Undergraduate Program
Biochemistry B.S., BYU
Graduate Program
Physiology & Developmental Biology Ph.D., BYU
From
Aliso Viejo, CA
Biography
I received my Ph.D. in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Stark. My time in the Stark lab was the highlight of my educational career. Professor Stark served as my committee chair and trusted mentor. My doctoral training focused on embryonic development of the vertebrate nervous system. Our research resulted in multiple publications on the elucidation of novel signaling networks involved in sensory neurogenesis. I was also privileged to receive a mentoring grant to develop the Capstone Developmental Biology course under the direction of Dr. Stark. Following course development, I worked as a Teaching Assistant learning valuable instructional skills. These incomparable experiences allowed me to develop into a successful scientist and educator. Following my time in the Stark lab, I worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, a joint initiative of Shriners Hospitals for Children and UC Davis School of Medicine. There I investigated the mechanisms and prevention of congenital anomalies, including neural tube defects and craniofacial dysmorphism in neurodevelopmental disease. In parallel to my research, I worked for over a decade in education as a Professor of genetics and the biological sciences. I have a passion for translational science and am currently working as a Genetic Variant Scientist at Ambry Genetics, specializing in clinical diagnostics and interpretation of neurological disorders. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity I had to work in the Stark laboratory and for the direction and dedication of Professor Stark.
Email rntlassiter@gmail.com
