Erin S
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at Tufts University
Expertise
Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Bioethics, Marine Bio
Bio
My academic passion has always revolved around science and biology. In high school I was very involved in marine biology and learning about the animals at a local aquarium. In college, I got to join a lab that studied the biomechanics of how fish swim - all with the intent to create soft robots that were very "fish-like." After college I worked as a technician at a non-profit biotech company and became more passionate about biotech the latest and greatest of science. This experience encouraged me to pursue graduate school, where I am now, 2 years into studying how the immune system functions in human heart failure. After earning my PhD, I hope to work again in a biotech or pharmaceutical company. Outside of the lab, I am passionate about keeping healthy through exercise whether that be through playing sports, running or gym sessions. I played field hockey in college so I still try my hand in the adult pick-up leagues! I also love dogs but don't have one of my own, so I can often be found dog sitting my family or friend's dogs as well as working for two dog walking apps, Rover and Wags!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.
Exploration of Ethics surrounding use of CRISPR Gene Editing
Since its formal discovery in 2012, CRISPR gene editing has become part of main stream media, however constant controversy surrounds its intended use. What laws exist about this type of technology? What has been approved for CRISPR use and what hasn't and how is this determined? How does this differ by country? A hot topic for much debate, and a blurred line that forms between science and proper ethics, this could be a fun research project to explore with lots of online resources to investigate!
Languages I know
EnglishTeaching experience
I am currently mentoring an undergraduate student in my lab who is working for our team full time. I was also a student teaching assistant for a week long intensive lab-based science program with a group of 12 undergraduate students. I also have 10 years of field hockey coaching experience, both in private sessions, small private groups of about 15 players, as well as more formal coaching experience, as I was the assistant field hockey coach for a varsity high school team in 2020.Credentials
Work experience
Addgene - Viral Vectors Team (2018 - 2020)
Research TechnicianTufts University - Tytell Lab (2015 - 2018)
Undergraduate ResearcherEducation
Tufts University
BS Bachelor of Science (2018)
Biology, BiotechnologyTufts University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Biomedical Sciences