discovering small patterns

there’s something hopeful about understanding how life persists

most days i spend time thinking about small RNA molecules and how they help cells protect themselves. it’s like studying a molecular immune system that’s been working quietly for millions of years.

what draws me to this work

there’s beauty in how life solves problems. cells have these elegant defense systems that recognize and silence troublesome genetic elements. each discovery feels like finding a small piece of an ancient, patient intelligence.

working with data and code to understand biological patterns brings a particular kind of satisfaction. when the analysis finally works, when the signal emerges from the noise, it feels like having a brief conversation with the natural world.

current projects

studying how genomes protect themselves from jumping genes. these transposable elements try to copy themselves throughout the genome, and cells have evolved sophisticated ways to keep them in check.

building computational tools that help other researchers explore these systems. the goal is always reproducible code that works reliably, documented well enough that someone else can pick it up and use it.

technologies that help

• python for gentle data wrangling
• r for statistical thinking and visualization
• bash for reliable, portable workflows
• git for keeping track of changes
• linux systems that just work

sharing what works

recent papers on how small RNAs guide cellular defense: - trends in genetics (2024) - bmc biology (2025)

but the real satisfaction comes from: - helping students through their first computational projects - building tools that solve actual problems - contributing to the slow, steady work of understanding

there’s something deeply hopeful about this work - studying how life finds ways to persist, adapt, and protect itself across deep time