsider my own decision to attend graduate school if I could turn back time. I thought it was the only logical path since I was not interested in a medical career. Thus, I want to make sure my future students are better prepared to make life-changing decisions. I am very interested in developing a strong mentorship philosophy both in the classroom and at the research bench. This interest has also made me consider administrative roles within academia and even secondary education.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

I have been a non-traditional student for as long as I can remember, juggling schoolwork and multiple jobs to afford my education. I am also an immigrant, so the logistics involved in transferring colleges internationally turned out to be much more complicated than I had thought. These obstacles only made pursuing a science degree even more intimidating. I was constantly told that I was not putting in the hours needed to graduate or to move on to graduate school. Nevertheless, I persisted and completed my degree with flying colors. I will admit that I had a rough time getting to where I am today because I did not have anyone I could relate to. For this reason, I want students to realize that their paths towards their degrees will constantly evolve and will be shaped according to their own personal circumstances. I want to be part of my students’ journeys and be a guiding light when obstacles emerge.

I am also constantly educating myself on alternative science careers so that I am better prepared to provide advice and ensure students feel supported. For instance, I have experience in the clinical field, having worked as a Laboratory Clinical Processor during my doctoral training program. Though I acquired this experience out of financial necessity, I have come to realize that I can tell my students about these career paths, emphasizing that they are much shorter and inexpensive than medical or graduate school. It is still unsettling to think that the majority of STEM students go through their undergraduate careers fixated on one or two career options, even though demand is elsewhere. I want to emphasize that pursuing a scientific career can look so different for any individual. Its impact in society, however, will be rewarding and necessary.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

As part of the ECLP, I am thrilled to exchange ideas about effective communication and leadership. Accordingly, I am determined in establishing strong ties with colleagues in fields different from mine. As scientists, we can recite protocols from memory and perform intricate procedures with our hands. However, explaining why we do it is a creature of a different stripe. Programs like the ECLP take us out of our comfort zones, away from the bench, and challenge us to find the right word or visual to help an audience understand complex scientific concepts. During my tenure, I am hoping to venture out and explore opportunities in writing for non-academic settings and make science empowering.

Previous leadership experience

Instructor, Michigan Math and Science Scholars, University of Michigan (Summer 2024)

Editor and Translator, MiSciWriters, University of Michigan (2023-Present)

Instructional Peer Observer, Center for Academic Innovation, Schoolcraft College (2023-Present)

Executive Board Member, Multicultural Association of Graduate Students, University of Louisville (2016-2021)

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

Irina Yushenova
Community and Membership Engagement Subcommittee
Marine Biological Laboratory

Research Interest

I love enzymes. And this is a very broad statement—just like saying “I love people.” There are eight billion people on Earth, and all of them are unique. We all have our personalities. We can be seen as good, bad, or even objectively terrible. Enzymes are just like that. They all have their own personalities in terms of what they do and how they do it. Just like with people, you can assign them into several categories, and as with people, some of them are more attractive than others. All of them, though, are non-static. Enzymes represent the molecules of life that perform some actions. They are not just present; enzymes change the environment around them. They, for example, can protect cells from various stresses, as heat shock proteins do by protecting other proteins from denaturation and eventually helping those affected proteins become “healthy” again. Heat shock proteins were my first scientific crush, and eventually they became the main focus of my PhD dissertation.

There is also another group of enzymes called reverse transcriptases, which build DNA using RNA as a template. The discovery of reverse transcriptases challenged the central dogma of molecular biology, which stated that the information in the cells follow the DNA-RNA-protein line only. In a sense, reverse transcriptases are the rock stars among other proteins—the ones who break the rules and go their own way. Again, some of them, like telomerases, are constructive enzymes that protect the cells. Some are rebels who can destroy essential genes and cause organisms to die, yet they also help evolution to create biodiversity, as mobile elements do. In very rare occasions, scientists are lucky to discover an enzyme that comes to the organism from another, even very distinct, species. It happens when genetic material from one species is transferred to another, making those genes horizontally transferred. If some gene were allowed to be a part of a new genome, the enzyme it produces would be nontrivial. In a prism of evolution, such travelers can allow the organism to create a completely new way to increase survival. So, my personal scientific passion are enzymes with “outstanding personalities,” whether in a good or offbeat way. Currently, I am focusing on domesticated reverse transcriptase-related genes and mobile Penelope-like elements.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

All my life I wanted to be a scientist. It was love at first sight with both biology and chemistry. Working in a field of biochemistry and molecular biology was my childhood dream long before I learned what exactly it would entail in practice. But I was never disappointed. At age twelve, I was already planning to become a professor/principal investigator who runs their own lab in a research institution. I followed this plan for years, first getting a doctorate in veterinary medicine—to also fulfill my passion for medicine not restricted to one species—and then a doctorate in molecular biology. Then, I moved to the USA to do my postdoc and learn another culture. A couple of years later, I realized that something was holding me back from my initial plan. Although I still enjoyed doing research, mentoring students, writing papers and grants, and even performing administrative tasks, something was missing. More than once, I heard other scientists say how much they hate when somebody asks, “What is a practical implication of your research?” This question had never felt wrong for me. After five years of training for my doctorate in veterinary medicine, it is natural for me to say that discovery A could be helpful in area X maybe in ten years, and discovery B would potentially give humanity a tool to fight disease Y. I automatically think about how each scientific question I seek to answer could not just fulfill my curiosity and contribute to textbooks for future generations but also eventually help to protect the life on this planet. Recently, I started wondering whether, before committing to a life-long, tenure-track professor position, I should try a scientific position in industry. The more I talk to industry scientists, the more I see how happy people are, seeing the immediate results of their research. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic reminded us how important it is to control cross-species pathogens to save lives. Thus, while I am fully committed to bringing to success the most beloved research projects I am working on right now, I am also looking forward to applying my skills in industry.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

