Luca Henze

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

I don’t believe it was a specific point in life, it was a cumulative sense of curiosity about life’s wonders. Yet, it was something that I had since a child, as I questioned how to “cure death”. Later, it was clear to me that a lab would be my space to discover the mechanisms of life, and how this is conserved through genetics.

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

A program so interdisciplinary and broad as A&M is very unique, as having so many scientists from different areas who are willing to be part of my career growth. The resources outside the curriculum, along with the network, are key to my professional development. And on top of that, during my TAMU SURGe summer experience, I got to reassure my path to grad school, being guided by wonderful people from administration, faculty, and students alike.

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

This a tough question, but I would like to study the symbiosis of single organisms and their microbiome, which indeed has a huge impact on the life success of their host. How host-pathogen relationships can be redefined as a vital coexistence, and understanding how this can improve our health.

Fun Facts:

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

In the short term, I would like to volunteer for Cochrane reviews, helping in the access and compilation of the research already done to look over health practices and how to improve them. Eventually, I see myself as the guidance side of new scientists, as a professor, mentor, or that lab technician who sparks your intellect for new science.

Favorite place you have traveled to.

Costa Rica, it was a great experience to adventure into the wildness of the rain forest, and the ocean to the next level, while being a substitute teacher assistant for a short time, a crazy and worthy adventure indeed.

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

I have shared my home with so many animals since I was a child that I cannot name them all. My two more significant companions are my orange cat Tom and my horse Merlin.