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Willson, Austin
Current Institution: University of Texas at Austin
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Fields of Interest:
Bioinformatics and Genomics
Conservation & Population Genetics
Medical Genetics- Human and Animal
When and how did you realize that you wanted to study Genetics & Genomics?
As I navigated my time as an undergraduate, I had exciting opportunities in various labs around campus which studied topics ranging from dolphin sperm motility to population biology of shark species. While each experience was valuable in shaping who I am, I realized I found my niche once I joined the Marine Genomics Lab. I felt genuinely happy to enter the lab and perform procedures such as DNA extractions and amplifications which showed me how much I enjoyed this field. Since this experience, I have continued to read relevant literature and expand my understanding of genetics which has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in this field.
Why did you choose the Genetics & Genomics Ph.D. program at A&M?
Texas A&M University has an amazing group of graduate students and professors who continue to make exciting discoveries and progress to the field of genetics and genomics. There are many faculty in this program who I share research interests with along the lines of phylogenetics, biogeography, and comparative genomics. Additionally, from my recruitment event I have seen how this program contains a supportive group of fellow graduate students and program staff who all want to help us succeed.
If you were free to choose anything, what research question/topic would you like to address for your graduate studies?
My goal in my graduate studies is to study phylogenetics and comparative genomics to better understand the evolutionary history and diversification of various groups of animals. I think it’s so interesting how we can reconstruct these evolutionary relationships using genetic tools to create species-level taxonomic trees which explain how and why different species formed, spread, specialized, and how they are related to each other.
Fun Facts:
What would be your dream job after graduation from the program?
My immediate dream job is to become a postdoc so I can continue working toward my goal of becoming a professor. I love teaching people things, whether it’s about resonance in my organic chemistry class, or how my grandma can use the TV remote. As a professor, I would feel rewarded conducting research while being able to help guide other my own students.
Do you have any pets? If so, please tell us about them.
I have two cats named Lily and Misty. I keep aquariums and reptiles such as poison dart frogs, crested geckos, corn snakes, and rough green snakes.