As I mentioned already, I feel strongly connected to both basic life science research and applied medical fields. While working in academia, I have always enjoyed making more connections in veterinary, medical, or for example, food production sectors. It becomes obvious for me that people from these different sectors speak different languages. It is extremely sad if you think about it. The whole society misses a lot of opportunities to advance both basic and applied science. While scientists who work for government must learn how to speak to policymakers, other government officials, and manufacturers, the typical academic life scientist might struggle to talk to an economist. Nowadays, we all understand the importance of interdisciplinary studies. There are many great collaborations between data scientists and molecular biologists or microscopists and embryologists. Yet, it could be even more productive. Instead of saying “I don’t understand what you want to do” and walking away, let’s say, “Wow, I don’t understand what you are saying, but together we can get a full picture of the phenomenon we both care about. Let’s collaborate!” My background allows me to understand both basic life science and veterinary doctors’ languages. I work toward organizing more collaborations with animal caregivers (veterinary doctors, aquaculture professionals, etc.). I also work on bringing more people—students or teachers, who would prepare the next generation of students—from poor and disadvantaged countries into world-class science and industry. I believe that raising awareness about available opportunities and active outreach will help to ensure the future success of life science and applied fields. Being part of the Early Career Leadership Program at GSA greatly helps me to establish new connections and learn how to effectively communicate with people from different backgrounds.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

The Early Career Leadership Program gives us an amazing opportunity to embrace our creativity in the way we feel would be the most beneficial for the broad community. I would like to help other early career scientists to be more prepared for the often unspoken pitfalls along their research journey. We all come from different backgrounds, and we are not always lucky to encounter the right mentor for navigating the new environment. It can be a new country that is very different from our native culture and social system. It can be stereotypes attached to our national origin. It can be the lack of understanding from superiors and colleagues that might restrict us from advancing our career as fast as others. Perhaps our visa situation prevents us from travels, attending international meetings, or doing internships in some organizations. In some cases, people will sacrifice their freedoms in favor of doing some particular research. Sometimes, there are unspoken rules, which we need to know to become successful in a new system. I believe that science loses a lot of bright minds who must give up because of non-research-related struggles. As a member of the Community and Membership Engagement Subcommittee, I deeply enjoy working on various projects that aim to provide peer support for young scientists, raise awareness about new opportunities, help access information that might be crucial to advance careers, or learn how to be a good leader—which I would define as the one who inspires others and helps everyone on their team be successful. It is an exciting journey to lead a project when members of your team are located from one coast of the Pacific Ocean to another and have different points of view and goals in life. It is complicated but very rewarding at the end of the day. I am infinitely grateful to GSA for such an invaluable experience.

I also take full advantage of training courses offered for ECLP members. With English being my second language, I always feel that my writing—especially non-scientific—stays on the level of a high schooler. Thus, the variety of writing courses offered to us became a significant development for me. I hope to leave this program with significantly improved writing skills, in addition to solidified leadership skills.

Previous leadership experience

Research advisor for seventeen students (high school, undergrad, and grad school level), 2013-present

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

Rupinder Kaur
Career Development Subcommittee
Pennsylvania State University

Research Interest

I am a cell and molecular biologist interested in exploring host-symbiont interactions with relevance to human health outcomes. Mosquito-borne diseases, especially dengue, have become an emerging global threat to mankind. The existing vector control strategies—such as diminishing mosquito breeding sites, insecticide use, chemical spraying, and personal protective measures—have been found ineffective and do not confer long-term protection. Moreover, risks surrounding climate change have created an urgency for alternative vector control strategies. The prospect of using symbiotic microorganisms to save millions of lives with positive human health outcomes is highly promising. The bacterium Wolbachia is a prime example, which is human- and environment-friendly and can play a significant role in controlling dengue and other mosquito-borne viruses on the ground. Wolbachia expresses two key traits in these control strategies: virus-blocking, in which Wolbachia reduces virus replication in the salivary glands of virus-transmitting mosquito females, and reproductive manipulation called cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), during which embryos die when Wolbachia-infected males mate with uninfected females, thus crashing the mosquito population.

In my research, I’m digging deeper into the mechanism of CI to better grasp how Wolbachia bacteria influence the genes and pathways governing insect reproduction. Using Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti carrying Wolbachia, I identified that CI-causing genes disrupt an evolutionary-conserved process of histone-to-protamine transition during sperm development. This transition is crucial for maintaining male fertility. When embryos are fertilized by these abnormally developed sperm, their nuclei fail to divide properly and embryos ultimately die. I am further keen on understanding the intricacies of the flip side of CI, known as “rescue,” where female insects infected with Wolbachia can prevent embryonic death. My goal is to enhance methods utilizing these bacteria to control mosquito populations, thereby making them even more effective and sustainable in the fight against diseases.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

As someone who loves diving into the unknown to uncover new things, I find being a scientist incredibly rewarding. I enjoy brainstorming new ideas, formulating hypotheses, and troubleshooting experiments to bring them to life. Even though science can be tough and challenging at times, those moments when everything clicks and years of hard work culminate in a breakthrough are truly amazing. Each discovery feels like finding a missing piece of a puzzle. At that point, more than just a career option, it becomes a passion that keeps me curious and eager to share what I learn with others in the scientific community.

