What can take your fun day at the science center to the next level? Genius in the House! This event brings brainiacs from fields such as biology, art, engineering, mathematics and more to the Fleet to enhance the exhibit experience. This is a casual event in the exhibit galleries, not a lecture, so you'll have the chance to chat with the genius and ask questions. Explore themes from our exhibitions in ways that are both insightful and delightful.
On Sunday March 11 meet Dr. Mariel Vazquez from the UC Davis College of Biological Studies. Dr. Vazquez uses topological tools like knot theory to study DNA. This event is part of The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering in partnership with Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI).
Bio:
My research lies at the interface of mathematics, polymer physics, and molecular biology. I specialize in the application of topological tools to study DNA. My work is currently focused on two lines of inquiry: (1) DNA Topology: the mechanism of site-specific recombination, topoisomerase action, and the packing of chromosomes in human cells and viral capsids; using mathematical tools including knot theory, low-dimensional topology, and Monte Carlo simulations; and (2) Chromosomal Aberrations and Cancer: analysis of cancer genomic data and mechanisms of repair pathways; using biophysical models, graph theory, and topological data analysis.
