Fatma Ozair

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

Interpreting and comprehending research papers when I first started my undergrad education was difficult. It was not until I started taking genetics-related courses that I finally started to understand the concepts behind the papers that I was assigned to read. I could see how the topics that I was learning directly applied to real-world research to better understand the genetic code and its modifications.

Why did you choose the Genetics & Genomics Ph.D. program at A&M?

The two main reasons that the Genetics PhD program at A&M stuck out to me were the interdisciplinary aspect of it and the community that it encompasses. During undergrad, I enjoyed taking classes to fulfill my entrepreneurship minor and Spanish certificate. The fact that the Genetics PhD program offers interdisciplinary pathways was a great factor. Additionally, the positive energy that the faculty and students displayed during the recruitment events made me feel very comfortable. Having a motivating environment surrounded by inspired individuals was definitely a determining factor for my decision.

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

My main research experience was within a lab focused on collecting and extracting Vitis vinifera metabolites from Texas vineyards to compare the production of different wine cultivars based on various components including, but not limited to, the following: growing month, barrel material, and sun exposure. Through this process, a classification system for different wine varietals can also be created to standardize wines based on their metabolites for a particular growing region. This research mostly involves untargeted metabolomics, however, I would love to apply my knowledge of wine chemistry to better understand and work with plant genetics to enhance the production of targeted metabolites within the plant.

Fun Facts:

Who was your famous role model growing up?

Growing up, I would spend hours watching Hannah Montana. Miley’s talent and wittiness were undeniable on and off the screen. After seeing her live in 2021, I had even more respect for the work ethic that she had possessed since she started her career at the young age of fourteen. It was truly a moment that healed my inner child. The fact that she has maintained her success for so long despite being scrutinized by the public eye reveals that she is living for her passions and won’t let anything stop her.

Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they.

I love arts and crafts, and I have been DIY-ing things since I was a child. I remember spending hours watching Youtube tutorials on creating clothing and furniture for my dolls when I was in elementary school. Although I don’t have as much time for these kinds of hobbies, I often enjoy crocheting, creating clay jewelry, and making small decor whenever I have breaks.