Anthony J. Matarazzo

When and how did you realize that you wanted to study Genetics?

I wanted to be an engineer until my senior year of high school when we scratched the surface of molecular genetics in AP Biology. Ever since I’ve been passionate about discovering the mechanisms that govern our genetic expression and using this knowledge to improve lives.

Why did you choose the Genetics PhD program at A&M?

The interdisciplinary nature of TAMU’s program is what convinced me to become an Aggie. In my experience, collaboration is an integral part of successful science, and I wanted to pursue my doctoral degree in an environment that promotes this mentality.

If you were free to choose anything, what research question/topic would you like to address for your graduate studies?

My previous work and current passion revolve around how the environment impacts inherited neurological diseases. If I could choose any topic, I would love to determine how an individual’s environment impacts the expression of these genes.

Fun Facts:

Who was your famous role model growing up?

Adam Savage, one of the hosts for Discovery Channel’s show “Mythbusters”, is who I credit with sparking my interest in science. Adam stood out from the rest of the Mythbusters because he went out of his way to wear incredible costumes to accompany the experiments they conducted. Growing up watching him use the scientific method to explore exciting topics while getting to be creative and have fun simultaneously made me want to find a career where I could do the same.

Favorite place you have travelled to.

As part of my BA in Anthropology I had the opportunity to study abroad in Sodo, Ethiopia. While we were excavating an ancient human occupation site, I was able to experience and participate in a culture much more interesting than my own.

Sodo, Ethiopia