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ISU Biological Science and Human Developmental Disorders

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ISU Biological Sciences assistant professor Dr. Heather Ray and Nelly Cyuzuza, an ISU graduate student, describe what they are learning about genetics and developmental disorders. They tell us how they got “hooked” on their interest in developmental biology.

Craniofacial abnormalities impact the lives of some 2%-3% of the global population. Abnormalities in the bones and structure of the face and head create problems with eating, swallowing, hearing, talking, etc., among other things. Researchers at Idaho State University are striving to understand the genetics behind all of this. Dr. Heather Ray and Nelly Cyuzuza, a graduate student, are conducting embryonic research to understand the potential causes, and possible prevention, of craniofacial abnormalities and the lifelong disorders they create. Both talk about their introduction to this research and how experiences in their undergraduate classes sparked interest in this topic.

Guests:

Dr. Heather Ray received her PhD in Cell Biology, Stem Cells, and Development from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alabama Birmingham. She came to ISU in 2020 and is currently an Assistant Professor of Developmental Biology. She teaches a variety of courses including introductory biology, bioethics, and developmental biology. She especially loves mentoring students in her research lab as they work to unravel the mysteries of embryonic development.

Originally from Rwanda, by way of Western Wyoming Community College, Nelly Cyuzuza completed her BS Biology degree with a Biomedical Sciences concentration at ISU and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Biology.

Martin Blair joined Idaho State University in 2022 as the Vice President for Research and Economic Development. Dr. Blair began his career as a special education teacher. Then, spent two decades at the Utah State University Center for Excellence in Disabilities in a variety of research and training leadership roles. In 2013, he moved to Missoula, Montana where he spent nine years directing the University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities. In these various roles, Dr. Blair has worked extensively across the U.S. to improve the quality of services, supports and policies for individuals with disabilities of all ages, and their families. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-e-blair/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-e-blair/</a><br/>