Mathias M
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at University of Illinois at Chicago
Expertise
Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cellular Biology, Molecular systems biology, Metabolic pathways, Microbiology, Bacteriology, Virology, Oncology, Epigenetics, Extracellular Matrix, Tumor Microenvironment, Protein-Protein Interaction, Imaging and Microscopy.
Bio
Hello! My name is Mathias and I've spent my career building up the skills to be a well rounded and grounded scientist. In my training at UIUC and UIC I sought mentors where I can learn how to think like a scientist but more importantly how to be a productive, yet understanding mentor. At UIUC, I was able to take part in two research projects: (1) studying bacterial toxins in effort to use them as a delivery method for therapeutics (2) Studying where HIV likes to hides in the gut and identifying cell types. While in these research lab, I gained an appreciation for the need of efficiency and organization while studying, performing research and avoiding burn out. All of which are things I am mindful of when working with students. In graduate school at UIC I studied how transcription factors tell the cell to make protective elements called proteoglycans. More specifically how this gets disrupted in prostate cancer, leading to cell vulnerability. Here I had the opportunity to practice working with high school and undergraduate students to not only perform the experiments but learn how to write effective, meaningful and clear thoughts about their research. My students went on to win various symposia, conferences and I was honored to include two of them on a body of work I was working on. While I have worked to develop a wide skill set, my research interests do have one thing in common - a good puzzle. Biology is incredibly dynamic and often involves lots of components so when faced with a problem its important that the actual research portion of it is engaging - like a good puzzle! Outside of the research I have two very adorable dogs, Coby and Penny, who take up most of my time. I tend a vegetable garden and practice the piano and French horn when I can. Of course being the scientist I am, I also have a special love of baking and cooking which really is just edible chemistry!Project ideas
Genetic evolution
A project involving genetic evolution involved studying the differences between a gene of interest. Often times, these studies branch to multiple organisms and involve understanding functions of proteins. This project could result in a review paper, slide deck, or science fair entry.
Mutation frequency between cancer subtypes
There are often several understudied genes in the field of cancer biology. Scientists need to have a reason to study a gene, so lets give them one! Using publicly available data we can create a data base where we look at the commonalities and differences between cancers and cancer subtypes to see if anything stands out. This project can help students learn or strengthen their data analysis skills while also learning more about the field of cancer biology.