Owen Howard: A Rising Computational Biologist at Florida State University
Owen Howard: A Rising Computational Biologist at Florida State University
Blog Article
Owen Bruce Howard was born to Jennifer Smart and Jason Howard on June 4, 2004, in Durham, North Carolina. Growing up with a keen interest in science, Owen was influenced by his family’s strong academic background. His early exposure to biology and computing set the stage for his future pursuits in computational biology.
Owen is in his third year at Florida State University (FSU), where he is majoring in Computational Biology. His academic journey has been marked by rigorous coursework in genomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology, which equips him with the tools necessary to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field.
Research at Florida State University: Evolutionary History of the Chorus Frog GABA Receptors
Owen’s research interests led him to participate in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) during the 2023-24 academic year. He joined the Lemmon Lab under Dr. Alan Lemmon, focusing on a project titled “Evolutionary History of the Chorus Frog (Pseudacris ferarium) Gamma-Aminobutyric (GABA) Receptors.”
GABA receptors are critical in the central nervous system as inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors. They help regulate neuronal excitability and control motor function, cognition, and mood. Owen’s research aimed to uncover these receptors’ evolutionary relationships and functional significance in Pseudacris terrarium, a species of upland chorus frog found in North America. By analyzing genetic sequences and phylogenetic relationships, Owen sought to understand how GABA receptor genes have evolved in this species over time.
His research involved computational analysis of genomic sequences, utilizing bioinformatics tools such as Geneious Prime and FASTA files for genome mapping. By comparing the GABA receptor genes across different amphibian species, Owen was able to trace evolutionary patterns that could provide insight into neural function and adaptation in these frogs.
Owen presented his findings at the 24th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium FSU Tallahassee on April 3, 2024. His work contributed to a broader understanding of evolutionary neuroscience and showcased his computational biology and phylogenetics expertise.
Interest in Spatial Genomics
Beyond his work on amphibian evolutionary genetics, Owen has developed a strong interest in spatial genomics. This emerging field allows researchers to study gene expression in a spatial context, providing valuable insights into complex biological processes. Owen is particularly interested in how spatial genomics technologies, such as Stereo-seq, can be applied to characterizing tumor heterogeneity in cancer research.
One of the most promising applications of spatial genomics is in personalized medicine. By mapping gene expression patterns within tumors, researchers can better understand the molecular diversity of cancerous cells. This information can be used to guide treatment decisions, ensuring that therapies are tailored to the specific genetic makeup of a patient’s tumor. Owen has explored these ideas in his writing, including two blog articles:
Cancer Remission and Spatial Genomics – In this article, Owen discusses how spatial data can be used to prevent cancer recurrence by identifying residual tumor cells that may lead to relapse after remission.
Stereo-seq, Alzheimer’s Disease, and the Prefrontal Cortex – Here, Owen examines how Stereo-seq can be applied to neurodegenerative diseases, demonstrating the wide-reaching potential of spatial transcriptomics beyond cancer research.
Owen believes that spatial genomics will play a crucial role in the future of biomedical research. By integrating spatial transcriptomics with computational analysis, scientists can unlock new insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. His growing expertise in bioinformatics, combined with his passion for genomic research, positions him well for future contributions to this field.
Future Aspirations
Owen Howard’s academic and research experiences have shaped his vision for the future. He aspires to continue exploring the intersection of computational biology, genomics, and biomedical research. Whether through further academic pursuits, industry research, or medical applications, Owen is committed to advancing the understanding of genetic and neurological disorders.
His experience with spatial genomics and evolutionary genetics provides a strong foundation for future work in bioinformatics, precision medicine, and systems biology. As he continues his undergraduate studies at Florida State University, Owen remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of genomic research and contributing to meaningful scientific advancements.
With his strong analytical skills, passion for discovery, and dedication to improving patient outcomes, Owen Howard represents the next generation of computational biologists poised to impact the scientific community.