Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, what are you studying, and what sparked your interest in science?

I am originally from Pakistan and entering my senior years at Minerva University, where I study Natural Science and Computer Science. Over the summer, I interned in the lab of Julia Zeiltinger, Ph.D., exploring gene regulation and chromatin through experimental and computational approaches. This research could help us understand how the way DNA is packaged affects whether a gene is turned on or off. By studying nucleosome positions across the yeast genome, we can learn how these positions change and control access to genes. In the future, this knowledge may help scientists develop methods to deliberately change DNA packaging so that specific genes can be activated or silenced. This could make genetic engineering more precise and support future applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

My interest in science began during childhood visits to my father’s laboratory supply office, where preserved butterflies, lizards, and other specimens sparked my curiosity in biology. I now hope to use genomics and computational methods to better understand the information encoded within our DNA.

⁠What made you apply to the Stowers Graduate School Summer Scholars Program?

I applied to the Stowers Summer Scholars Program for its immersive research environment, close mentorship, and collaborative culture. I was especially excited to study gene regulation in the Zeitlinger Lab where I could strengthen my experimental thinking and scientific communication.

What research are you working on this summer?

I am using a technique called DAF-seq to study how DNA interacts with the proteins that control access to genes. In simple terms, I am identifying which parts of DNA are exposed and which are covered, because this can determine whether a gene can be turned on or off. By examining individual DNA molecules, the project can reveal differences in gene regulation that may be hidden when results are averaged across many molecules.