About me
Summary
I am an interdisciplinary data scientist and cancer biologist at UT Austin advancing high-throughput single-cell technologies and computational approaches to investigate cell-cell fusion and heterogeneity in cancer. I have extensive expertise in analyzing and visualizing large-scale single-cell transcriptomics data. This is complemented by over a decade of hands-on wet lab experience and a strong record of leadership in interdisciplinary research and within local communities.
Approach to science
I believe that complex patterns often emerge from simple rules. This perspective guides my efforts to develop tools to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving cellular behaviors in health and disease.
Research Interests
Cell-cell fusion and syncytialization as a transient cell state
While the only human cells known to naturally participate in cell-cell fusion are characterized by the maintenance of multiple nuclei, in vitro studies have observed cell-cell fusion as a transient state, resulting in single-nucleated progeny that closely resemble their parental cells. This phenomenon has been documented in cancer cells, iPS cells, and macrophages, amongst others. Based on these observations, I hypothesize that transient syncytialization may occur in the human body far more often than can currently be measured. To begin to explore this, I have developed high-throughput single-cell systems and computational approaches to identify biomarkers of cell-cell fusion in cancer.
Data Visualization
Complex data doesn’t have to look complex. I take joy in identifying meaningful patterns in high-dimensional data and transforming insights into striking visuals, making complex biological insights more accessible and impactful.
andrealgardner@utexas.edu