Kepler, Eleni

Current Institution: University of Mary Washington

Hometown: Annandale, Virginia

Fields of Interest:

Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Genetics

Bioinformatics and Genomics

Medical Genetics- Human and Animal

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

Entering my undergraduate degree in Fall 2022, I took a course called “Phage Hunters” where we used the SEA-PHAGES protocol to isolate and characterize bacteriophages from soil samples. After completing Phage Hunters, I began research under the teaching professor and fell in love with genetics and bioinformatics. Later, I joined a lab studying Myotonic Dystrophy Type I and have since been fascinated by RNA biology.

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

Unlike many of the other programs I applied to, the Genetics and Genomic Ph.D. program at Texas A&M was interdisciplinary. While I am sure I want to pursue research in genetics, I still am not entirely bound to one specific topic. I like that this program gives me the opportunity to work with a variety of faculty and projects.

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

Prion biology/pathogenesis and RNA mediated therapies for protein aggregation.

Fun Facts:

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

I play guitar and can draw.

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

I have a tortoiseshell cat named Indy and a Mexican Red Knee tarantula named Lucine (Lulu for short)