SELF EXAM:

Occupation: Scientist

Alternative career choice: Musician

What do rock stars and scienctists have in common: Creativity

Musical Instrument I Play: Piano

I tend to approach life: As it comes

Biggest misconceptions about me or my work: That it is routine and dull

Worst part-time job ever: Temporary accountant in a bakery – I was so bored with using the adding machine for invoices that I chose to do all the additions in my head, just to keep myself challenged.

Longest med school study session: Never went to medical school – went to graduate school for my Ph.D.

Best moment in medicine/research: Discovery of enzyme telomerase – a completely new kind of enzyme!

ABOUT MY RESEARCH:

Disease Area: Cancer and aging – the biological principles underlying cancer and how aging makes people more likely to develop cancer

Research Area: How the ends of chromosomes protect the genetic material and protect cells from losing the ability to replenish.

Science Impact/Accomplishments or Goal: Discovery of the molecular nature of telomeres, the protective tips at the ends of chromosomes, and discovery of the enzyme telomerase, which can build telomeres back when they erode away.

Research Description: My current research explores the molecular interactions of telomeres and telomerase, and the clinical impact of insufficient telomere maintenance in humans. We are now beginning to test whether telomere loss - and therefore the risks of certain diseases of aging, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes - can be slowed down or reversed.

Videos courtesy of Stand Up To Cancer.