Sample Biosketch
I have developed a diverse skill set for analyzing the effects of human
genetic variants on neural cells and circuits. During my graduate training in
the laboratory of Professor ____, I used genetic manipulations and two-photon
microscopy to investigate the neural circuits underlying sensory integration
in fly and mouse models. I then sought to shift my focus to clinically
relevant research, while continuing to utilize my training in genetics and
neuroscientific investigation. Therefore I am pursuing a postdoctoral
fellowship with Professors __ and __ in the ___. My current focus is on
analyzing the effect of a genetic variant at ANK3 associated with bipolar
disorder. My efforts include directed resequencing of GWAS associated genetic
variants at the ANK3 locus, high-resolution Nanostring expression profiling of
splice isoforms in postmortem brain (publication in progress) and development
of assays in iPS-derived neural progenitor cells and neurons. Key skills
include: human genetic, genomic, and expression analysis, molecular biology,
cell culture (iPS, neural, and other), familiarity with fly and mouse model
systems, neural systems imaging (anatomical and functional, i.e. Calcium dye).
These skills position me well for developing and investigating human
iPS-derived models for various neurological and psychiatric variants.
Over the long term, I seek to lead a group using iPS-derived human cellular
material to investigate molecular mechanisms of disease, as well as potential
therapeutic interventions.
