Iris M
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at Tufts University

Expertise

Molecular & Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Scientific Writing

Bio

Hello, my name is Iris and I am a PhD student at Tufts University! At Tufts I work on a project centered around protein quality control and peroxisome biogenesis. I graduated from UC Merced in 2017 with a bachelors degree in Molecular and Cell Biology. As an undergraduate I participated in various research opportunities across the U.S. and in Japan. I studied subjects that ranged from physiology to neuroscience. These experiences helped me to develop a great appreciation for the cell and it's cellular networks. Originally, I am from Guanajuato Mexico but, I did most of my studies in California's beautiful Central Valley. Outside of lab I love reading new books, hanging out with my family/friends, talking about politics/public policy, learning languages, and trying out new coffee, espresso, and food places!

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.

Scientific Review-Style Paper

In this project, you will write a scientific review-style paper on a topic of your choice. Topics could range anywhere within biology, from “the history of antibiotics” to “COVID-19 transmissions in Public Transport”. This process will teach you how to find, access, and critically analyze existing scientific literature and how to assemble primary literature into a scientific review. You will gain skills in writing and editing, as well as an in-depth knowledge of your chosen research topic.

Stepping into a Scientist White Coat

Have you ever wanted to be a real-life scientist, but you don’t have your very own lab? In this project, you will design a research project that can be completed at home, gather data, and present that data as either a scientific poster or talk. You will learn about the scientific process, how to construct appropriate figures for your data, and how to communicate your results in a formal presentation.

Languages I know

Spanish

Teaching experience

I have prior experience as a substitute teacher. As a sub I directed students and facilitated their learning in the absence of the regular educator while providing classroom instruction as outlined in curriculum. I created a classroom that was conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students by maintaining a safe and orderly environment. I have also served as a mentor in a research lab to junior student researchers.

Credentials

Work experience

University of Alabama at Birmingham (2015 - 2015)

Research Assistant

Stanford Univeristy (2016 - 2016)

Genetics Scholar

Kagawa Medical University (2017 - 2017)

Research Associate

Genetech (2018 - 2018)

OMNI Intern

Education

University of California Merced (UCM)

BS Bachelor of Science (2017)

Protein Quality Control

Tufts University

PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate