Can you introduce yourself?
I am Richard Bartfai, the coordinator of the Medical Epigenomics specialisation. I have been involved with this programme from the very beginning and I am teaching in the Integrative Omics in Health and Disease as well as in the Data Visualization courses.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
Medical Epigenomics fascinates me as it integrates various high throughput technologies with computational and molecular biology approaches to provide global insight into gene regulation in the context of development, health and disease.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
I am using integrative omics approaches to understand how malaria parasites employ gene regulatory mechanisms to adapt to and survive in their human host. I am convinced that this knowledge eventually will help to develop better antimalarial control and elimination strategies.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
I always advise students to think off what kind of job they would like to do after concluding their studies and choose the study that best prepares them for this carreer path. If they do not know yet they should choose any study with a subject that fascinates them and they will surely be on the right path.
What is the best part of being a lecturer?
It is very rewarding to see students transforming to young professionals and finding their own path in life. As lecturers we are doing our best to support the personal and professional development of students in support of this process.