We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our 2020 early career scientist advocates.

a headshot of an early career scientist on the steering subcommittee

Marie Berenguer

Early Career Scientist Community and Membership Engagement Subcommittee

Development, Aging, and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute

Postdoc Associate

 

Research Interest

Embryonic development is a complex process in which genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors intervene. My research interest is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how gene expression regulation could contribute to key functions during embryonic development and how dysregulations may lead to developmental defects. I am particularly interested in retinoic acid (RA) signaling and the impact this has on forelimb formation and body axis elongation. As the active molecule derived from vitamin A, RA is highly influential in embryonic development as shown by the embryonic defects observed following RA exposure or an RA deficiency during pregnancy. However, the precise functions of RA during the early steps of embryogenesis are still unclear.

I am studying a genetic mouse model that is unable to produce RA. During my research, I observed changes in epigenetic markers and gene expression compared to mice which were capable of producing RA by combining genomics methods known as RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq. My results highlighted candidate genes to research further. My goal is to identify the genes directly involved in developmental processes from among these RA-regulated genes by generating knockout mouse models using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technique. By learning how RA normally influences embryonic development, these studies will provide applicable knowledge for improving regenerative medicine and genetic counseling as well as inform innovative therapeutic approaches for genetic developmental diseases. 

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What career paths interest you the most?

As a young researcher, I have particularly enjoyed developing my projects from the initial idea to publication and establishing collaborations to learn key skills. I enjoy both moving my project forward and redirecting the original experimental plan depending on the newly obtained data. I also find helping individuals understand complicated processes rewarding. Therefore, I want to become an independent investigator and lecturer in genetics and developmental biology in an academic setting.

I am excited to be able to pursue my own research project in the future using cutting-edge techniques and forming new fruitful collaborations. As an early career scientist, I am looking to expand my skills to become a successful researcher, teacher, and mentor. For example, I identified my leadership style thanks to the Torrey Pines Leadership Development Program, and I am further developing my leadership abilities through the Early Career Leadership Program in combination with the mentorship of undergraduate students in the lab. I also plan to grow my bioinformatics competences to process big data analyses as well as enroll in teaching workshops and lab management courses. 

My ultimate plan is to dedicate my work to deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic disorders with developmental defects. I would like to focus my research on the first steps of translational research and explore basic scientific problems while keeping in mind the patients’ benefits. I believe that my research will not only improve rare genetic disease diagnoses and counseling, but also lay the foundation for future genetic therapies.

In addition to your research, how else do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

I believe that we should associate science and communication together more often and to a wider audience. These efforts will help everyone to understand how our recent scientific discoveries can help communities to live better and healthier. We must also participate in science fairs and other public events to share our research with non-scientific audiences. I believe these strategies could help to reduce the denial of science observed all around the world. Additionally, communication among scientists is crucial for the development of every research project. I want to support better practices for publication and I have enrolled in the GENETICS Peer Review Program to educate myself about the challenges of reviewing publications.

I also want to share my unique experiences and my enthusiasm with my trainees, as I believe that one of the major purposes of a researcher is to train new generations of researchers. To promote vocations in STEM, I want to make sure that students can identify a role model. To offer the students the possibility of viewing themselves as researchers, it is important to communicate more about scientists from diverse backgrounds, including Rosalind Franklin (structure of the DNA molecule), Ernest Everett Just (physiology of development, fertilization), Marie Maynard Daly (effects of cholesterol on the mechanics of the heart), and Emmanuelle Charpentier (CRISPR/Cas9 protein for genome editing). This strategy will also help to encourage diversity in classrooms and laboratories, promote personal growth, and enrich students’ educational experiences. Interestingly, accademia is one of the most international environments and it is a blast to use this particularity to promote a healthy society. I have experienced how working in a worldwide institute with scientists from multiple countries helps one to consider alternative points of views and benefits science. Thus, promoting international diversity in our laboratories could challenge presumptive beliefs, question our ways of thinking, and will undoubtedly improve the research.  

Lastly, I want to develop my trainees’ critical thinking skills and teach them methods of gathering, organizing, and understanding all of the information they have access to in order to sort and understand this overwhelming flow of knowledge. I wish to ensure their success not only in their studies and scientific careers but also to teach them how to become informed citizens. 

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

As a postdoc associate I perform experiments, manage my research project, and develop my scientific expertise in order to achieve my career goal. Even if scientific skills are essential to become faculty, being a great leader is not innate. Thus, as a member of the Community and Membership Engagement Subcommittee (previously known as Steering Committee), I am looking to grow my leadership skills and communication abilities which will be beneficial for my future career. I am particularly interested in the organization of the virtual Science in a Snapshot seminar series, which gives early career scientists the opportunity to promote their work and practice their presentation skills. I am hoping that my commitment to the GSA Early Career Leadership Program will provide opportunities to young researchers to develop their careers. 

