On this episode of the Idaho State of Discovery Podcast, host Dean Jim Widmann welcomes Dr. Heather Ray, associate professor of developmental biology, and Elijah Escobedo, an undergraduate biology major concentrating in biomedical science, for a conversation about scientific discovery, student research, and the paths that bring people into biology.
Ray shares how a childhood love of nature, experience in wildlife rehabilitation, and curiosity about stem cells eventually led her to developmental biology. She explains how her laboratory uses frog embryos to investigate the genetic foundations of human developmental disorders, particularly those affecting the brain and craniofacial structures. By studying how genetic changes alter the behavior of developing cells, her team builds foundational knowledge that could inform future efforts to prevent or treat these conditions.
Escobedo describes growing up in Twin Falls, where his experiences in agricultural communities and awareness of health disparities among rural Latino populations inspired his goal of practicing family medicine with obstetrics. He discusses his independent honors research on a gene associated with 3MC syndrome and its role in the formation of embryonic tissues. The conversation highlights the opportunities undergraduate students have at ISU to design experiments, lead research projects, present their findings, and work closely with faculty mentors.
Widmann and his guests also explore hands-on learning in developmental biology, Ray’s use of time-lapse microscopy to watch living embryos develop, and Escobedo’s experiences teaching anatomy and physiology labs and helping connect fellow students with research opportunities.
