School of Medicine
Showing 1-10 of 31 Results
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Lucia Aronica
Casual - Non-Exempt, Medicine - Med/Stanford Prevention Research Center
BioFor over fifteen years, my research has focused on epigenetics - how environmental factors can influence gene activity and health outcomes. Unlike fixed genetics, epigenetic modifications are flexible and can store cellular memories from diet, stress, toxins, etc. This offers exciting potential for personalized health, as epigenetic markers can reveal susceptibility for exposure-driven diseases like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
I currently lead epigenetic analysis for the DIETFITS study by Dr. Christopher Gardner, the largest trial ever on low carb versus low fat diets for weight loss. My goal is to understand how weight loss alters gene activity through epigenetic changes, and whether these biomarkers can guide personalized diet strategies.
I also teach Nutritional Genomics at Stanford Continuing Studies, Stanford Sports Medicine, and the Stanford Center for Professional Development. As an award-winning science communicator, I use innovative formats like digital drawings to explain complex epigenetics concepts.
Additionally, I serve as an advisor to personal genomics companies, self-tracking technology startups, and investors in precision health research. I am passionate about translating epigenetics into practical lifestyle advice to optimize wellbeing. -
Cat Fergesen
Masters Student in Symbolic Systems, admitted Autumn 2020
Casual Employee, Medicine - Med/Stanford Prevention Research CenterBioCat Fergesen is an undergraduate student studying Computer Science with a focus on data science and bioethics. Cat is currently a research assistant at the Palmer Lab in the department of Bioengineering and has previously worked as a research assistant in public health discourse with the Center for Spatial and Textual Analysis (CESTA). Cat is also the Co-director of the Huntington’s Outreach Project for Education at Stanford (HOPES), a non-profit, student-led organization that raises awareness for Huntington’s Disease and provides educational resources to Huntington’s Disease patients, caregivers, and their families. Cat has been a Humanities Research Intensive Fellow (HRI) through Stanford University and is currently a Learning Engineering and Education Data Science Fellow through UC Berkeley and Schmidt Futures.