Genetic Research
Ohio Wesleyan Student Completes National Science Foundation-Funded Project at Cornell
Name: Aiden Thom '27
Hometown: Lewis Center, Ohio
High School: Olentangy Orange High School
Major: Genetics
Minor: Psychology
OWU Connection Experience: National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU) conducted at Cornell University
Thom's summer research involved "studying a pathway linking fertility to fat metabolism in the model nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans." Understanding the mechanism, he says, "might allow us to better understand how metabolic and reproductive pathways communicate to preserve lifespan and longevity. …
"My project has been continued by another student at Cornell University. I remain in touch with my lab and look forward to seeing which direction the project goes in the future."
Why This Opportunity?
"My first exposure to research came through a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) offered in the genetics laboratory course at Ohio Wesleyan University.
"Navigating uncertainty, digging deeper to explore a paradoxical phenotype [when an organism doesn't look or act as expected based on its genetic makeup] and feeling immersed in the research process prompted me to explore Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs for a summer internship.
"Having the opportunity to participate in research allowed me to develop my laboratory skills, design my own experiments, and interpret results to determine the next steps in the process.
"As a prospective genetic counselor, I also wanted to strengthen my ability to engage with scientific uncertainty, recognizing that I will have a direct role in translating evolving scientific knowledge into understandable information that can shape a patient's life."
My Favorite Moment
"A moment that sticks out to me occurred when my mentor and I discovered an unexpected phenotype that we had the opportunity to explore further during the second half of the research program.
"I remember how tangible our mutual excitement was in that moment, which furthered my motivation to design new experiments with different strains of worms to strengthen our understanding of our observations.
"Ultimately, our findings challenge the canonical [most basic] understanding of the egg-laying circuit in C. elegans, which I was extremely excited to present during my research talk and poster symposium."
Lessons Learned
"Coming into this research experience as a prospective genetic counselor shaped the lessons I learned from a traditional molecular genetics research project. I learned that uncertainty is often the norm in genetics. When shadowing genetic counselors, I have seen that the answer to a patient's question may simply be that we do not know yet.
"Experiencing uncertainty firsthand through research reinforced for me how important it is to have someone who can communicate complex scientific information clearly, acknowledge what is unknown, and support someone through that uncertainty."
'A Better Scientific Thinker'
"My time at Cornell University helped me become a better scientific thinker and communicator, with multiple opportunities to present my research progress and findings to broad audiences with varying backgrounds.
"Translating complex concepts and findings into information that can be understood by different audiences is something I hope to carry with me into my future career. Ultimately, this experience strengthened my desire to pursue genetic counseling as a career."
My OWU Mentor
"My faculty mentor, Dr. Danielle Hamill, has supported me tremendously throughout my time at Ohio Wesleyan University. Dr. Hamill was my professor in genetics and the genetics laboratory in the fall of 2025. She helped me navigate my transition from community college to Ohio Wesleyan University as a transfer student.
"Her teaching and support have also been influential in my pursuit of a career in genetics. I am now working alongside Dr. Hamill as a teaching assistant in the genetics lab that sparked my interest in research. I am extremely excited to support students exploring research as a potential career through the same project that inspired me."
My Campus Involvements
"President of the Genetics Club, genetics lab teaching assistant, and genetics and cell biology peer tutor."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan University because of the incredible support offered to transfer students from Columbus State Community College. As a non-linear student, I was given the opportunity to explore different fields of study as a junior, which is what led to my discovery of genetic counseling."
My coursework, tutoring, and teaching experience at Ohio Wesleyan have helped me develop the scientific background, communication skills, and perspective I hope to carry with me into my career as a genetic counselor.
My Plans After Graduation
"I am currently applying to master's programs in genetic counseling. I am so thankful for the support I have received from my professors and the career center in preparing my applications for this upcoming admissions cycle.
"My coursework, tutoring, and teaching experience at Ohio Wesleyan have helped me develop the scientific background, communication skills, and perspective I hope to carry with me into my career as a genetic counselor."