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Devon S

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at Harvard University

Expertise

Genetics, biochemistry, gene editing, molecular biology, directed evolution.

Bio

My background is in chemistry and biology with a side of coding, and I plan to work on the next generation of therapeutic and industrial applications of biotechnology. I just finished a PhD in molecular biology and biochemistry at Harvard University, joint between Ethan Garner and George Church. In 2015 I got my Bachelors in Science at Harvey Mudd College, doing a joint major in Chemistry and Biology. I've done a several research projects over the years, at Yale, Rice and more.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Next-generation sequencing analysis

In this project, you will learn about biological library generation for protein engineering, variant analysis and more. You will write python code to analyze sequencing data from different stages of various library-based experiments, analyzing for enriched and de-enriched sequences. You will write short-form reports for one to three input data-sets, reporting on library profile and enriched variants.

Techniques in Gene Editing, Directed Evolution or Protein Engineering

In this project you will do exploratory reading and pick one of three topic areas. You will then do a literature survey for common techniques in the area and write an article in the style of Current Opinion in Biotechnology. This article should focus on advantages and disadvantages of various approaches, and the different contexts in which each is appropriate.

Coding skills

Python

Teaching experience

I was a teaching assistant for 2 years in Harvard, teaching both introductory and advanced biochemistry courses. I have also been the primary mentor for one undergraduate student and secondary mentor for two more in the laboratory setting.

Credentials

Work experience

Yale University (2014 - 2014)
Summer Research Assistant
Rice University (2013 - 2013)
Summer Research Intern
Harvey Mudd College (2012 - 2012)
Summer Research Intern
University of Colorado (2009 - 2010)
Volunteer Summer Intern

Education

Harvey Mudd College
BS Bachelor of Science (2015)
Biochemistry
Harvard University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

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