Mike Lopez, who graduated from New Mexico State University in fall 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, is one of 10 post-baccalaureate genome analysts selected for a national genomic research fellowship starting July 1. (Courtesy photo)
Source: NMSU News Release
DATE: June 27, 2024
WRITER: Chloe D. Dunlap, 575-646-1614, chloedun@nmsu.edu
Mike Lopez graduated from New Mexico State University in fall 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and minors in biology and bioinformatics. Starting July 1, he will work as one of 10 post-baccalaureate genome analysts selected for the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)-National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Genomics and Public Service Fellowship. NHGRI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the next two years.
“I believe this opportunity is going to help boost my credibility as a scientist and help take me closer towards my future goals,” said Lopez. “My personal and professional goals center around human genomics. I am focused on how I can try to help improve personalized healthcare, whether that be through making it more accessible to more of the general population or improving upon its accuracy.”
Ten fellows have been selected as part of a new expanded program for graduate and post-baccalaureate fellowships continuing two prestigious graduate-level fellowships in genetics and public policy, genetics education and engagement, and adding a third fellowship in genomics communications. The new post-baccalaureate fellowship provides additional fellows training opportunities at an earlier stage of their careers.
“NHGRI is delighted to partner with ASHG in establishing the Genomics and Public Service Fellowship Program and welcoming our inaugural class of fellows,” said NHGRI Director Eric Green, MD, PhD. “The future of genomics depends on recruiting and training a rainbow of career professionals, including those with expertise in education, communications, policy, scientific programming and beyond. We are excited to help provide the next generation of genetics and genomics professionals with experiences and exposures that will help them navigate their career journeys.”
As a post-baccalaureate genome analyst, Lopez will work with program directors from the NHGRI Extramural Research Program to see how genomics research, the study of genes, is funded and conducted, as well as how findings from this research are shared within and around the scientific community.
Computational biology uses data and genome analysis, mathematical modeling and computational simulations to understand biological systems. Learning about these differences and changes in genetic makeup can lead to the discovery of treatments for various diseases. Lopez plans to pursue a Ph.D. in computational biology, focused on the use of genomics to impact personalized healthcare.
A Las Cruces native, Lopez chose NMSU to stay close to his family and because both his parents were Aggies. A sense of connection and encouragement opened the path to pursue genomics research. After a lengthy application process and two extensive interviews, Lopez credits professors and programs at NMSU for helping him win the prestigious fellowship.
“In my junior year, I joined the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program where my amazing mentor Donovan Bailey (NMSU biology professor) taught me how bioinformatics is used in research and showed me how to be an effective researcher,” Lopez said. “After joining the program, I had opportunities to travel all across the country and give research presentations.”
The MARC Program has since been replaced by the Undergraduate Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (U-RISE) Program. Similarly to MARC, NMSU’s U-RISE program promotes broad participation in the biomedical research workforce by strengthening research training environments and expanding the pool of well-trained students. This year, the program received a 5-year, $1.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, underscoring its success in training students like Lopez.
“I can’t say enough about the amazing faculty I’ve met at NMSU,” Lopez said. “The dedication they have for their students and passion for amazing research has inspired me to strive for greatness in my own research as well as my personal and professional goals.”
