RNA JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 

Morghan Lucas(Returning Postdoc Representative)

G’day! Originally from Australia, I am the Co-lead of R&D at the diagnostic clinic Medical Genetics Centre (MGZ) in Munich and a visiting scientist at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) Hospital Clinic and Friedrich-Baur-Institut (FBI). My current work focuses on developing molecular diagnostic tests for various diseases, with a special interest in long-read sequencing technologies. Before transitioning to industry, I completed a PhD at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona. As the first Junior RNA Society committee member from industry, I am excited to bridge academia and applied research, fostering collaboration and supporting junior scientists exploring diverse career paths. I joined to give back to this wonderful scientific community that has supported me throughout my career and to advocate for life-work balance and diversity, equity, and inclusion in RNA research.

Hey’all, I’m a Postdoc at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, investigating the exciting regulatory potential of 3’ UTRs in vertebrates, including during early zebrafish development. During my PhD in Developmental Biology at Stanford University I became fascinated by RNA while studying Alternative Polyadenylation in the Drosophila male germline.

Aside from hunting down functional elements in UTRs, I am part of the Executive Board for KC RiBS (a reference to Kansas City’s amazing BBQ scene) – Researchers in Biomedical Science – where we organize events promoting professional development, outreach and networking in the KC area and I am proud to lead Stowers’ LGBTQIA+ group. I aim to foster more connections between the RNA trainee community, from all backgrounds, as a Junior Scientist Representative. I also love baking (macarons are my current obsession), playing tennis and watching too much of the Drag Race universe.

Christian Ramirez  (Incoming Graduate Student Representative)

Ciao! I am a PhD candidate at the RNA and Disease Data Science Lab led by Prof. Toma Tebaldi at the University of Trento, Italy. I am passionate about harnessing computational strategies to explore biological systems. My primary focus is understanding how RNA modifications influence RNA structure and interactions, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of disease. As a Junior Scientist Representative, my aim is to make the large, complex RNA community feel more accessible and welcoming, helping new researchers feel supported in this field. When I’m not analyzing data, I enjoy reading, watching movies and tv shows, and playing table tennis.

Hello from Winnipeg, Manitoba. I am a PhD Candidate studying the impact of genetic variation on mRNA splicing regulation in the Xie RNA Lab, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Canada. Beyond research, I lead Shaping African Women in STEM, a non-profit organization based in Nigeria and Canada dedicated to empowering and inspiring African women to pursue and thrive in STEM careers. As a Junior Scientist Representative, I aim to collaborate with fellow representatives to build a supportive community where junior researchers can access resources and opportunities to create meaningful global impact through RNA research. Outside of my professional pursuits, I enjoy watching movies, hiking, reading, and connecting with new people.