Paola Najera

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

I realized I wanted to study Genetics when I took my first Genetics course as a sophomore in college. Working as a research assistant in a genetics lab was what really convinced me I wanted to go to graduate school to study genetics.

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

I chose Texas A&M based on the faculty I met during the recruitment weekend. Additionally, the certificate in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology was another major factor that helped me choose TAMU.

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

I would love any research related to the genetic mechanisms responsible for sex determination.

Fun Facts:

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

I have 3 cats. An older cat named Elphaba, and two younger cats (from the same litter) named Peaches and Mango.

Favorite place you have traveled to.

My favorite place that I’ve traveled to is Chicago. The Art Institute of Chicago was amazing. I would love another chance to go.