RNA Featured Researcher — Aaron Slusher, Kinesiology
Aaron L. Slusher, PhD – Pubmed Research
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Ludlow Integrative Molecular Genetics Laboratory
School of Kinesiology
- Who/what brought you to science? Science has always challenged me in the most meaningful way, and I have been fortunate to be associated with great mentors and colleagues to share the excitement for discovery. This has only grown in my current role as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan.
- What are your research interests? I was trained as a stress physiologist where I developed an interest in cellular aging – telomere biology – during my doctoral work. These curiosities lead me to focus more on basic cell biology, and my current research examines the RNA processing mechanisms of a key gene, hTERT, involved in the maintenance of telomere lengths throughout aging and in cancer cells.
- What do you hope is the outcome/impact of your research? RNA science and telomere biology are fascinating fields of study with many outstanding laboratories that have positively impacted human health outcomes. Given this, I am grateful and humbled to work with and learn from other scientists in the field. I am hopeful that my research will enable me to foster meaningful relationships within this community while helping improve the health and well-being of an increasingly aging population.
- What advice would you give to students who’d like to get more involved in research? There are numerous opportunities available for students at the University of Michigan and elsewhere, and I encourage all students to explore these options, ask questions, and to not be afraid of failure. Science is a supportive community and we welcome anyone who shares a desire for continued learning.
- What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I would explore more deeply my interests in cooking and coffee.