Finally, I am extremely excited to develop new relationships with graduate students, postdocs, early career and established researchers, and journal editors. This diverse community will have a positive impact on my career trajectory. By meeting other early career scientists studying various topics within the genetics field, I hope to develop my knowledge in genetics, discover new experimental approaches, and eventually be able to build new collaborations.

Previous Leadership Experience 

SBP-Science Network (SBP-SN): Co-chair of the Sanford Burnham Prebys postdoctoral association, 2019–present

Co-organizator of the annual Sanford Burnham Prebys Trainee Research symposium

Undergraduate mentor, SBP 2019–present

French Red Cross: Member of the first aid team and board committee member, 2013–2015.

Co-organizer of charitable races and awareness events on food waste, environmental issues, Health, discrimination/equity… 2014-2017

Contact Marie Berenguer:

,

Graduate student and postdoctoral leaders from the Early Career Scientist Committees of the GSA.

View all posts by Early Career Scientist Committees »

Read more in

  • Collage of 2021 Rosalind Franklin Award recipients

    Where are they now? Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award recipients share updates on their research

    Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award applications are open–make sure you submit your application or nomination of a colleague by September 30, 2024.

  • University of Minnesota researchers map genome of the last living wild horse species

    The study, published in G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, is part of larger conservation efforts to save Przewalski’s horse.

  • Congratulations to the Spring 2024 DeLill Nasser Awardees!

    GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Spring 2024! Given twice a year to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, DeLill Nasser Awards support attendance at meetings and laboratory courses. The award is named in honor of DeLill Nasser, a long-time GSA supporter and National Science Foundation…

  • Carolyn Damilola headshot

    Carolyn Damilola: an NFS Rising Scientist on a lifelong quest to learn more

    Carolyn Damilola is an NFS Rising Scientist from Nigeria doing respiratory system research and paving the way for scientists from underrepresented communities through mentorship.

  • Text over a blue background image: Apply for up to $2,000 for your project from the Starter Culture Microgrant Program.

    What does a good microgrant proposal look like?

    Members of the Microgrant Review Committee share their tips for a successful proposal.

  • A blurred image of a human face is shown against a dark background.

    The first piece of the facial recognition puzzle

    New research in GENETICS gives a first peek at the molecular pathway involved in recognizing faces.

  • New Senior Editor Amy MacQueen joins GENETICS

    A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Genome Integrity and Transmission section. We’re excited to welcome Amy MacQueen to the editorial team.

  • Close up of an adult zebrafish with blue and white stripes in an aquarium with red lighting.

    Block party on the zebrafish sex chromosome

    Research in G3 identifies a gene regulatory block of the zebrafish genome responsible for overseeing the maternal-to-zygotic-transition.

  • Lemna Minor, the common duckweed

    Unraveling the mysteries of duckweed: epigenetic insights from Spirodela polyrhiza

    Research published in G3 offers insight into the impact of DNA methylation on clonal propagation in asexually reproducing plants.

  • Luciano Marraffini headshot

    A microbiologist’s quest to understand CRISPR in bacterial self-defense

    2024 Genetics Society of America Medal recipient Luciano Marraffini determined how CRISPR-Cas systems destroy genetic targets with precision, paving the way for gene editing technology development.

  • Elaine Ostrander headshot

    Unlocking mysteries of trait and disease heritability in dogs

    2024 Edward Novitski Prize recipient Elaine Ostrander, a pioneer of the domestic dog model, discovered numerous genes affecting dog size, morphology, behavior, and disease susceptibility—many of which have relevance in humans.

  • NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS Grant to Support Culture Change in Genetics

    GSA and collaborators Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue and Reclaiming STEM Institute launch NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS project to support culture change in genetics 

    We are thrilled to announce that the Genetics Society of America (GSA) is collaborating with the Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue (PGED) based in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, and the Reclaiming STEM Institute (RSI) on a Leading Culture Change Through Professional Societies of Biology (BIO-LEAPS) grant from the U.S. National Science…

  • Daman Saluja: Navigating Science and Policy in India

    In the Paths to Science Policy series, we talk to individuals who have a passion for science policy and are active in advocacy through their various roles and careers. The series aims to inform and guide early career scientists interested in science policy. This series is brought to you by the GSA Early Care­er Scientist…

  • Deborah Andrew headshot

    A fly geneticist’s journey into discovering rules of organ development

    2024 George W. Beadle Award recipient Deborah Andrew discovered new genes and pathways in Drosophila salivary gland organogenesis. Now, her work can help optimize cell secretion in therapeutic applications and fight malaria.

