Translating Your Research for Discussions with Public Audiences

Michael Bauer is an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He obtained duel bachelor of science degrees in computer science and biology at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. He then went to the University of Arkansas Little Rock and obtained his Masters and PhD in Bioinformatics. He specializes in the use of extremely large heterogeneous datasets, coined as Big Data. His work focuses specifically on furthering the understanding of cancer biology with the inclusion of multiple types of molecular data. These data types include epigenetic information, whole genome and RNA sequencing and combining these genomic modalities to get a more complete picture of the cancer biology. Recent work has involved investigating the largely unexplored process of alternative splicing of mRNA and long noncoding RNA and their role in Multiple Myeloma. In addition to research, he feels that it is important include public outreach and public education as part of his activities. An informed public about cancer genetics and genetics in general can better advocate for their own health and request cutting edge diagnostic tests and treatment. He believes this is one way to combat health disparities. In his free time, he is playing his 21st season of rugby for the Little Rock Rugby Club.

Arvind Kothandaraman is the Managing Director of Specialty Diagnostics at PerkinElmer. His primary interest is in equipping clinical laboratories with the tools needed to meet their technical and operational goals. Prior to PerkinElmer, Arvind held positions at Thermo Fisher Scientific, BioReference Laboratories and Advanced Analytical Technologies. Arvind holds a Master’s degree in Science and Business from the Claremont Colleges in California, USA.

Kenneth S. Ramos, MD, PhD is an accomplished physician-scientist with designations in the National Academy of Medicine and National Academy of Sciences. He is a transformational leader recognized throughout the world for his scientific contributions in the areas of genomics, precision medicine and toxicology.

With formal training in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and medicine, Dr. Ramos is helping to steer the changing landscape of medicine, biotechnology and healthcare. In this context, he leads several translational, clinical research, and educational programs that integrate diverse approaches to elucidate genomic mechanisms of disease and to develop novel therapies for several oncologic, pulmonary, and vascular diseases.  

Dr. Ramos has provided academic, executive, administrative, and scientific leadership in the areas of genetics and genomic medicine and toxicology at various academic institutions and over the course of his career has positively influenced the career of numerous clinicians and scientists engaged in medical, veterinary and pharmaceutical practice. He is deeply committed to initiatives that advance modern technological applications to improve quality of healthcare and reduce disease burden and health-associated costs.