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.

Caitlin Simopoulos

Communications & Outreach Subcommittee

Career Stage: Postdoctoral Associate

University of Ottawa, Ontario

Research Interest

I am very interested in systems biology and the application of machine learning to all kinds of -omics data. Unlike many biologists, I don’t have a particular system or organism of interest. Instead, my passion is in developing and applying computational tools to all types of biological data for a deeper understanding of an organism or community at a systemic level. As a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Ottawa, I work closely with scientists to develop sophisticated experimental designs for large-scale and high-throughput metaproteomic studies. My group is interested in using technology to create experimentally and computationally automated protocols to study the gut microbiome. I am particularly interested in using machine learning to both group compounds by their effects on gut microbiomes for exploratory data analysis, and to test hypotheses. For example, how do non-antibiotic drugs affect the gut microbes? Do similar side effects correlate with similar effects on the gut microbiome? To attempt to answer these questions, our current study looks at how different xenobiotics can affect different human gut microbiomes. We use metaproteomics to look deeply at how these compounds can change the function of a microbiome using an in vitro assay. 

Most of my research can be boiled down to looking for patterns in gene expression data and making inferences that will be further validated with experiments. Although I have completely changed biological systems for my research as a postdoc, the computational and statistical methods have remained the same. During my PhD, I was working with transcriptomic data to explore the gene expression patterns of two natural accessions of the plant Eutrema salsugineum, a halophytic extremophile plant species. I worked to understand the molecular mechanisms behind how and why these two natural landraces cope with environmental stress in different ways. A large focus of my work was looking at the influence of long non-protein coding RNAs (lncRNAs) on the drought stress tolerance of E. salsugineum and how local adaptation of the two natural accessions may be contributing to their differential stress responses. I developed a machine learning tool for lncRNA prediction from transcriptomic data and explored the evolutionary relationships of lncRNAs in diverse plant species. I also constructed a gene expression network of E. salsugineum plants treated with two consecutive drought exposures to identify groups of genes that had impacts on particular stages of the drought treatment.

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

I’ve recently realised that I love to teach as well as collaborate with other scientists. As a bioinformatician, I often rely on close collaborations to complete experiments and acquire data. I have been co-supervised by professors with diverse biological, statistical, and computational backgrounds throughout my entire academic career. For example, during my PhD, I was co-supervised by Dr. Brian Golding, a bioinformatician, and Dr. Elizabeth Weretilnyk, a plant biologist. This type of interdisciplinary research collaboration was extremely beneficial to my academic growth, and I’m interested in bringing this interdisciplinary approach to my own future research group. 

I am interested in leading my own research projects and working as a primary investigator in an academic setting. However, I don’t feel tied to academia because the versatility of this research field also gives me many opportunities to work in other academic settings or industries. Computational biology/bioinformatics is an exciting and versatile field, and I’ve always been interested in working in the tech industry. Specifically, I’d love to work with a biotech startup to develop and apply computational tools to -omics data in the medical field, such as in a personalized medicine context.

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

I am passionate about making science accessible to everyone, and my goal is to make computational biology more diverse and welcoming to groups who are often underrepresented in bioinformatics. I spend a lot of my time volunteering at and organizing science outreach events such as Pint of Science Canada (Ottawa) and Researchers’ Night Hamilton. I like to make science fun and approachable and am always willing to discuss science with anyone who’s interested. At my alma mater, McMaster University, I regularly volunteered to lead a plant molecular biology lab for local high school students. I loved bringing them into a real university lab and answering any questions they might have about choosing to study biology. In addition, although the initiative was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, I was looking forward to working with The Pulsar Collective, a student-led group at the University of Ottawa that brings science mentors into high school classes in order to highlight women and non-binary scientists. 

I’d also like to make science and computational biology less “scary” and more fun. I do this by making approachable computational tools for those without access to powerful computers or those who are uncomfortable with various programming languages. Recently I’ve begun investigation on developing web applications that help biologists complete advanced statistical analyses and create publication-ready figures. I also often create tutorials for my labs or other interested colleagues for R basics or introductory machine learning.

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

As a member of the Communication and Outreach Subcommittee, I am excited to collaborate with other Early Career Leadership Program members to improve my written science communication. I am very comfortable talking about science but wasn’t previously aware of all the available outlets which can be used to reach a wide audience through blog posts and published articles. As an ECLP leader, I’m also in a unique position to network with other scientists at a similar career stage with similar career goals. Although I am still new to the GSA ECLP group, I have already made many connections with others around North America and I am excited to work closely with this group of scientists.

 

Previous leadership experience:

Local organiser – Pint of Science Canada

Lead teaching assistant for the first year biology courses – McMaster University

Collaborative research project lead – Figeys lab, University of Ottawa

Graduate student mentor

 

Connect with Caitlin on Twitter and GitHub.

,

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…