SPEAKER - Dulce Vargas Landin

Dulce Vargas Landin (Mexico)

I am using genomic and epigenomic technologies to evaluate the impact of environmental stimuli and L1 (a ?jumping? gene within our genome) mobilisation in the brain. These two mechanisms produce differences in the neural genomes during adult neurogenesis (process in which newborn neurons are generated). This diversity created in neurons could be involved in adult learning and memorising processes. However, these alterations in the neurons may also disturb neural functions that predispose or lead to brain injuries and neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, the characterisation of this heterogeneity within the neurons could give us a better understanding of adult brain function and dysfunction.

I have always been amazed by the diversity of biological organisms and how such variety can be encoded in DNA. It is for this reason I chose a biological career in Genomic Sciences. Then, I fell in love with transposons, which unlike genes they can mobilise within the genome. They comprise almost half of the sequences in the human genome and are involved in genome evolution, diseases, gene functions and more. During my Masters I worked with L1 transposons, which represent 17 per cent of the human genome and are the only active transposon elements in humans. For my PhD, I wanted something that involved my passion of genomics and L1 biology and I got one of the most amazing projects in this area: L1 mobilisation in human brains. This project is not only about my favourite things, but it is also about most complex organ we have, the brain.

My Forrest Research Foundation Scholarship gives me, as a student, stability that allows me to focus just on my research. The Forrest Scholarship has really enhanced my scientific career as I can participate in more conferences and events, giving me the opportunity to present my work to the world and to expand my network for future collaborations.

I think science communication is an essential element in research, and with the Forrest Scholarship I am in the best position to practise it. Moreover, the Forrest Research Foundation Scholarship gives me, as a student, stability that allows me to focus just on my research. This part is really important, as I have seen students neglecting their studies because of money issues.

  • Company:Forrest Scholar
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