Moreover, I recently explored the intricacies of grant writing, a crucial skill for securing essential research funding. I learned that grant writing is not just about acquiring resources; it’s about articulating the potential impact of my work on the scientific community and society at large. I acquired the skill of translating my scientific vision into actionable proposals, ensuring that the future research direction is not only intellectually stimulating but also socially relevant. It bridges the gap between innovative ideas and transformative research outcomes, reinforcing my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world of science.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

Science advances significantly when diverse fields intersect, sparking new and creative ideas. In addition to my research pursuits, my vision for advancing the scientific enterprise is firmly grounded in the principles of collaboration, outreach, and mentorship. I work towards creating an environment where scientists from different backgrounds can come together to create ideas that address scientific challenges. I have shared my research through seminar presentations with several universities, companies, and scientific organizations in the United States. By facilitating dialogue and knowledge exchange, I assisted them in developing specific assays tailored to their research programs.

I am actively engaged in initiatives that expand the horizons of STEM education and promote inclusivity within the scientific community. For instance, as a judge in the ENVISION research competition, I play a pivotal role in evaluating the innovative project proposals generated by women and genderqueer high school students. I provide valuable feedback and recognition, foster their passion for scientific inquiry, and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM fields. Furthermore, I participate in mentoring initiatives aimed at bridging the opportunity gap for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Volunteering my time and expertise, I create research opportunities for these aspiring scientists by guiding them through the research process, helping them understand scientific articles, and assisting with formulating hypotheses for scientific experiments. I not only provide essential scientific guidance but also instill confidence and inspire a greater sense of possibility. By empowering young minds, recognizing and nurturing their talent, dismantling barriers, and fostering inclusivity, I am dedicated to creating a scientific community that reflects the diversity and potential of our world.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

As a member of GSA’s Early Career Leadership Program, I am committed to advancing the career growth of fellow GSA members. One of my primary objectives within this role is to establish a robust mentorship network. I aim to provide guidance, insight, and support by connecting early-career scientists with experienced mentors in their respective fields. By organizing symposiums, networking events, panel discussions, and virtual forums at conferences, I aim to facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and encourage sharing of ideas and expertise to open doors to new opportunities. This collaborative environment will not only enrich the scientific discourse within GSA but also expose early-career scientists to diverse research areas, promoting a spirit of curiosity and innovation.

Further, I intend to organize targeted professional development workshops and training sessions. These sessions will cover a wide array of topics, including grant writing, science communication, leadership skills, and work-life balance. By providing access to these resources, I hope to equip early-career scientists with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful and fulfilling career in genetics. Last, in line with my commitment to diversity and inclusivity, I will advocate for programs that specifically support underrepresented individuals within the GSA community. I aim to level the playing field and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has equal access to resources and opportunities for career growth. Through these initiatives, I hope to empower the next generation of geneticists, leaving a lasting legacy of mentorship, support, and inclusivity.

Previous leadership experience

1. Editorial Board Member, mSystems, American Society for Microbiology (2024-2027)
2. Early-career editorial board member, mBio, American Society for Microbiology (ASM) (2024-present)
3. Panelist in the Science Communication panel, How to have an accessible conference experience, The Allied Genetics Conference (2024)
4. Judge, Poster session at the One Health Microbiome Symposium, Penn State University, PA (2024)
5. Judge, Poster session at the Undergraduate Exhibition, Penn State University, PA (2024)
6. Elected member in ASM’s Future Leaders Mentoring Fellowship program (2023-present)
7. Member, Early Career Leadership Program, Genetics Society of America (2023-present)
8. Judge, ENVISION research competition for high school girls and genderqueer students (2022-present)
9. Mentor, Summer research program by Talaria Summer Institute, founded by the nonprofit organization ATHENA (2022-present)
10. Organized and moderated the virtual Career Exploration panel, the 64th Annual Drosophila Research Conference (2023)
11. Mentor to undergraduate and graduate students, technicians, and research staff in the lab
12. Active volunteer for national/international virtual and in-person science outreach programs

You can contact Rupinder via email at r.kaur at psu.edu, on Twitter, and on LinkedIn.

