RNA Faculty Spotlight – Carlos Andres Aguilar, Biomedical Engineering
Carlos Andres Aguilar, PhD
Assistant Professor
Biomedical Engineering
College of Engineering
The long-term goal of the NOBEL (nano-omic-bio-engineering-laboratory) is to make breakthroughs in medicine and biology that instill hope and inspire others. To accomplish this feat, we develop, optimize and apply innovative technologies such as integrative genomic assays and high-throughput sequencing, micro/nanofabricated devices, genome editing and computational modeling to our primary area of focus, which is skeletal muscle.
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- What are your research interests? I am interested in the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms adult stem cells, particularly in skeletal muscle, use to regenerate tissue and defend against aging.
- Who/what brought you to science? As an undergrad here at Michigan, I had a terrific mentor that galvanized my interest in biology, which led me to do research and then follow that into graduate school.
- What advice would you give to students who’d like to get more involved in research? Dont be afraid to ask or volunteer to get involved with research, and don’t be shy to ask around for help in solving problems.
- Are there any opportunities for students to engage in your projects, currently or in the future? Sure, we are always looking for motivated and bright students to help us in our laboratory. Our lab has active projects in different facets of muscle stem cell biology ranging from understanding chromatin in aging, plasticity of cell fate, interactions with other cell types and how noncoding RNAs change in response to injury.
- What skills would they need, and what could they expect to learn? Basic biology and programming skills are general skills we look for in candidates. An interest in stem cells and skeletal muscle are also bonuses.
- What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? National geographic photographer