Genetics/Genomics PhD
Hey everybody. I've been watching this community since fall of last year. It was very helpful reading everyone's experiences last year and it has definitely helped me this year while I apply. I also know this is the time when the community gets flooded with SOP's. Anyway, I thought I would add mine for anyone helpful enough to take a quick look.
My experience with genetics began in high school and was limited to the drawing of punnet squares. This method of teaching genetic theory allowed me to determine the relative distribution of phenotypes in a given set of offspring, but limited my ability to understand the practical applicability behind the exercise. At the time, I saw no significant advantage in being able to predict what color the flowers of a pea plant would be. It was the lack of depth that prevented me from moving beyond the single organism phenotype and connecting it to the larger concept of inheritance. It wasn’t until college that I began to understand the biological mechanisms involved in the distribution of genetic information. This added depth augmented my fascination with genetics. As well, it facilitated my introduction to genomic technology and the benefits it provides in regards to the generation of data. By enrolling in the Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Awesome I hope to utilize the knowledge I’ve gained in genetics and genomics to further research being done in the area of gene regulation.
Prior to the completion of my college genetics class, I asked to get involved with the research of the professor, Dr. X of Undergraduate University. My project used PCR to characterize the structure of the Lamin C gene in order to determine how the insertion and excision of a transposon affected gene sequence. This project was used to help model the pathology of human laminopathies, such as in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), using Drosophila melanogaster. Because D. melanogaster expresses lamin proteins similar to those found in humans, it serves as a useful paradigm for studying lamin biology. Understanding the biological mechanisms involved in human laminopathies is vital to the creation of therapies.
Participating in research that put genetic theory into practice for the purpose of improving the human condition was especially satisfying given my lack of understanding and appreciation for the subject only a few years before. Research forced me to go beyond the basics I had learned in class. It was no longer enough to be able to interpret an electrophoretic gel or memorize the general structure of a given gene. Performing research taught me how to connect these biological principles and ultimately figure out how gene structure had changed in response to a transposon.
In an attempt to diversify my undergraduate research experience I assisted Dr. Y of Undergraduate University with her study on the TRANSMITTING-TISSUE SPECIFIC (TTS) protein found in Petunia inflata. TTS protein was extracted from the pistils of P. inflata and identified using SDS-PAGE methodology. Furthermore, the physical and structural properties of the protein were analyzed using bioinformatic software and online programs. The TTS protein of P. inflata was of particular interest because of its putative role in reproduction and pistil-pollen self-incompatibility. Since P. inflata belongs to the same family as potatoes and tomatoes, both agriculturally important crops, understanding the mechanisms behind reproduction could lead to advances in crop production. Although Dr. Y’s lab provided me with valuable research experience in protein biology, I couldn’t find the same enthusiasm for the subject matter. I came to the realization that my passions were more compatible with the fields of genetics and biomedical research.
It was later in my academic career that my genomics class introduced me to a field that could make the connections that were possible with genetics, but in numbers that were orders of magnitude greater. Intrigued by the power of functional genomics, I subsequently petitioned my genomics professor to let me complete my senior research paper on the yeast two-hybrid assay. However, simply learning about and researching the capabilities of genomics wasn’t enough. Following graduation, I gained employment at Cool Company, a biotechnology company which utilizes genomic based methods for drug discovery. My primary responsibilities at the company lie in the extraction lab where I homogenize tissue and isolate total RNA. As well, I’ve had experience in the quality control and microarray labs. Working at Cool Company has taught me a great deal about the methods and technology used in modern genomic laboratories and how they can be used to generate a wealth of information. For example, by isolating total RNA from tissue, we are later able to determine which genes are being expressed in a specific tissue type.
Upon matriculation to graduate school I would like to continue using genomic methodology to better elucidate the processes involved in gene regulation. Only a small percentage of the human genome is transcribed in any given cell. I’m interested in learning about the different methods of regulation that prevent the majority of the human genome from being transcribed. Especially of interest is the portion of the human genome that consists of preserved viral DNA. If at one point they were capable of utilizing our ancestor’s transcriptional machinery to replicate, what is repressing that ability now? I believe I would benefit significantly from the guidance of such faculty members as Dr. A of the Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research and Dr. B given their knowledge of gene regulation and genomic technology. Additionally, I believe Dr. C would be an important influence given her knowledge of viral gene regulation and replication.
By continuing my education at the University of Awesome in the Biomedical Sciences program, I would have a wonderful opportunity to work in state of the art facilities under faculty that are the foremost authorities in their field. Matriculation would also move me one step closer to becoming a university professor. Given my experience as an undergraduate teaching assistant for 10 labs ranging from introductory biology to upper division genetics, I’ve learned that teaching is another passion in addition to research. Becoming a university professor would allow me partake in both. Hopefully, I will be able to instill in my pupils an appreciation for genetics and genomics the same way my professors instilled it into me.
Anyway, best of luck to everybody and should things not work out I like to think of a favorite quote of mine:
"Everything is for the best, we live in the best of all possible worlds."