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My projects are focused on understanding the fundamentals of how multicellular organisms process information and respond to genetic and environmental change. This, in turn, requires identification and analysis of intercellular variation. Cellular heterogeneity is evident from the various cell types that make up our bodies, yet elements that manifest genomic diversity are seldom annotated and questions of their biogenesis and function remain largely unanswered. Thus, we often assume that all cells within an organism operate according to the same static genome. My work, a fusion of biophysics and genomics, challenges this assumption by providing evidence for cell-type-specific, programmed genomic heterogeneity at a number of previously assumed-to-be static genomic elements.

The quality of the scientific-research enterprise, and its ability to meet the needs of, and positively impact the lives of individuals, communities, nations, and the world is inextricably linked to the individuals/scientists involved. Each person’s unique life experiences yields a unique approach to novel problems. As a result, diversity is essential to success in the sciences, yet there have been systemic barriers to minorities (underrepresented with respect to race, ethnicity, or gender) who wish to enter STEM careers. My commitment to and philosophy of diversity and inclusion is a reflection of my experiences as a woman, as an immigrant, and as a researcher, who has worked in multiple laboratories and collaborated with scientists of different backgrounds. It is also a product of my commitment to social justice.