Geneticist Alex Dainis (Get to Know a Scientist!)

The speaker shares their journey from studying science and film in undergrad to pursuing a Ph.D. in genetics at Stanford. They describe their research on cardiovascular genetics, focusing on stem cells and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The speaker discusses the daily life and challenges in the lab, emphasizing the importance of learning and adapting. After completing their Ph.D., they transitioned to science communication, combining their passion for film and science by starting a science video production company.

What did the narrator major in during their undergraduate studies?

• Science and Art

• Science and Film

• Film and Literature

• Science and Mathematics

What was the focus of the narrator's research in the cardiovascular genetics lab?

• Creating heart cells from stem cells

• Creating brain cells from stem cells

• Studying the genetic basis of diabetes

• Developing new cancer treatments

What genetic condition did the narrator's project focus on?

• Huntington's disease

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

• Sickle cell anemia

• Cystic fibrosis

What was one of the methods used in the narrator's project to find new mutations?

• Protein synthesis

• DNA and RNA sequencing

• Gene therapy

• CRISPR gene editing

What did the narrator enjoy about their daily lab routine?

• The variety and collaboration

• The isolation

• The repetitive nature of tasks

• The long hours

Why did the narrator choose to study genetics?

• To become a professor

• To develop new technologies

• To work in a hospital

• To learn how to ask good questions

How does the narrator describe the process of conducting research?

• As a routine job

• As following a strict protocol

• As a straightforward task

• As building a birdhouse without blueprints

What did the narrator learn from their failed experiments?

• To avoid taking risks

• To always follow instructions

• To learn from failures and adapt

• To work alone

What career path did the narrator choose after graduate school?

• Science video production

• Medical doctor

• Research scientist

• University professor

Why does the narrator enjoy communicating science?

• Because it is profitable

• Because it is easy

• Because it is a requirement

• Because it is the most interesting topic