Genes, Brains & Breakthroughs
An animated series explaining neurodevelopmental disorders and genomic research to patients and families, designed to make complex science approachable and clinically meaningful.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Public engagement
I want science to be accessible to the people who need it most, not only to scientists. My training in how people learn complex concepts informs how I communicate genomic and neurodevelopmental research: breaking difficult ideas into clear, engaging explanations while preserving the biology and the uncertainty that matter.
Talks & seminars
Available for research talks and interdisciplinary seminars on computational genomics, brain development, gene regulation, and machine learning in biomedicine.
Public engagement
I am interested in responsible, two-way communication around genomic medicine, especially where patient and family perspectives can sharpen research questions and improve translation.
GENES, BRAINS & BREAKTHROUGHS
Watch the series
A 16-part animated series developed to make genetics, variants, neurodevelopmental conditions, and emerging therapies easier to understand for families and the wider public.
EPISODE
Genetic variants
What happens when the genetic pattern changes? This episode explains what a genetic variant is and what types of genetic variations can happen. The animation uses simple visual metaphors designed for families and carers. Learn how tiny changes in DNA can change the body's genetic instructions in different ways.
Scientific terms explained: Variant / mutation; SNV (single nucleotide variant) / point mutation; insertion variant; deletion variant; frameshift variant; truncating variant / nonsense variant / stop-codon variant.
Note: All humans have many variants and many of those variants do not cause severe conditions. The more common a variant in a population, the less severe the symptoms tend to be.
EPISODE
Epigenome
Every cell in our body has the same DNA, so why does each cell behave differently? This episode is a gentle introduction to epigenetics and gene regulation, explaining chromatin, enhancers, and how the body decides which genes to switch on or off in different cells and at different ages.
Scientific terms explained: Gene expression; epigenetics; chromatin; enhancer.
Note: Epigenetic changes do not alter the DNA letters themselves. They change how the instructions are read. This is one reason the same gene can act differently in different cell types, and why identical twins can become more different over time.
EPISODE
CRISPR
What are the new gene editing tools, and how are they different? This episode explains CRISPR-Cas9, CRISPR activation and inhibition, base editing, and prime editing in family-friendly language. Learn how CRISPR-based therapies have already helped children with sickle cell disease and why getting these therapies into the brain is still a major challenge.
Scientific terms explained: CRISPR-Cas9; guide RNA; CRISPR activation / inhibition; base editing; prime editing; ex vivo vs in vivo editing; Casgevy (sickle cell).
Note: Newer tools like base and prime editing aim to make precise changes without cutting both strands of DNA, which can make them safer than the original CRISPR-Cas9 system. Every step still requires years of testing for safety and accuracy.