Maya Mastronardo hopes to dissect the natural variation of behaviors in nematodes. In the field of Caenorhabditis elegans research, much of the work on phenotypic differences has centered on the laboratory strain and mutants derived from this genetic background. However, C. elegans populations exist worldwide and exhibit genetic differences. Maya is particularly interested in exploring natural phenotypic diversity, with a focus on behavioral variation, and uncovering how these differences correlate with the genetic variation found in wild strains.

As a Ph.D. student in the Andersen Lab at Johns Hopkins University, Maya combines high-throughput behavioral assays with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to investigate the molecular mechanisms that drive behavioral variation. 

Maya’s academic journey began at Towson University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Bioinformatics. Entering the CMDB program with a primarily wet lab background, Maya was able to quickly embrace computational approaches through the program’s computational training.

The CMDB program’s Quantitative Bootcamp and Lab courses, required courses for all first-year students, introduces computational skills for modern biological research. Maya and her peers were able to gain hands-on experience applying these computational skills to a wide variety of biological datasets. These courses were assets in her training, providing her with the tools to integrate computational approaches into her thesis research.

“I love that this program emphasizes the opportunity to build computational skills,” Maya says. “Being able to integrate those new skills to my thesis research has been very exciting.”

Beyond the training, Maya attributes much of her success to the supportive community within CMDB. From her first-year classes and rotation talks to her qualifying exam, she has felt encouraged every step of the way.

“The community here is amazing,” she says. “Everyone from faculty to fellow students have been so supportive. It’s been great to know that I’m surrounded by people who want to see me succeed.”

For Maya, the Ph.D. journey is not just about the science, it’s about the connections and growth along the way. “This program has given me the skills and the confidence to tackle big questions in biology, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”