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Gabriel M

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Expertise

Gene editing (CRISPR), Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics/Epigenetics, Reproduction/Infertility

Bio

I am a curious scientist most interested in understanding the connection between our health and environment. I recently finished a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology where I studied the role of epigenetics in reproduction. During my PhD work, I gained experience in biochemistry, gene editing, and big data analysis (transcriptomics). I look forward to mentoring the next generation of scientists pursuing these cutting edge topics. In my free time I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding.

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 does your grandparent's environment affect you today?

Accumulating evidence suggests that our environment (exposure to chemicals, microbes, malnutrition, traumatic events) can influence our epigenome (the factors which influence whether or not genes are transcribed). These changes can be passed from one generation to the next and lead to changes in the health and well being of our children and grandchildren. A student could evaluate the evidence for this phenomenon in the context of their chosen health outcome (i.e. metabolism, mental health, life expectancy). The student's research article would inform readers of the impact the environment can have on future generations

Coding skills

MatLab, R

Teaching experience

I have been a teaching assistant for undergraduate Biochemistry and graduate level Cell biology courses for 500+ students. Throughout my Ph.D training, I mentored 8 graduate students and 5 undergraduate students one-on-one. These trainees have been accepted in prestigious graduate programs at institutions such as MIT and the University of Michigan. They have also published at least 3 first author research articles in scientific journals such as Molecular Cell and ELife. I have also taught Epigenetics to 250+ high school students across 10 different schools through the Michigan DNA Day outreach program.

Credentials

Work experience

University of Michigan (2020 - 2022)
Graduate Student Instructor
University of Washington (2015 - 2016)
Teaching Assistant

Education

University of Washington
BS Bachelor of Science (2016)
Biochemistry
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
PhD Doctor of Philosophy (2023)
Epigenetics of Reproduction

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