Aaron Kotamarti received second place for research that combines genetics, biochemistry and computer science. His faculty mentor was Dr. Michael Zhang, director of the Center for Systems Biology and the Cecil H. and Ida Green Distinguished Chair in Systems Biology Science.
Using biological principles as input, Kotamarti devised computer programs that could help researchers better understand a process called methylation, which helps regulate the expression of genes. Kotamarti has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from UT Dallas and is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in engineering.
