Roberto Hernandez, an Integrative Biology PhD student, and fellow lab mate Rubens Tavora recently visited Brown University to learn gene-editing techniques from leaders in the field. Hernandez and Tavora got first-hand instruction from Brown Research Associates Dr. Scott Gratz and Dr. Kate O’Connor-Giles, Associate Professor of Neuroscience, who developed the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique for fruit flies, a powerful technique for investigating the genetic basis of human disease. Hernandez and Tavora both work in the laboratory of Dr. Greg Macleod, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Jupiter Life Science Initiative faculty member. Hernandez is pursuing a Ph.D. through the Integrative Biology-Neuroscience (IBNS) program. Tavora is taking a gap year to prepare for medical school. In the picture to the left, Hernandez is center and Tavora is on the right.
