Sam Meraj

I am a dedicated PhD student working in Dr. Gerhard Gries's laboratory, where my research is centered on the immunology of insect vectors, design and identification of antimicrobial peptides and bioinformatics. For outreach,with the guidance and support of Cynthia Hensen and Peter Hollmann, I have had the opportunity to design and lead molecular biology workshops. These workshops teach techniques such as gel electrophoresis of DNA, PCR product analysis, and the use of micropipettes to run gels. We've recently expanded our educational offerings to include cell decision-making and are in the process of developing more comprehensive molecular biology workshops.

What got you into outreach programming?

My journey into outreach programming was sparked by Cynthia Hansen and Dr. Peter Hollman, who introduced me to this fulfilling and impactful field. They advertised the potential of these programs and motivated me to contribute to this educational opportunity.

What do you enjoy most about reaching out to young people or the public?

What I find most rewarding in my outreach efforts is the ability to make genetics and science accessible and engaging to young students. My goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists by exposing them to the fascinating world of genetics and demonstrating that science is an inclusive field, open and achievable for all who have curiosity and passion.

What advice do you have for a young person wanting to pursue outreach as a part of a science?

For young individuals aiming to pursue outreach in science, my advice is simple: Just reach out. There is an abundance of opportunities waiting for those who are eager to share their knowledge of science. By stepping forward, you can open doors not only for yourself but also for those whose lives you may touch with your teaching.

If you could meet one famous person for coffee who would it be?

In terms of inspiration, I would be thrilled to meet Michael I. Jordan, whose work in Bayesian statistics has been pivotal in advancing machine learning. Additionally, Elon Musk stands as a figure of interest for his revolutionary ideas and contributions to technology and space exploration. The opportunity to have a conversation with either of them over coffee would be a dream come true, allowing me to glean insights from their experiences at the intersection of technology, innovation, and science.