Research scientist and engineer

I design and deploy computational workflows to uncover molecular mechanisms of aging, lifespan variation, and disease risk using genomics & data science.

About

I specialize in project-oriented genomics and statistics, translating large-scale -omic datasets into reproducible and interpretable biological insights.

• Tooling: R, Python, Bash
• Infrastructure: SLURM-based high-preformance computation, containerized workflows, reproducible pipelines

Education

• Ph.D., Engineering — University of New Mexico (Graduated with distinction)
  Advisor: Dr. Mark A. McCormick, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (labmccormick.org).
  Research: ATF4 and drug-inducible, hormetic stress programs that extend lifespan across multiple species.
• M.Sc., Biomedical Engineering — University of New Mexico
• B.A., Mathematics & Biological Sciences — University of Denver

Professional Appointments

Bioinformatics Research Scientist
Snyder-Mackler Lab, Arizona State University

I work closely with Noah Snyder-Mackler’s group on evolutionary genomics and aging biology, developing statistical pipelines and reproducible computational infrastructure for cross-species genomic analyses.

Bioinformatic Researcher
Dog Aging Project, Dog Aging Institute

I lead large-scale genomic and epigenomic analyses across 900+ dogs, investigating genetic architecture, methylation dynamics, and lifespan-associated molecular signatures. This work integrates GWAS, meQTL mapping, epigenetic clock modeling, and causal inference frameworks.

Selected Publications

• The Causal Epigenetic Drivers of Age-related Decline in Dog Aging Project dogs
  Mariner et al. · In preparation
  
• Epigenetics Reflect Demographically Compressed Lifespan Dynamics in Domestic Dogs: Findings from the Dog Aging Project
  Mariner & McCoy et al. · Science · Under Review
• Diverse Patterns of Allele-Specific Expression in Healthy Human Tissues
  Mariner et al. · Genome Biology · Under Review
  bioRxiv: 10.1101/2025.10.14.682127
• Increased FICD-mediated protein AMPylation Triggers Conserved Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Signaling Across Species
  Hernandez-Lima et al. · Cell Stress & Chaperones · 2026
  DOI: 10.1016/j.cstres.2026.100149 · ScienceDirect
• Protein Catabolites as Blood-Based Biomarkers of Aging Physiology: Findings From the Dog Aging Project
  Harrison et al. · Aging Cell · 2025
  DOI: 10.1111/acel.70226
• Induction of Proteasomal Activity in Mammalian Cells by Lifespan-extending tRNA Synthetase Inhibitors
  Mariner et al. · GeroScience · 2023
  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
  Mariner et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2023
  DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216163

Experiences & passions

Outside of research, I’ve pursued experiences that build communication, leadership, and resilience in high-responsibility environments.

• Endurance mountain biker — Training and competing in long-distance mountain bike races, including the 2026 Leadville 100-mile mountain bike. I am raising funds to support outdoor programming for young adults affected by cancer with First Descents. Learn more or support the campaign.
• English as a second language educator in Ambato, Ecuador (3 semesters) — Taught 150+ students in a pre-medical program, leading Level 4 English courses at CTT de los Andes.
• Tungurahua province basketball tournament champion (4×) — Competed in regional tournaments in Tungurahua, Ecuador (Ambato, Huambalito, Cevallos, Atahualpa), developing teamwork and adaptability in a cross-cultural setting.
• Sailing counselor & Director of Activities at Camp Kawanhee for boys (11 summers, Maine) — Sailor of 20-foot long sloops.

Contact

Email: blaisemariner17@gmail.com