I turn complex biological datasets into rigorous analyses, scalable research systems, and high-impact scientific stories.
I work across computational genomics, epigenomics, statistical modeling, high-performance computing, and scientific writing. My role is often end-to-end: helping define the biological question, designing the analysis, building the infrastructure, interpreting the result, and driving the work toward publication.
I currently work across large collaborative research programs in aging and evolutionary genomics, including the Dog Aging Project and the Snyder-Mackler Lab.
About
I am a computational biologist, research scientist, and engineer focused on the molecular biology of aging. I specialize in extracting interpretable biological signal from large, structured genomic datasets and in building the computational systems required to do that work reproducibly at scale.
My value is not tied to a single assay, programming language, or statistical method. I operate across the research stack: biological reasoning, study design, statistical genetics, epigenomics, software and HPC infrastructure, data interpretation, figure development, manuscript strategy, and collaborative scientific communication.
I am most useful on scientifically difficult projects that require both depth and integration: projects where the analysis must be technically rigorous, biologically defensible, computationally scalable, and ultimately communicated as a coherent scientific argument.
Selected scientific impact
My work is centered on ownership and delivery: taking difficult analyses from open-ended scientific questions to results that can withstand collaborative scrutiny, peer review, and publication.
First-author Science research article from the Dog Aging Project
I helped lead the analytical and scientific development of work linking epigenetic aging, transposable-element dysregulation, body size, and lifespan compression in dogs. The manuscript integrates large-scale methylation data with demographic and genomic context to address why shorter-lived demographic groups exhibit accelerated molecular aging.
From hypothesis and model design through analysis, figures, interpretation, manuscript development, and revision.
Experienced working across large collaborative projects where analytical decisions must remain interpretable and defensible across disciplines.
I build reproducible pipelines and analytical infrastructure that remain useful beyond a single figure or manuscript.
Capabilities
I combine scientific reasoning with implementation. That combination is particularly useful when a project cannot be cleanly handed from a biologist to a statistician to an engineer without losing context.
Computational genomics & epigenomics
Genome-scale methylation analysis, meQTL mapping, GWAS integration, ancestry-aware analysis, epigenetic clocks, longitudinal molecular phenotypes, and comparative genomics.
Statistical modeling
Mixed-effects models, high-dimensional association testing, hierarchical and longitudinal analysis, causal-inference frameworks, multiple-testing control, sensitivity analysis, and model interpretation.
Scientific computing & HPC
R, Python, Bash, SLURM, scalable genomics pipelines, restartable workflows, large-file processing, computational debugging, reproducibility, and production-scale research infrastructure.
Aging & evolutionary biology
Lifespan variation, epigenetic aging, stress-response biology, transposable elements, comparative biology, evolutionary tradeoffs, and cross-species interpretation.
Scientific writing & figures
I translate complex analyses into figures, results, conceptual models, manuscripts, responses to reviewers, and presentations that make the biological argument clear.
Research strategy & integration
I help determine which questions are answerable with the available data, which analyses are worth pursuing, what additional evidence is needed, and how separate results fit into a publishable scientific story.
Independent scientific consulting
I am available for selective contract and collaborative work in computational genomics, epigenomics, statistical analysis, research infrastructure, and manuscript development.
Embedded research scientist
Long-term involvement with a lab, consortium, or research program where continuity, scientific context, and ownership across multiple analyses are important.
Analysis leadership
Design and execution of complex genomic or epigenomic analyses, including statistical strategy, robustness checks, interpretation, and figure development.
Computational infrastructure
Design, repair, and scaling of genomics workflows on HPC systems, with emphasis on reproducibility, restartability, validation, and maintainability.
Manuscript & scientific strategy
Turning a technically correct analysis into a coherent paper: identifying the central claim, resolving analytical gaps, strengthening figures, and supporting revision and reviewer response.
Best fit: complex, collaborative biomedical or comparative-genomics projects where the primary need is not simply “bioinformatics support,” but scientific ownership and integration.
For project or contract inquiries, contact blaisemariner17@gmail.com.
Professional appointments
I lead and integrate large-scale genomic and epigenomic analyses of aging and lifespan variation in dogs. Current work spans methylation, statistical genetics, genetic ancestry, meQTL mapping, epigenetic clocks, longitudinal analysis, and the molecular consequences of demographic differences in lifespan.
I develop computational and statistical systems for evolutionary genomics and cross-species biology, including scalable analysis workflows for large genomic datasets and collaborative research programs.
Selected publications
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Epigenetic Aging and Transposon Dysregulation Reflect Size-related Lifespan Compression in Dogs
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Mapping the canine gut microbiome: insights from the Dog Aging Project
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-73193-y -
Diverse Patterns of Allele-Specific Expression in Healthy Human Tissues
DOI: 10.1101/2025.10.14.682127 -
Increased FICD-mediated protein AMPylation Triggers Conserved Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Signaling Across Species
DOI: 10.1016/j.cstres.2026.100149 -
Protein Catabolites as Blood-Based Biomarkers of Aging Physiology: Findings From the Dog Aging Project
DOI: 10.1111/acel.70226 -
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
Education
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Ph.D., Engineering — University of New Mexico, graduated with distinction
- M.Sc., Biomedical Engineering — University of New Mexico
- B.A., Mathematics & Biological Sciences — University of Denver
Beyond research
Outside of science, I am drawn to environments that reward endurance, adaptability, communication, and sustained responsibility.
- Endurance mountain biker — Training and competing in long-distance mountain bike races, including the 2026 Leadville 100-mile mountain bike race. I also raise funds for First Descents to support outdoor programming for young adults affected by cancer. Learn more.
- English as a second language educator in Ambato, Ecuador — Taught 150+ students in a pre-medical program across three semesters, leading Level 4 English courses at CTT de los Andes.
- Tungurahua province basketball tournament champion (4×) — Competed in regional tournaments in Ecuador.
- Sailing counselor & Director of Activities at Camp Kawanhee for boys — Eleven summers in Maine teaching, leading programs, and managing responsibility in dynamic settings.
Contact
For research collaborations, consulting, computational genomics projects, or scientific strategy: blaisemariner17@gmail.com