NAME: Cynthia Converso
EDUCATION: I received my BS in Biochemistry, with a Mathematics minor from SUNY Geneseo in 2016. I went on to pursue an MS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Stony Brook University in 2017 and promptly transitioned into the Molecular and Cellular Biology Ph.D. Program in 2018. I am currently a 5th-year Ph.D. candidate in a Biochemistry lab. Concurrently, I am pursuing a graduate certificate in Science Communication.
RESEARCH INTERESTS: I am interested in the targeting mechanism of a chromatin remodeling enzyme, in yeast.
CURRENT RESEARCH: I have developed a Biochemical assay to decipher the substrate preferences of a chromatin remodeling enzyme. The chromatin remodeler is responsible for targeting a histone variant (i.e. protein component of DNA packaging) to a specific genomic location. The histone variant, named H2A.Z, plays an important role in gene expression. Dysregulation of H2A.Z targeting is a robust biomarker for some late-stage cancers. Using my assay, we can better understand histone targeting mechanisms.
FUTURE GOALS: My future is undecided! I am open to all opportunities that come my way, though I will likely pursue an industry career. My goal is to continue to perform bench research and continue my science communication work.
Why did you want to be a part of GWiSE?
I was looking for a community of like-minded people. When I first went to a GWiSE event in 2019, I was very excited to have found friends that were fun and exciting. I immediately wanted to get involved and play a larger role in this organization that uplifts, supports, and encourages women to reach their full potential in STEM.
What/who got you interested in your field?
Since graduating high school, I have been mainly interested in studying topics in biochemistry, which led me to look for a lab in SBU’s Biochemistry department. I joined the Luk Lab because of the friendly atmosphere, encouraging labmates, interesting research topics, and, mainly, Dr. Ed Luk’s mentorship style.
When did you know you were interested in pursuing a degree in science/engineering?
My descent into STEM was slow. It started with an endless slot of “why” questions as a child and a need to watch every science documentary available. I excelled in science and took advanced classes with pleasure. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my go-to answer became “Mad Scientist”. Funnily, I don’t remember anyone ever questioning me on it. When it came to college, I knew that it had to be science but was completely unsure of what I wanted to do with the degree. I scrolled through the majors and found the most mad-sciency thing I could: Biochemistry. I added a Math minor later on out of pure love for the classes. It all fell into place one step at a time. I spent a year as a Microbiologist at a pharmaceutical company before joining a Biochemistry and Cell Biology Master’s program. And a year into that, I was offered a Ph.D. position in the Molecular and Cellular Biology program. I figured I’d just keep letting science take me where it wants.
What do you think needs to happen for there to be more women in science/engineering?
Representation! Let’s show kids at a young age that they are welcome and represented in every field. Even after graduating from college, I did not know what I wanted to do with my STEM degree. Although I was interested in working in a lab, I think I did not see myself as a research scientist. I strongly believe that, if more young girls could see a diverse group of people working together in a STEM career, they would be able to see themselves following a similar path.
Favorite way to spend a free day: Going upstate for a long hike with my Husband and Dog.
Most interesting place you have visited: Being able to go to Australia (Sydney and Melbourne, I can’t choose) was one of the coolest trips I have ever been on!
Favorite thing to do on Long Island: As a native Long Islander, I have plenty of go-to places. But you can’t beat Ocean Beach in the summer, the Eastern-end farms in the Fall, Light shows in during the holiday season, and ANY arboretum in the Spring (highly suggest the Bayard Cutting and Planting Fields Arboretums).
Graduate Women in Science and Engineering @ SBU 