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

José Humberto da Cunha
Accessibility Subcommittee
University of São Paulo

Research Interest

My research interest is in human and medical genetics, specifically skull and face dysmorphology, teratology, and related syndromes. I like to research the genetic factors that lead to congenital anomalies in families of carriers and affected individuals. In addition to genetics, other factors associated with environmental exposure contribute to congenital anomalies. One of them, which is part of my study in teratology, is the disease of diabetes mellitus, which triggers many changes during the formation of the embryo. I am directly affected by this due to my mother’s insulin imbalance when she was pregnant with me. As a result, I have bilateral hearing loss, facial paralysis on the right side, neurogenic bladder, malformation of the fingers on the right hand, and heart disease. And with that, I intend to investigate how to reduce the risks of congenital anomalies in gestational diabetes in the next generations.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

Diabetes mellitus is a public health problem in Brazil, as well as worldwide. Therefore, I consider it of greater personal interest to raise new questions and continue previous studies around it. The affected phenotype in diabetes mellitus stems from a wide spectrum that can be found in a mother-child relationship during the gestational period. The Brazilian population is heterogeneous due to immigration from Europe, Africa, and West Asia. This both makes the study of the disease interesting and suitable for comparison with others from around the world and also opens the conversation about lowering the risks of congenital anomalies.

My career interest is primarily research. Currently, I develop strategies to organize patient data, identify risks through clinical symptoms and patient family history, and, thus, verify the occurrences of genetic syndromes in the literature. To deepen my analysis, I also create tables with the data, apply the necessary quantitative formulas, and treat this research in a broader and more complex way, just as others in population genetics have done. I want to continue my study around diabetes mellitus in my master’s degree in rehabilitation sciences at the Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofacial in Brazil.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

I aim to promote values essential for fostering a productive and harmonious scientific enterprise. This begins with prioritizing the assessment of social dynamics within research groups, ensuring that respect, empathy, and effective communication prevail. Additionally, offering support and resources, such as psychological assistance, I emphasize the importance of self-reflection to enhance personal conduct and professional relationships. In my interactions with fellow researchers, I advocate for inclusive practices, constructive feedback, and a collaborative spirit aimed at advancing knowledge for societal benefit.

Connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines enriches perspectives and fosters collaboration. I plan to share the significance of networking in science by leading through example and engaging in interdisciplinary communication. I aim to discuss my research projects and accomplishments with enthusiasm, stepping out of my comfort zone to interact with others passionate about various fields. By promoting networking as a vital aspect of scientific progress, I hope to inspire others to embrace collaboration and knowledge exchange across boundaries.

Ultimately, by embodying these values and promoting them within the scientific community, I aim to cultivate a culture where curiosity thrives, relationships flourish, and knowledge is shared for the betterment of society.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, my main objective is to help researchers with disabilities from all parts of the world perform well in their research career. I want to understand the accessibility challenges faced by scientists and find solutions that would help scientists with disabilities reach their professional goals. I plan to accomplish this through social media and web outreach, social inclusion projects, and advocacy for a more accessible and equitable scientific community for all.

I also want to promote intercultural dialogue around disability in the scientific community. Since every region of the world has a different culture around disability, there are a lot of opportunities for people to not only learn from each other but also be inspired by one another’s unique personal and professional journeys.

Lastly, as a man with bilateral hearing impairment and other health complications from being the son of a mother who had diabetic complications, I was stereotyped as incapable in childhood by my classmates and teachers, as well as relatives and townspeople. As an accomplished scientist with international experience, I want to tell the world that anything is possible through dedication, respect, humility, and love for others.

Previous leadership experience

• Director of Sports, the Academic Center of Biomedicine at the Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba
• Creative Director of Marketing & Advertising on social networks, the Academic League of Genetics at the Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba
• Extension Project Developer,  “Conexão LiAGen”, dissemination of basic notions of genetics through social networks
• Senior Ambassador in the Health Sciences area in the science extension project “À Brasileirinha: Organização de eventos científicos, debates e aulas práticas em prol da divulgação científica para a população acadêmica e da comunidade local da cidade da instituição do ensino superior”

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

Md Riajul Hossain
Policy and Advocacy Subcommittee
University of Arkansas

Research Interest

When I was introduced to science in high school, I discovered that biology attracted me the most. This attraction increased as I learned more and more about living beings and biological processes. No surprise that I chose genetic engineering and biotechnology as my undergraduate major. I was fascinated by how genes (functional units of DNA) and proteins (gene products) interact in such a way that together they control all aspects of living processes of an individual life form. I found it amazing that expression of some genes can be controlled simply by modifying the structure of the gene without changing its DNA sequence. Such is the subject of epigenetics, a relatively new field of genetics that fascinates me a lot. In line with this interest, I have worked on chromosome segregation in my past graduate studies, and now I am working on chromatin remodeling in yeast, a model organism in genetics studies. Both the chromosome segregation and chromatin remodeling have intricate connections to epigenetic processes. Chromosome segregation ensures faithful passage of genetic information from parents to offspring while chromatin remodeling helps to dictate which genes will be expressed when and in what situation. Finally, I am interested in how biotechnology can be used to serve humanity by providing solutions in various sectors including environmental, agricultural, and human health. In this regard, I would like to explore how proper science policy and right advocacy can help ensure a fair and equitable use of biotechnology in all aspects of human life and living and benefit everyone in the world.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

