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Tram N

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at Cornell University

Expertise

genomics, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, computational genomics, data science, population genetics, conservation biology, microbiome research

Bio

I am a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Harvard Medical School in the Center for Computational Biomedicine. I earned my PhD from Cornell University, where I was awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP) from the National Science Foundation. Prior to that, I completed my Bachelor of Science degree at UC Berkeley. At Harvard, I help develop software packages that empower researchers to analyze and visualize their experimental data. During my doctoral studies, I delved into the fascinating world of population genetics. Specifically, I studied how population decline impacts the genetic diversity of endangered bird species. Additionally, I explored the intricate connections between host genetic diversity, microbial communities, and pathogen loads using whole-genome sequences. Outside of academia, I have also worked in both the biotechnology and non-profit sectors. I really enjoy sharing my experiences, and with my extensive background, I can guide you not only in practical skills but also provide valuable career advice. If this resonates with you, I’m thrilled to collaborate on a project!

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.

Explore How Aging Reprograms the Brain

Aging is a natural process that affects all living organisms. But what exactly happens to our brains as we get older? The brain is complex and made up of many different types of cells, making it difficult to study and tease apart. Fortunately, a new technology called single-cell sequencing has revolutionized the scientific field, allowing researchers to investigate all the details of individual cells and what they do. In this project, you will 1) learn about single-cell sequencing and how aging can reprogram our brain, and 2) investigate a single-cell sequencing data set of your choice with bioinformatic tools. There are countless single-cell studies to explore, so this project is designed to fit the student’s interest and curiosity!

Genetic Consequences of Population Decline in Endangered Species

Species are vanishing at an alarming rate due to significant challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. As population sizes plummet, the genetic diversity of the animals is also lost. Genetic diversity is crucial because it provides the raw material for adaptation, resilience against diseases, and long-term survival. Therefore, understanding the genomic consequences associated with population decline in endangered species is essential for making conservation decisions. In this project, you will not only 1) practice critical research skills, including formulating and testing hypotheses, but also 2) explore scientific literature to gain a basic foundation in population genetics and conservation biology. Additionally, you will 3) learn computational skills to analyze a whole-genome dataset from an endangered species of your choice, enabling you to explore questions related to genetic diversity, inbreeding, and disease.

Coding skills

R, linux, python, machine learning

Languages I know

Vietnamese, proficient

Teaching experience

For several years, I served as a mentor to an undergraduate student on a long-term research project focusing on bioinformatic techniques to explore the impact of inbreeding and population decline on avian immunity. I supervised the research and also taught practical computational and scientific writing skills. Additionally, I led labs and classes as a TA during my PhD, covering topics in Ecology, Genetics, and Immunity. Lastly, I served as a graduate mentor, supporting underrepresented students through the graduate school application process to promote equality and diversity in STEM fields.

Credentials

Work experience

Predicine Inc. (2023 - 2023)
Computational Biology Intern
UCSD School of Medicine (2015 - 2016)
Bioinformatics Intern
San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research (2015 - 2016)
Research Assistant in the Genetics Division
Harvard Medical School (2023 - Current)
Postdoctoral Researcher

Education

University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
BS Bachelor of Science (2015)
Conservation Biology
Cornell University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy (2023)
Evolutionary Biology

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