Profile – Genomics Zone

Work History

Education:

Michigan State University (2010-2017), Middle East Technical University-Turkey (2003-2010)
Qualifications:

PhD in Genetics, MS in Biotechnology, BS in Food Engineering
Work History:

Research and teaching assistant at Michigan State University
Current Job:

Research Assistant
Employer:

Michigan State University

My Work:

I use biological data, information from >20,000 genes and try to make sense about gene regulation and function in the model plant
My Typical Day:

Write computer code, interact with my labmates and discuss science
What I'd do with the prize money:

Spend on supplies for science demonstrations (activities like DNA extraction from fruits, Fossil hunt game, Code like a girl) that I do with Graduate Women in Science Mid-Michigan Chapter and Genetics Program at MSU
Read more

DNA extraction from fruits

Code like a girl

Plants and pollinators, did you know bats act as pollinators as well?

My Interview
- How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
  
  curious, impatient, friendly
  
  What's the best thing you've done in your career?
  
  Science demonstrations at local middle schools as well as at the USA Science & Engineering Festival in DC
  
  What or who inspired you to follow your career?
  
  Interestingly, my high school English teacher inspired me to become a scientist in the sense that she motivated me to ask questions and be curious
  
  What was your favorite subject at school?
  
  Math and biology
  
  What did you want to be after you left school?
  
  Medical doctor, nutritionist, food scientist
  
  Were you ever in trouble at school?
  
  Not that I remember
  
  If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
  
  Food engineer
  
  Who is your favorite singer or band?
  
  Queen, The Beatles
  
  What's your favorite food?
  
  Fries, dumplings, stuffed grape leaves, mala hot pot. Hard to pick just one! :)
  
  What is the most fun thing you've done?
  
  Travelled to Singapore and Malaysia, loved the food and the weather
  
  If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
  
  Travel to many countries, sequence and analyze my genome, have infinite resources to accomplish my wishes :)
  
  Tell us a joke.
  
  If you’re not part of the solution you’re part of the precipitate…

View all Sahra's answered questions