Maiko K
- Research Program Mentor
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Expertise
All biology, cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, genetics, creative writing, science communication
Project ideas
How do cells divide perfectly every single time?
Most students have seen a movie of a dividing cell in biology class, but how does the cell actually accomplish that? Moreover, how does the cell divide perfectly and faithfully every time so that no genetic material is lost? What happens if this process makes mistakes and you lose DNA? This project will provide a window into the complex dance that our cells are capable of. You'll discover pathways, key molecules, a huge molecular machine called the mitotic spindle, and learn how this process affects diseases such as cancer along the way. You could write a research paper, a blog post (or two!), or let your creative mind shine through art, public speaking, etc - this project can work for all types of end goals :)
The intersection of science and creativity
Biology offers so many cool things to think about - some that you can see under a microscope, and others that you learn through techniques in the lab. It can also provide creative inspiration too! In this project, you'll learn to see science through a different lens and use your creative skills to explore a scientific topic of interest. If you're worried that your creative mind won't be compatible with your analytical, scientific mind, this is the project for you!