Although, as a PhD trainee, I have options to switch from academia to industry, the teaching profession interests me the most. I feel thrilled introducing students to the concepts in biology and genetics and the amazing genetic architecture that all living organisms possess. It gives me immense pleasure when I believe students are learning from my lectures and lab experiments and are thus preparing themselves as future leaders in biological sciences. Although there has been tremendous advancement in biology over the past decades, we are still far from fighting both infectious and non-infectious diseases. The recent pandemic, deadly cancers, and heart disease cases worldwide are proof of where we stand right now. Therefore, teaching and training the future generation of scientists will help us to have a world not only where there will be no hunger but also where people will live a healthy life. Teaching, therefore, will be a key to achieving these goals of research and innovation, ultimately leading us to create a better future for everyone. That’s why I am so passionate about teaching. Apart from teaching, I would also like to engage myself in science policy and advocacy because, although the scientific discoveries hold promise to provide solutions to different problems that we may face, it is the proper policy and its implementation that can ensure how the benefit of the scientific advancements will be harnessed for common good.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

As a faculty member and scientist, I feel that teaching and research are my primary objectives in an academic setting. However, as we strive to make the world a better place every day, we cannot restrict ourselves to the confines of our job. The world and particularly our own countries demand much more from us. Therefore, teachers and scientists should be vocal about the policies that affect the everyday lives of our people. I want to advance the scientific enterprise by educating students about the basic concepts and advanced developments in biological sciences. Additionally, I want to be involved in promoting a cleaner environment and better healthcare at home and abroad. How we set policies and their implementation priorities may impact the health and well-being of the planet and its people. Therefore, creating awareness among the masses and getting involved in policy discussions are crucial for scientists and researchers. For example, a cleaner environment through relying less on fossil fuels can provide a healthier habitat for people. Similarly, limiting the competition on generating devastating nuclear and biological weapons will help make our planet safer by preventing the use of these lethal technologies in warfare.

Another sector I would like to work in and promote is innovation and development tailored to the needs of locals. Every country deals with its own problems and seeks the best possible solution. It is, therefore, the responsibility of scientists, particularly in the developing world, to determine the local problem areas and take steps to persuade people and government to invest in those sectors to develop tailored solutions. For example, dengue fever, which is caused by a mosquito-borne virus, is mainly a problem of developing countries in Asia and Africa and not a major problem in the western world. That’s why it needs special attention from the individual governments to invest heavily in dengue research and try to eradicate the disease. Mass awareness thus will be vital in attaining this goal.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

As a member of the Policy and Advocacy Subcommittee of GSA’s Early Career Leadership Program, I hope to learn about the policy and advocacy field within the biological sciences. Apart from my teaching and research skills, I would like to sharpen my communication skills to better pursue this goal. GSA’s writing and science policy courses have been a good starting point. Moreover, by interacting with the policymakers in Washington, I hope to gain real-world experience in dealing with policymakers, specifically in presenting science simply and convincing them to prioritize policies in biological sciences. Also, preparing for interviews and science policy spotlights for the subcommittee has helped me better identify the key facts and figures from science policy documents. I wish to continue exploring the science policies of both developed and developing countries and to see particularly how Bangladesh, my home country, stands along the science policy standard. Finally, using the knowledge gained as a leader within GSA, I want to share my knowledge and skills both at home and abroad and bring awareness to the masses and help develop their own perspectives in science policy measures. This awareness is important not only for the scientists and researchers but also for the public, who will be the ultimate beneficiary of scientific progress and advancements. To achieve this, I plan to write articles in national and international dailies stating the importance of being involved in science policy discussions. Organizing seminars and roundtable discussions will be another priority where scientists and policymakers will get the chance to have dialogues on various issues and the general public will get clear ideas about the position of different stakeholders involved in scientific research and science policy making.

Previous leadership experience

• Joint Secretary of the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Alumni Association, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh (2018-2019)
• Secretary of the Fulbright Scholars at the University of Arkansas, USA (2015-2016)
• Organizer of roundtable seminars, conferences, etc., sponsored by and in association with the popular national English daily newspaper, The Daily Star, Bangladesh (2010-2012)
• Wrotepopular science articles in the national English daily newspaper, The Daily Star (2010-2012)

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

Kat Yamamoto
Community and Membership Engagement Subcommittee
Queens College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York

Research Interest

Organisms face many microbes in their environment, and the immune system must protect against infection. Most research has focused on aspects of innate immunity that decrease pathogen load, with the two best known strategies being: avoidance, which reduces risk of exposure to infection, and resistance, which reduces pathogen burden once the infection is established. Less is known, however, about the role of host metabolism in supporting survival independent of anti-bacterial responses, for example through immune tolerance, which reduces the negative side-effects of infection. The word “tolerance” was chosen for its definition as the “capacity to endure,” demonstrating how this understudied immune strategy may greatly improve survival. An aspect of physiology that may affect immune tolerance is lipid metabolism, which has been shown to affect many facets of human physiology, from energy synthesis at the organelle level to organism-wide regulation of fundamental functions. Furthermore, individuals with diabetes or other metabolic diseases experience an increased risk of severe infection, suggesting that lipid metabolism plays a role in an effective immune response. Using the free-living nematode C. elegans, I study how the conserved Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway co-regulates lipid metabolism and innate immune response, ultimately contributing to immune tolerance. I hope to uncover mechanisms of how host metabolism may support infection survival. 

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

My main career priority is geographic. After pursuing all of my higher education on the U.S. mainland, I plan to move back to my hometown of Honolulu, Hawai’i. I hope to be part of a movement of locals returning home after training to foster a scholastic environment, increase research accessibility, and empower the community with greater access to STEM opportunities. When I was beginning my PhD, my goal was to move home to become a Principal Investigator and establish my own laboratory. Now, I see that my interests align more with teaching, curriculum development, and research opportunities outside of a PI role. I am actively exploring what these opportunities may look like and am always interested in connecting with other kamaʻāina in science! 

