New Faculty Profiles showcase GSA members who are establishing their first independent labs. If you’d like to be considered for a profile, please complete this form on the GSA website.
Folami Ideraabdullah
Assistant Professor (since 2013)
Department of Genetics
University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Lab website
Research program:
My lab studies epigenetic mechanisms of development and disease. We specifically focus on the role of gene–epigenome interactions that determine susceptibility to environmental perturbation. Current projects investigate epigenetic perturbation in mouse models with maternal deficiency of the essential nutrients folate and vitamin D and elucidate parallel pathways affected by maternal exposure to the endocrine disrupting toxicants vinclozolin and arsenic.
“I never get bored because it is always changing and I am always learning something new.” -Folami Ideraabdullah on her favorite part about science
How has being a member of GSA helped you advance in your career? Why do you think societies like GSA are important?
I have only recently joined but I believe it will play an important role in helping me remain connected with the broad genetics community—including bringing to my attention important events and the newest research findings, networking and collaborative opportunities. All in all, I expect it will help me continue to develop as a scientist to achieve my maximum potential.
If your position involves teaching, which subjects or courses are you expecting to teach?
I currently teach a PhD level course: “Principles and experimental approaches of mammalian genetics.”
Previous training experiences:
Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Marisa Bartolomei’s laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Graduate Research Assistant, Dr. Fernando Pardo-Manuel de Villena’s laboratory, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Dr. Andrew Clark’s laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I enjoy outdoors activities, reading, and listening to all genres of music.
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