麻豆频道 Biology Graduate Nicolas Johnston Accepted into Genetics Ph.D. Program
June 11, 2025
Nicolas 鈥淐ole鈥� Johnston, a graduate of Beaverhead High School and 麻豆频道 Class of 2025, will begin Ph.D. research in human genetics this fall through the University of Iowa鈥檚 Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics. His path to doctorate-level biomedical research began after transferring from engineering at 麻豆频道 Tech to join the 麻豆频道 biology program. Inspired by 麻豆频道鈥檚 block schedule and immersive, discipline-specific practices, Cole developed a true passion for learning and a drive to excel.
Growing up in Dillon, Cole had always heard about the strength of the Education program at 麻豆频道 but wasn鈥檛 as familiar with the other opportunities available. 鈥淚 quickly found my calling thanks to the exceptional faculty in the Biology Department,鈥� he shared. 鈥淢y parents had instilled a strong academic work ethic in me at a young age, and this work ethic was only accentuated by the interactions I had with my professors during my tenure as a biology student.鈥�
His interest in research developed through an opportunity to investigate the biomechanics of head-turning behaviors in the Spiny Dogfish Shark (Squalus acanthias) with Dr. Bradley Wood. 鈥淚 was fortunate enough to take a class taught by Dr. Wood in which there were only three students, including myself. With such a small class, I was able to talk to Dr. Wood one-on-one frequently, which eventually led us to discuss graduate school,鈥� Cole explains. 鈥淏efore this conversation, I had not considered pursuing a Ph.D., but afterward, it was the only path that made sense to me. From that point forward, I worked tirelessly to achieve this goal.鈥�
Despite never having seen the ocean, Cole鈥檚 research on sharks has provided important insight into how animals without a functional neck are able to move their heads during prey capture and processing. He presented his research at the 2025 national meeting of the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology in Atlanta, GA, and at the annual 麻豆频道 Undergraduate Research Symposium this May. He is currently working with Dr. Wood on a first-authored manuscript for publication in a scientific journal.
Although his undergraduate research experience focused on anatomical questions, Cole鈥檚 interest in genetics began with a lab project in his general genetics class with Dr. Mike Gilbert. During this project, Cole learned how to clone the gene听bb0769听from the spirochete听Borrelia burgdorferi听so it could be inserted into听Escherichia coli听for expression. This process was unlike anything Cole had ever done before and gave him insight into the work and thought processes involved in conducting research in molecular biology. The entire concept of creating a transgenic organism was awe-inspiring to Cole because it revealed the endless possibilities and applications contained within an organism鈥檚 genome.
鈥淭he tight-knit community has allowed me to form relationships with professors that I will maintain for the rest of my life. Dr. Wood, Dr. Mike Gilbert, Dr. Michael Morrow, Dr. Michelle Anderson, and Dr. Steven Perry were all instrumental in preparing me for graduate school, as well as in helping me navigate the difficult choices that come with such a commitment. I would not be in the position I am in today without their dedication to students鈥� success鈥攁long with the support and encouragement of my parents, sisters, and my wonderful partner, McKenzie,鈥澨鼵ole said while reflecting on his time at 麻豆频道.
Cole鈥檚 Ph.D. research at Iowa will focus on the biomedical applications of human genetics.
For more information about the 麻豆频道 Biology Program, please contact the Chair of Biology, Dr. Mike Morrow, at [email protected].