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

As an early career scientist, I have benefited greatly from the mentorship of others, and I hope to return this favor to other scientists. Currently, I mentor undergraduates and high school students and love the experience of supporting them in their research journeys. I find that research and the process of discovering “new knowledge” develop skills that the classroom cannot: deep critical thinking, resilience in the face of experimental failures, and a confidence in problem-solving. I hope to always find opportunities for scientific mentorship, since the scientific enterprise benefits greatly from new and varied perspectives. 

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

GSA is the scientific organization that I’ve connected with the longest—first as an undergraduate in a yeast genetics lab and now as a C. elegans genetics PhD student. I joined the ECLP with the goal of interacting with an international network of scientists and ultimately trying to find community within the challenging landscape that is academic science. I’m interested in exploring different career paths, while improving my own leadership and communication skills. 

As community is the most important aspect for me, it’s fitting that I am a member of the Community and Membership Engagement Subcommittee. I often ask, “How can we facilitate strong relationships within this community?” This is a question I hope to work on answering within GSA and then sharing across other environments. In this subcommittee, I am the co-lead for the Crossroads Seminar Series, which aims to showcase early career scientists and their work. Each session will have a central theme, and every speaker will come from the point of view of different model organisms. We look forward to rolling this project out in 2024!

Previous leadership experience

• Campus Representative, Queens College, CUNY, 2022-2023
• Senator, Associated Students of the University of California, UC Berkeley, 2017-2018
• Student Representative, Academic Senate, UC Berkeley, 2017-2018

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

Caroline Muirhead
Communication and Outreach Subcommittee
Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Research Interest

I didn’t always know I wanted to make science my career. In fact, I started college as an engineering major. And while I still have a love of math, I realized in my junior year of college that my main interest was in science. I added biology as a double major and dipped my feet into biology research. Between junior and senior year of college I worked in the Weathers lab at Worcester Polytechnic Insitute studying Artemisia annua, a plant that produces the antimalarial drug artemisinin. After college, I worked at a small biotech company before deciding I wanted to attend graduate school.

Since joining graduate school, I’ve become a C. elegans researcher. I work in a systems neuroscience lab where I research how worms respond to sensory cues. Worms secrete chemicals called ascarosides to communicate. We use these ascarosides to study sensation in worms. We ask questions like, why do some worms respond in different ways to the same ascaroside? Or which neurons and receptors are sensing this chemical? My project is about how worms make behavioral decisions in response to ascarosides. Put simply, if I expose the worms to a positive and a negative stimulus at the same time, how will they respond? Either the negative or positive cue will need to take precedent. I want to know what the neurons are doing when the worms make this choice. I think this is a really interesting question because it’s something that we encounter all the time! Think about how often you sense more than one thing at the same time and your brain is able to make a choice about how to respond. The interesting part about studying this with worms is that we can figure out what is going on at the cellular level – a task that would be impossible in a complex organism.  

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

While I’ve really been enjoying conducting research, my main interest is teaching. This past year, I had the opportunity to participate in the ASPIRE fellowship program. This fellowship pairs graduate students with community college professors at a local community college. I was mentored by a professor at Quinsigamond Community College. I was able to work with one of the introductory biology classes during lab sections and complete a few guest lectures. I had a lot of fun, and I really liked the students! Additionally, I got to talk to my mentor about what it was like being a professor at a community college. I had a very positive experience in the ASPIRE fellowship program, and it made me interested in teaching at a community college.    

I’m also open to other opportunities! In college, I volunteered at the EcoTarium, a science and nature museum in Worcester. I’ve always had a love for nature and science museums, so I could always see myself working at a science museum.

Finally, I’ve been enjoying my research and worms. So you never know, I may stay in research for some time after graduating and complete a post doc position. Careers are long, and I hope to enjoy many things over the course of mine.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

I hope to interest new minds in science and STEM. I’m passionate about this because young students are the next generation of scientists.

This summer, I ran the Frontier’s summer camp at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. This is a two week long camp for high school students interested in science. We spent the first week of camp learning about neuroscience and working with C. elegans in the lab. During the second week of camp, students conducted their own experiments. It was a lot of fun, and I loved seeing the creativity of the students! In past summers, I’ve run other science summer camps for slightly younger students. I even got to run a camp over Zoom during the pandemic. It was a challenge—we had to ship student lab materials so that they could do lab stuff at home—but overall, it was great that we were still able to teach students science skills remotely. When I was in high school, I participated in science summer camps, and it sparked my interest in STEM. These camps are important for students to start exploring different scientific areas. I hope to continue participating in summer camps that drive students towards STEM fields.

