Paula Juan Royo

PhD thesis: TBC

I am part of the BBSRC DTP which contains a rotation between two labs. Thus, my project is still undecided. An option is to use generative AI to create and enrich single-cell atlases to increase demographic diversity to fill the gap in human embryonic development. Alternatively, I might study Imprinted noncoding RNAs and regional control of the mammalian genome by focusing on the role of noncoding RNAs in the Dlk1/Gtl2 imprinted domain. Both projects have the underlying aim of understanding the processes of Life, given that not only does basic research expand our knowledge of the world, but it also results in the most impactful and innovative discoveries with a wider range of applications to improve human health and well-being.

Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?

Studying Life is studying the Universe - Life has allowed for the rising of a mind that is self-aware and can question its own existence. Importantly, its complexity goes beyond DNA. Epigenetics is of particular interest to me given it explains how identical DNA sequences are regulated differently to allow diversity within the same organism. Finally, though DNA is the code of Life, proteins are the drivers of Life – they can work as scaffolds, messengers, or enzymes, allowing chemical reactions to occur at the right time and place, and at a rate compatible with Life. Once I realised this, I could not think of anything more interesting to study.