Pre-Med Awarded NIH Research Supplement

In May 2023, Tyler Carman earned a B.S. in neuroscience from the University of Michigan. The first college graduate in his family, Tyler plans to pursue an M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. But before taking that next step, he’s making the most of an opportunity to continue learning—and contributing—in the lab of Kellogg physician-scientist Rajesh Rao, M.D.

The Rao translational research lab focuses on the epigenetics of retinal development and disease to identify new biomarkers, therapeutic targets and applications of stem cells for blinding diseases.

Tyler began assisting in the lab as an undergraduate, working with the retinal organoid model under the direction of resident Dan Balikov, M.D., Ph.D., and graduate student Brian Basinski, B.S. His assignments included supporting studies of retinal organoid vascularization with Dr. Balikov and the molecular drivers of North Carolina macular dystrophy, a rare congenital blinding disease, with Mr. Basinski.

Tyler is already a recipient of NIH funding at this early stage of his career—with support from the NIH Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in HealthRelated Research program, Tyler will complete two years of post-baccalaureate training with the team. His primary focus will be studying a protein-to-protein interaction within the noncanonical Polycomb Repressive Complex 1.6. “The theory is that the members of this complex work together to close off parts of the chromatin to ensure cells become their specified type during development,” he explains. “Within our organoid model, they are fated to become retinal cells.”

“Tyler credits Dr. Rao with inspiring him to pursue a career as a physician-scientist. “Dr. Rao is incredibly supportive of everyone in his lab, which has been amazing to experience as an undergrad,” he says.

A highlight of his time with the team was observing Dr. Rao perform a human RPE stem cell transplant as part of a first-of-its-kind Phase 1/2a clinical trial for the treatment of dry AMD.

“What an opportunity,” Tyler recalls. “A big milestone for me—observing my first eye surgery—also happened to be a significant scientific milestone.”

Header image caption: Tyler Carman, B.S.