Ana completed a BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology with Major in Molecular Biology from Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM), Mexico in 2014 and an MSc (Distinction) in Genomic Medicine from the University of Manchester, UK, in 2017. Following her MSc, she returned to Mexico to join the Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering at ITESM as a Lecturer in Genetics. She is also a Research Intern at USMP. In January 2020, she will start a PhD in Human Genetics at McGill University, Canada.

Ana is genuinely interested in promoting education in bioinformatics by offering courses at the Faculty. She is developing a Bioinformatic course 'Comprehensive Workshop in Clinical Bioinformatics' to be taught at the Faculty. This course will include basic, intermediate and advanced levels addressed to Faculty members and students. 

Project summary

To expand our knowledge in genomic architecture over understudied populations, including Native Americans from geographic regions of South America, this project aims to examine the whole-exome sequencing data of nearly 250 Peruvian individuals (affected with multiple conditions, 70-80% Native American ancestry) and identify variations typically found in Native American populations and mestizo groups. In addition, to clarify significant features concerning evolution dynamics, we also aim to examine Neanderthal and Denisovan heritage and identify biases that suggest natural selection.

Project outcomes and impact