Tyler is a PhD student in the Integrative System Biology (ISB) program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His dissertation research focuses on classifying a rare novel cerebellar ataxia syndrome in collaboration with the neurogenetics clinic at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He plans to develop and test novel therapeutic interventions for these patients.
Tyler is also a successfully-funded grant writer and has extensive experience in scientific consultation and communication. He has worked as a consultant and expert liaison where he established connections with scientific experts for patent matters, as well as with multiple stakeholders associated with both clinical and scientific disciplinaries. His current studies in translational research prompted him to get involved with sciVelo and support the commercial translation of health sciences research to market-ready solutions for patient care through PreMIC.
Education
Ph.D., Integrative Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, expected 2023
B.S., Biochemistry, Dakota Wesleyan University, 2018
Research Experience
PhD Candidate, University of Pittsburgh
Supervisor: Dr. Udai Pandey
Investigated the underlying genetic mechanisms of the neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as identified a novel genetic modifier of the disease that may lead to therapeutic advancements for patients with ALS.
Identified, classified, and described a novel and unreported rare neurological disorder among 20 different patient families harboring mutations in the same gene.
Undergraduate Researcher, Dakota Wesleyan University
Supervisor: Dr. Paula Mazzer
Investigated the link between urban environments and neurodegenerative diseases
Studied the ability of urban dust and diesel exhaust particulate matter to induce cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in murine astrocyte cells.
Commercial Translation Experience
Fourth River Solutions
Marketing Liasion and Consultant
Gained valuable experience in the techniques necessary for commercialization of life sciences companies, such as market research, competitor analysis, customer discovery, and product development.
Specifically assessed market size, the feasibility of market entry, and conducted customer discovery interviews with 25 medical experts in the multiple sclerosis market for a local start-up medical device company.