Kelsey F
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at Stanford University

Expertise

Genetics/genomics, biochemistry, bioinformatics

Bio

Hi, my name is Kelsey. I am currently a PhD student studying chromatin organization. I am interested in the fundamental mechanisms that control genome regulation and gene expression. Using DNA sequencing technology and classic biochemical assays, I aim to better understand how our cells establish and maintain the centromere, a specialized chromatin territory that forms the attachment site for the mitotic spindle to ensure proper chromosome segregation during cell division. Outside of science, I enjoy being creative. I like to paint, sew, and make jewelry. I also love to garden - especially propagating succulents and other plants from small clippings/leaves.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

How do epigenetic marks vary between alleles in individuals?

Each of our cells contain a complete copy of our genome which is made up of over 3 billion bases (A,T,G,C). Our genome is tightly regulated to organize, maintain, and easily access all of that information. One mechanism of genome regulation is through epigenetic marks that affect chromatin structure - how tightly or loosely packed the DNA is. This can vary across individuals and within one individual between the two different copies of each chromosome (one from mom & one from dad). Analyze long read DNA sequencing data to gain insight in how certain epigenetic marks can vary between alleles for the same gene in one individual. (image from https://www.mechanobio.info/genome-regulation/what-is-chromatin-heterochromatin-and-euchromatin/)

Coding skills

python, bash, some R,

Teaching experience

In undergrad I tutored & led study groups for general chemistry. I was also a teaching assistant for a general chemistry prep class which involved leading study groups, holding office hours, and grading exams. In grad school I have mentored rotating graduate students and undergrads in my lab. I was a program leader for Stanford Summer Research program that brings undergraduate students that might not have access to research experiences to labs at Stanford to conduct a summer research project as well as learn how to effectively communicate their research . I have also led and designed science modules at a local science museum for kids.

Credentials

Education

Cornell University

BS Bachelor of Science (2017)

Biology

Stanford University

PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate

epigenetics; biochemistry; genomics

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Kelsey F - Research Program Mentor