Upper School Science Research students had the opportunity to meet virtually with Christopher Mason, PhD, Associate Professor of Physiology and Biophysics Director at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Mason, who is also Director of Weill Cornell's WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, has an extensive background in using computational and experimental methodologies to identify and characterize the essential genetic elements that guide the function of the human genome, with a particular emphasis on the development of the human brain. Dr. Mason talked with students about his research in the NASA Twin Study, which demonstrated how the human body can adapt to various spaceflight-induced environmental changes by studying twin astronauts. He also discussed his recent work researching the presence of SARS-CoV2, the novel coronavirus, in the New York City subways and numerous cities around the world. Helping students think about potential scientific aspirations, Dr. Mason closed the energetic Zoom discussion by sharing his insights on pursuing and navigating a career in science.
Dr. Mason's visit was part of a weekly visiting scientist series coordinated by Ms. Doran. So far, students have met with Dr. Balint Kacsoh (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Wendy Norris (University of Colorado, CBoulder). Next week, Dr. Constantina Theofanopoulou (Rockefeller University) will visit. Thank you to all of our visiting scientists for these meaningful discussions that are inspiring and informing the next generation of scientists at RCDS!