  • Małgorzata Gazda's headshot

    Małgorzata Gazda: How receiving the DeLill Nasser Award helped her land her dream job

    Have you ever experienced an event that changes the course of your life, or in this case, your career? Małgorzata (Gosia) Gazda is Assistant Professor at the University of Montreal and in 2022, she received the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics, which she used to attend and present at the 2022 Population,…

  • Hongyu Zhao joins GENETICS as new Senior Editor

    A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Statistical Genetics and Genomics section. We’re excited to welcome Hongyu Zhao to the editorial team.

  • Julio Molina Pineda at TAGC 2024

    GSA Member Julio Molina Pineda Receives DeLill Nasser Award, Shines at TAGC 2024 

    “At any career stage, the GSA membership is an amazing investment for any genetics professional!” Julio Molina Pineda is a PhD Candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Research Assistant at the University of Arkansas, and a Doctoral Academy Fellow at the Lewis Lab. In 2023, Julio was awarded the DeLill Nasser Award for…

  • Ed Grell at his dissecting microscope using ether to anesthetize his flies.

    In Memoriam: Ellsworth Herman Grell (1932–2023), a pioneer of Drosophila genome engineering and annotation

    Ellsworth (Ed) Grell blessed the Drosophila community through three enduring legacies: as a pioneer of chromosome mechanics, as a primary organizer and synthesizer of genetic knowledge in Drosophila, and as a graceful mentor to those fortunate to have known him personally. Ed grew up in rural Nebraska, completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State, and…

  • Congratulations to the #Fungal24 Poster Award winners!

    We are pleased to announce the recipients of the GSA Poster Awards for posters presented at the 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference! Undergraduate and graduate student members of GSA were eligible for the awards, and a hard-working team of judges made the determinations. Congratulations to all! Felicia Ebot Ojong, The University of Georgia My research is focused…

  • Poster presentation tips for TAGC 2024

    You’ve been selected to present a poster at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March—you’ve celebrated, made plans to attend, now what? This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your research and engage with fellow members of the genetics community, so you want to make sure you’re prepared. We wanted to offer you some tips…

  • Maximize your TAGC 2024 experience 

    A guide to all that National Harbor & DC have to offer Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Petrosky

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Sarah PetroskyMultimedia SubcommitteeUniversity of Pittsburgh Research Interest I am interested in understanding adaptation that has been happening recently in populations by dissecting the ways that genes underlying an adaptation…

  • TAGC 2024 Early Career Award Winners

    GSA is pleased to announce the winners of the early career awards presented at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024. These awards are specific to particular TAGC communities and recognize early career scientists’ outstanding work on their respective research organisms. The awardees will present their talks in keynote sessions at TAGC 2024.  Don’t miss the opportunity…

  • Preeminent geneticists recognized with revamped GSA Awards

    In 2022, GSA’s Board of Directors launched an audit to review the five major awards conferred by the Society. Today, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the reimagined GSA Awards, including the new Genetics Society of America Early Career Medal. The scientists honored this year are recognized by their peers for their outstanding…

  • Fly Board funds outreach programs to spread the word about Drosophila research

    In 2020, the Fly Board voted to use part of its reserve fund to support efforts to increase trainee participation as well as equity and diversity in the Drosophila community. An awards committee decides how the money will be spent each year, and from 2020–2022, the committee posted a very broad call for applications from…

  • New members of the GSA Board of Directors: 2024–2026

    We are pleased to announce the election of four new leaders to the GSA Board of Directors: 2024 Vice President/2025 President Brenda Andrews Professor, University of Toronto It’s an honor to continue my association with the Society by serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. I have broad knowledge of the ongoing activities…

  • The Fly Meeting is one-of-a-kind! Dros 2025 organizers share their excitement

    The 66th Annual Drosophila Research Conference promises to be a meeting rich with the latest in Drosophila research as well as opportunities to advance your career and connect with a global community of 1,400+ scientists. The organizers Todd Nystul, Michelle Bland, Leila Rieder, Amanda Crocker, and Justin Crocker are hard at work, planning a conference…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Olufemi Osonowo

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Olufemi Adekunle OsonowoCareer Development SubcommitteeDalhousie University Research Interest Metabolomics and genomics are two distinct but complimentary approaches that offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of complex traits, such…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Hector Mendoza

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Hector MendozaCommunication and Outreach SubcommitteeUniversity of Michigan Research Interest My research goals converge around the evolution of sexual reproduction. During my doctoral program, I investigated mitochondrial inheritance, a mechanism…