Taras Oleksyk
Biology
Who I am:
I am a researcher specializing in population genomics and bioinformatics. My work primarily investigates genetic diversity and its implications for health and disease across underrepresented regions, especially in Eastern Europe. By leveraging advanced computational methods in genomics, I aim to uncover crucial insights into genetic variations that impact population health. Additionally, my research extends to the genomics of endangered and domesticated species, highlighting my broad interest in genetic studies.
My Fulbright grant focuses on:
This grant will enhance academic and research collaborations through a long-term partnership, specifically targeting the genomics and bioinformatics of Type 1 diabetes (T1D). The initiative includes collaboration with Polish colleagues to identify local genetic mutations contributing to T1D in Eastern Europe. Additionally, my collaborators and I aim to organize a joint educational workshop in genomics in Poland, actively involving Ukrainian students displaced by ongoing conflicts.
I decided to apply for a Fulbright grant because:
I am driven by the chance to forge lasting international ties and significantly advance scientific and educational efforts in the region. Poland is an important strategic choice for my research on genetic diversity and T1D genomics, offering critical insights into the genetic fabric of European populations. This location also facilitates access to displaced Ukrainian scholars, allowing us to integrate them into ongoing research and collaborative projects in genomics and bioinformatics.
After completing my Fulbright grant I would like to:
I plan to continue my work in genomics and bioinformatics across Poland and Ukraine, utilizing the networks and knowledge gained during the Fulbright experience to bolster scientific cooperation between Poland and the US. My goal is not only to advance our scientific agenda but also to expand educational initiatives that support students and young scholars in Eastern Europe, with a particular focus on those impacted by the war in Ukraine, thereby contributing to the region’s academic and scientific resilience.
- Instytut Farmakologii PAN, Kraków