Benjamin Thomas

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

I realized I wanted to study genetics when I was applying to Texas A&M as an undergraduate. When scrolling through the available majors, I changed from chemical engineering to genetics. I remembered how excited I was after watching a video about the manipulation of hox genes in fruit flies and chicken being able to grow teeth due to a mutation.

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

I choose this program because I know about the great research projects that are available. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the program, we are not restricted to only working with GENE professors. I am able to explore other departments and their related work.

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

I would like to learn more about the stability of transgenes inserted into organisms.
▪ Observe what mutations occurred just to insert the transgene
▪ Understand the effect that certain stressors have on the transgene and its rna or protein product
▪ Figure out how to utilize this information and create/engineer a more stable transgene to ensure the proper product

Fun Facts:

Who was your famous role model growing up?

My famous role model was and is Lebron James. Strive for greatness each day.

What would be your dream job after graduation from the program?

My dream job would be in an R&D program for a pharmaceutical industry.

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

I’m pretty good at basketball and photoshop.

Do you have any pets? If so, please tell us about them.

I don’t own any pets, but I am interested in owning an ant or isopod colony.

Favorite place you have travelled to.

My favorite place that I have travelled to is Port Aransas. They have good fishing spots.