Meet Eman Ageely of the Southern Illinois University. The PhD candidate in Dr. Keith Gagnon’s lab is with us for her first meeting at CSHL: RNA & Oligonucleotide Therapeutics. Her inaugural CSHL meeting participation was made with a bang, presenting a poster entitled: ‘’Probing the Cpf1-crRNA Interaction with Ribochemical Modification’’. Having presented a poster at two other RNA meetings, this wasn’t Eman’s first time presenting a poster. However, at this meeting, she was able to “interact with people from the field of oligonucleotide therapeutics.”
What are your research interests? What are you working on?
I am studying the structure function relationships of CRISPR-Cas12a and investigating the therapeutic applications of CRISPR.
How did you decide to make this the focus of your research?
During my MSc, I observed an article presentation about CRISPR. I was impressed by this new technology and the potential of such technology in the therapeutics field.
How did your scientific journey begin?
Scientifically, my supervisor Dr. Keith Gagnon has influenced me the most. He always set a high standard for science and gives every opportunity to his student go be the best. Also Dr. Ramesh Gupta has been a big impact on me. Personally, my husband Omar has supported me throughout my study.
Was there something specific about the RNA & Oligonucleotide Therapeutics meeting that drew you to attend?
It is a great opportunity to present my research and get to interact with knowledgeable people.
What did you pick up or learn from the meeting that you plan to apply to your work?
This is not my first RNA meeting but it is the first meeting I’ve attended with a focus on oligonucleotides. Thus, I learned about a wide range of oligonucleotide therapeutic applications and technology.
If someone curious in attending this meeting asked you for feedback or advice on it, what would you tell him/her?
I strongly recommended it. One of the things that I learned and I believe is important for any scientist who work with oligonucleotide is to look closely for both the chemistry and clinical aspect of oligonucleotide therapeutic.
What do you like most about your time at CSHL?
The networking experience that accompanied the amazing meeting. Our lab collaborates with Dr. Masad Damha and I finally had the chance to speak with him here; and I enjoyed talking with him.
Thank you to Eman for being this week's featured visitor. To meet other featured scientists - and discover the wide range of science that takes part in a CSHL meeting or course - go here.