Marissa Hirst is a seasoned Computational Biologist and Bioinformatician at Rancho BioSciences, where she leverages over a decade of industry experience to tackle complex, data-driven challenges in the realm of multi-omics. In her current role, Marissa specializes in analyzing intricate datasets derived from various high-throughput...
Marissa Hirst is a seasoned Computational Biologist and Bioinformatician at Rancho BioSciences, where she leverages over a decade of industry experience to tackle complex, data-driven challenges in the realm of multi-omics. In her current role, Marissa specializes in analyzing intricate datasets derived from various high-throughput sequencing technologies, including spatial single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), scATAC-seq, and ChIP-seq. Her expertise encompasses the entire analytical pipeline, from alignment and pre-processing to quality control and differential gene expression analysis. By employing advanced statistical methods and programming languages such as R and Python, she transforms raw data into actionable insights, enabling researchers to uncover biological narratives hidden within their datasets.
One of Marissa's key projects involves the development of automated pipelines for processing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA-Seq. These pipelines not only streamline data processing but also enhance reproducibility and efficiency, allowing her team to focus on interpreting results rather than getting bogged down by manual tasks. Her proficiency in gene set enrichment analysis and customized downstream analysis further solidifies her role as a pivotal contributor to multi-disciplinary research initiatives.
Marissa's diverse skill set extends beyond bioinformatics; she is also well-versed in laboratory techniques such as real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining. This unique combination of computational and experimental expertise positions her as a valuable asset in bridging the gap between wet lab research and computational analysis. Passionate about scientific communication, Marissa excels at translating complex findings into compelling narratives that resonate with both technical and non-technical audiences, making her an influential figure in the bioinformatics community at Rancho BioSciences.
