Name: Santiago Sanchez Ramirez
Lab Position: Research Fellow
Degree: B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD
What’s your background?
I’m originally from Mexico, where I studied biology as an undergrad and later earned a Master’s degree in biological sciences. I then moved to Toronto and earned a PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Toronto. I now specialize somewhere in the intersection of evolutionary biology, genomics, bioinformatics and computational biology.
What research projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently supporting others with bioinformatic advice and analyses. For our work group focusing on CMMRD, I’ve built a new automated pipeline for somatic mutation discovery and quantification of genomic biomarkers for MMR detection. I’m also heading the analyses and development of tools for the use of DNA methylation signatures of the TERT regulatory region in cancer detection. By borrowing models from population genomics, I plan to investigate what different somatic mutation patterns across the genome can inform us about the time since the onset of cancer on a given patient.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in research?
Love what you do. Don’t be afraid to fail. Every step of the ladder is different; enjoy the view from every single one
What are your interests outside of science?
Family and friends, outdoors, sustainability, technology, food, travelling, reading, poetry, climbing/hiking
What’s your favorite food?
That’s a tough one. Favorite fast food? Falafel wrap and burritos. In general, Mediterranean and Mexican.
Do you prefer coffee, tea, or none?
It depends. Morning coffee, night tea.