Nelson, Raegan
Current Institution: Iowa State University
Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa
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?
I first realized I wanted to study genetics after being introduced to the subject in my middle school Biology class. Growing up, I was around a lot of plant breeders which gave me the opportunity to observe basic gene mapping firsthand, which further strengthened my interest in the field. Once I got to college, I was determined to explore Genetics from multiple perspectives, so I became involved in both human and animal research.
Why did you choose the Genetics & Genomics Ph.D. program at A&M?
I really enjoyed how many opportunities there were within the Genetics program at Texas A&M. When I interviewed, I was really impressed with how close the Genetics community was. When I had questions about the classes or research topics, all of the graduate students were very willing to talk about their experiences or point me in the direction of people who knew more about it.
If you were free to choose anything, what research question/topic would you like to address for your graduate studies?
If I were free to choose any research topic, I would like to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive disease. More specifically, my interests include cell communication and migration, as well as the role of epigenetic regulation in disease progression and therapeutic development.
Fun Facts:
What would be your dream job after graduation from the program?
My dream job after earning a PhD in genetics would be to work in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry in a consulting or regulatory role focused on gene therapies and emerging therapeutics. I would like to help guide the development, regulation, and implementation of new treatments and therapeutics as they develop and become more widespread.
Favorite place you have travelled to.
I really enjoyed Barcelona Spain, especially seeing Park Güell and Sagrada Familia