Bioinformatics scientist & molecular biologist
I build and deploy scalable -omics workflows to uncover molecular patterns that shape lifespan and healthspan.
About
Bioinformatics scientist. I design and lead robust, scalable analysis pipelines, translating complex genomic data into clear, actionable insights. I build production-grade SLURM-based computational workflows in Bash, R, and Python, and have worked across yeast, nematodes, mice, dogs, monkeys, and humans.
- Expertise: DNA methylation, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), quantitative trait loci (QTL), and other -omic approaches (e.g. bulk and single-cell RNA-seq, proteomics)
- Tools: R (tidyverse, Bioconductor), Python, PLINK/GCTA, Nextflow/Snakemake; version control with GitHub
- Compute: HPC at scale, cloud-ready workflows, containerized and reproducible environments
Selected Scientific Contributions
- Autophagy activation by reverse transcriptase inhibitors (Ph.D.): Demonstrated that reverse transcriptase inhibitors can activate autophagy in mammals via conserved hormetic pathways, supported by extensive wet lab assays and RNA sequencing.
- Aging and transposable elements (Postdoc): Identified accelerated methylation erosion at transposable elements in larger dog breeds using a 900+ sample Dog Aging Project dataset, highlighting size-dependent epigenetic aging.
- Cross-institutional bioinformatics: Deliver multi-omics analyses, statistical modeling, and reproducible pipelines across collaborations with multiple academic groups.
Scientific Values
- Integrity first: Data-driven hypotheses, transparent reporting, and careful interpretation.
- Reproducibility by default: Containerized workflows, code review, and open, version-controlled analyses.
- Clarity and impact: Communicating results plainly to enable educated research decisions.
Education
- Ph.D., Engineering, University of New Mexico — Graduated with distinction; research focused on the Integrated Stress Response. Advisor: Mark A. McCormick, Ph.D.
- M.Sc., Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico — Concentration in Cellular & Molecular Systems; research on bioinert polymers used in tissue engineering.
- Undergraduate, University of Denver — Double major in Mathematics & Biological Sciences.
Publications
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Induction of proteasomal activity in mammalian cells by lifespan-extending tRNA synthetase inhibitors
DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00938-8 -
Multiomics of GCN4-Dependent Replicative Lifespan Extension Models Reveals Gcn4 as a Regulator of Protein Turnover in Yeast
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216163 -
Protein Catabolites as Blood‐Based Biomarkers of Aging Physiology: Findings From the Dog Aging Project
DOI: 10.1111/acel.70226 -
Epigenomic Signatures of Lifespan Variation in Dogs: Findings from the Dog Aging Project
-
Diverse Patterns of Allele-Specific Expression in Healthy Human Tissues
bioRxiv preprint · DOI: 10.1101/2025.10.14.682127 -
Excessive protein AMPylation induces conserved PERK-dependent ER stress signaling
Full list on Google Scholar .
Life Experience
Beyond the lab and computational work, I’ve sought out experiences that build communication, leadership, and perseverance in diverse environments.
- Endurance Mountain Biker — Trains and competes in long-distance mountain bike races. I will be racing in the 2026 Leadville 100, raising money for outdoor programs benefiting cancer patients. My fundraising page can be found here: https://support.firstdescents.org/BlaiseMariner
- Educator in Ecuador (3 semesters) — Taught over 150 students in a pre-medical program, leading Level 4 English as a Second Language courses designed to prepare future medical professionals for international study. Developed cross-cultural teaching strategies and bilingual scientific communication skills.
- Tungurahua Province 3x Basketball Tournament Champion — Member of the “Dream Team” in Ambato, Ecuador, with championships across regional tournaments, including Atahualpa, Cevallos, and Huambalito. Built teamwork, resilience, and adaptability while competing in a different cultural and linguistic setting.
- Sailing Counselor & Activities Director (3 summers, Maine) — Started as a sailing instructor at an 8-week boys’ camp and worked up to Director of Activities, managing 14 activity areas and coordinating over 25 counselors serving 150 campers. Gained experience in leadership, logistics, and community-building under dynamic, high-responsibility conditions.
Contact
For contact, email blaisemariner17@gmail.com.