I’ve also served as a mentor for the Women’s Research and Mentorship Program (WRAMP) at my university. I worked in a group with an undergraduate student and two high schoolers on a small research project in the lab. Although this project involved research, the main purpose of the program was to mentor the students and teach them about how research works. I think this project was a success because after WRAMP, one of the high school students was awarded funding to work in our lab through the Massachusetts Life Science Center. She accomplished a lot through the summer and continued as a volunteer in our lab during the school year. Now, she’s continuing scientific research in college. I’m so proud of her, and I’m really happy that I was her WRAMP mentor! I love seeing a student enjoy research enough to continue it. I hope that I am able to mentor more students in a lab setting.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

As part of my work with communications and outreach subcommittee, I’m really hoping to do outreach to high school students about scientific research during the school year. I think back to myself as a high schooler, and I realize I had no idea about all of the different model organisms researchers use. I understood why people worked with mice, but I had no idea about all of important research people do in flies, worms, yeast, and beyond. And now, as a worm researcher, I realize how important non-mouse model organisms are too. This year, I plan to talk to high school students about the different types of research that is possible in these models. This way, when these high school students start college and want to join a lab, they’ll have a better understanding of what these labs might be doing.

Other members of my subcommittee have participated in similar types of outreach where they talk to students about model organisms. They’ve offered to help make slides and review my materials to make sure it’s understandable to high school students. They’ve also helped with avenues of connecting to high school teachers that might be interested in having a scientist come speak in their school.  

I also hope to gain more presentation and conference experience through GSA. The first GSA conference I attended was a virtual conference hosted during the first summer of the pandemic. It was nice to still hear other research virtually. Last summer, I attended the International C. elegans Conference in Scotland. I had the opportunity to meet other enthusiastic and creative scientists. I especially enjoyed the poster sessions where I can talk to people one-on-one about their research. Overall, attending the GSA conference was an enriching experience, and I hope to continue honing my presentation skills at them!

Previous leadership experience

• Graduate Student Government – Biology and biotechnology student senator (current)
• Women’s Research and Mentorship Program mentor (2022)
• Smith College Ice Hockey Captain (2015-2017)

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

Sarah Gilmour
Multimedia Subcommittee
Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Research Interest

Questions of evolution have always fascinated me. I am extremely fortunate to be starting out my research career in a time where technological advances are illuminating the intricacies of rapidly evolving, highly repetitive regions of the genome.  Long-read sequencing and other genomic techniques have revealed that centromeres —regions of the chromosome where spindles attach during cell division— are remarkably variable among closely related individuals across many species. Given that centromeres predominantly consist of highly repetitive sequences, a key driver of this variability is the copy number variation within these repetitive arrays. My research delves into both the evolutionary underpinnings of this copy number variation and its consequential functional impacts.

In pursuit of these questions, I focus on the model organism Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a highly tractable fission yeast. Similar to many mammalian systems, S. pombe has a centromere array composed of highly repetitive sequences that vary in copy number between individuals. I am investigating how copy number variation influences diverse aspects of centromere function, including mitotic and meiotic cell division, chromosome segregation fidelity, suppression of meiotic recombination, and establishment of heterochromatin. I am pursuing these questions as a PhD student at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. I am fortunate to be co-mentored by Dr. Sarah Zanders, an authority in S. pombe evolution and meiosis, and Dr. Jennifer Gerton, an expert in centromere biology.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

Ever since high school, I have been fascinated with biology and genetics. However, the concept of a “scientist” as a viable career path was initially foreign to me. It was during my undergraduate studies that I was introduced to academic research, igniting my passion for the spirit of exploration and curiosity that propels scientific inquiry. These early research experiences solidified my aspiration to pursue a PhD and a future career in research. Beyond my current pursuits, I plan to explore postdoctoral fellowship opportunities upon completing my PhD, with the ultimate aim of establishing myself as an independent investigator dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of evolution and genome organization.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

Beyond my scientific training, I have experience as a student journalist and worked for my undergraduate institution’s student news outlet for four years. Although the connection between science and journalism may not be obvious to many, I see my experience in journalism as an essential part of my scientific training, as it honed my ability to convey important information in a concise and approachable manner.

The challenge of communicating both the nuanced details and broader implications of research is pervasive across the scientific community, often hampering effective cross-disciplinary dialogue. I am heartened by the ongoing shift in the scientific community towards accessible and engaging scientific communication. I am committed to contributing towards this shift by presenting my research with utmost clarity. Moreover, I am to contribute novel tools and avenues that empower my fellow scientists to communicate more effectively and inclusively.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

My role in the multimedia subcommittee will directly support my goal of improving the culture of science communication. While traditional avenues of communication like posters, talks, and journal papers remain vital, the modern era offers an array of creative channels for disseminating knowledge in engaging and accessible formats. In the multimedia subcommittee, I will collaborate with my peers in the ECLP program and the GSA staff to share interesting research in a variety of formats including podcasts, social media, and livestreams. These multimedia initiatives not only enrich the scientific discourse but also propel the scientific community toward embracing innovative and interactive modes of communication.

In addition to the projects I will complete with my subcommittee, the ECLP program provides a valuable platform to foster connections and networks amongst early career scientists. I hope that my participation in the ECLP will help me to build and maintain a robust network of professional and personal support. A career in science can be difficult and isolating at times so I am a firm believer that the more support you can get, both inside and outside your institution, the better.

