What is your role at Primordial Genetics, and how long have you been on the team?
I am a Research Associate and joined Primordial in late August of 2020. I mainly assist Karen with our RNA polymerase project, but also help the others wherever needed.
What led you to join Primordial Genetics?
I was working at a manufacturing job at a small company nearby, that was great for gaining experience on the manufacturing side but also taught me that I much prefer working at a lab bench doing research. The job description and projects being worked on sounded really interesting so I applied, and I was fortunate enough to be hired.
What industries are you most excited about that will benefit from this technology?
The pharmaceutical industry will benefit from our research into RNA polymerases. Our goal is improve the mRNA manufacturing capabilities of RNA polymerases to be more effective, since mRNA drugs will be the new normal for treating all manner of diseases as well as being used as therapies and vaccines. Our hope is to be among the frontrunners of that research, and I believe we are on our way there.
When you aren’t in the lab, what do you like to do?
I enjoy doing all manner of arts and crafts, especially quilling, origami, and zentangling. I also read quite a bit and play video games. I’m a huge nerd for anything Star Wars related as well, and am currently watching all shows taking place in the Star Wars universe. And I’m a huge soccer and hockey fan.
What is one place in the world you would like to visit and why?
I’d love to visit Peru and hike to Machu Picchu. I love hiking and I’ve never been to the Southern Hemisphere, so this is a great way to accomplish both! The views and scenery look absolutely stunning, and the Incan culture present in Cusco is fascinating as well.
To read Barbara’s full bio, visit: https://primordialgenetics.com/about/