Previous leadership experience

• Predoctoral Research Council Chair, Graduate School of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 2023-

• Admissions Committee Predoctoral Representative, Graduate School of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 2021-

• Tri Beta Biological Honors Society Chapter Vice President, Hendrix College, 2017-2019

• Digital Editor-In-Chief, Hendrix College Student Newspaper, 2016-2019

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

Jessie MacAlpine
Communication and Outreach Subcommittee
University of Toronto

Research Interest

I am passionate about using molecular genetics to understand fundamental biology. During my undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, I completed a specialist program in the Department of Molecular Genetics and decided to stay for my graduate training. I was fortunate to join the laboratory of Leah Cowen, where I was introduced to the fascinating, complex, and often overlooked world of human fungal pathogens. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate training, I was able to use functional genomics to identify genes important for the virulence of the human fungal pathogen, C. albicans. During my PhD, I dissected the interaction between Lactobacillus bacteria and C. albicans to understand how commensal bacteria can alter fungal virulence and disease. This work identified a small molecule secreted by Lactobacillus that acts against a key C. albicans virulence trait, establishing a novel strategy to thwart fungal disease.

Currently, I am transitioning to a position as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease in the laboratory of Michail Lionakis. At the NIAID, I will extend my studies of human fungal pathogens to gain training in fungal immunology and human genetics.

Overall, my research interests lie in fungal pathogenesis, specifically why certain fungi, like C. albicans, are specialized members of the mucosal microbiota while other ubiquitous environmental fungi cause devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. With a limited arsenal of antifungal therapeutics and the rising threat of antifungal resistance, I plan to continue to use molecular genetics to understand the interactions between fungi and their human hosts. The goal is to better understand fungal pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets in both fungi and humans to combat fungal disease.  

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a scientist: to be able to go into the lab, ask tough questions, and use experiments to try to further our understanding of fundamental biology. Throughout my formal education, I focused on pursuing a career as a Principal Investigator at a research-intensive institution. I am passionate about both education and research, so I am very drawn to the fact that PIs can teach classes, mentor trainees, and continue to drive a competitive research program as part of their career. Throughout my scientific training, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible mentors and supervisors, including Leah Cowen and Teresa O’Meara, who have demonstrated what can be accomplished as a PI.

My mom and sister both recently received advanced degrees in education, so our home is always filled with lively discussions of teaching philosophies and curriculum development. I am very passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists, and I want to pursue a career where I can continuously mentor, support, and teach students, especially in genetics-related fields. As a PI, I hope to be able to use my future lab to mentor students and continue to ask fundamental biological questions related to pathogenesis and virulence.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

Throughout my scientific training, I have been passionate about science communication and outreach. In particular, I am deeply dedicated to ensuring all children can picture themselves as scientists, encouraging youth to pursue science. My passion for youth in STEM originates from my early experiences in the Canadian science fair program. Although neither of my parents are scientists, the science fair exposed me to research at a young age. These formative experiences demonstrated to me what it is like to pursue science as a career much more effectively than my elementary and high school classes.

For the past ten years, I have been a member of the Youth Science Canada Executive Committee, which organizes the annual Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF). In this role, I help to organize and run CWSF, which takes place in a new Canadian city each year and sees participation from approximately 500 secondary school students from every corner of Canada. Beyond these organizational efforts, since 2016, I have also helped to write and act in a children’s television show on the Canadian network TVOKids. Targeted to young learners, Blynk and Aazoo features a child asking a common question (e.g., How can I stay up all night? How can I make my vegetables taste better?) and includes an in-depth answer from a scientist. Additionally, I am a freelance journalist with Engineering.com, where I cover news related to computational biology, AI/ML, and cloud computing.

Through all these endeavors, my goal is to continue to engage the public, specifically youth, in the scientific community. I firmly believe that curiosity is a core tenet of being human. Where classical education seems to frequently fail to portray the exciting pursuit of scientific problems, I aim to use my time to ensure everyone knows they can ask complex questions and explore their curiosity. This also relates to my firm commitment to support diverse and inclusive spaces within the scientific community, whether at the science fair, in the lab, or within professional societies like GSA. Because science is a fundamental part of being human, no one should ever be excluded from pursuing it.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

I joined GSA’s ECLP program to join a community of like-minded scientists dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive, and diverse space for researchers to pursue science. As a Co-Chair of the Communication and Outreach Subcommittee, I hope to expand GSA’s commitment to engage broad audiences with the genetics community. I am particularly excited to expand the subcommittee’s social media presence to engage more non-technical audience members with the field of genetics and its impact on our everyday lives. We are in the process of launching a dedicated Instagram presence within the GSA account. In addition to this initiative, I am eager to support the subcommittee’s outreach efforts and encourage our members to develop their communication skills and conduct projects related to their passions.

Beyond my work within the subcommittee, I am also excited to be a part of the ECLP to grow my professional network and use the incredible resources offered by GSA to further my own leadership, communication, and research skills.

Previous leadership experience

Foraging for Fungi Walks, Royal Canadian Institute of Science (2022-Present)

Foundational Genetic Approaches Teaching Assistant, University of Toronto (2022)

Molecular Genetics Teaching Assistant, University of Toronto (2021-2023)

Girls SySTEM Mentor (2021-2022)

Adventures in Science Mentor, University of Toronto (2020-2022)

Math and Science Tutor-Mentor, Tutorbright Toronto (2018-2020)

Board Member, Partners in Research (2016-2019)

Judging Division Head, Thames Valley Science and Engineering Fair (2014-2019)

Executive Committee-Youth Science Canada (2013-Present)