MEET DAVID GIRATA, A SENIOR IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING.

Since 2018, biomedical engineering student David Girata has been working as an undergraduate researcher in the Physical Genomics Lab, headed by Dr. Stephen Levene. In the lab, Girata
is the lead researcher in developing a technique to efficiently isolate circular forms of DNA, regardless of topology or sequence.

“Using this technology, we are interested in isolating the extra-chromosomal circular DNA(eccDNA) population, dubbed the Circulome, from different tissues and pathologies then sequencing them.” Girata said, “We are seeking to understand the role of eccDNA in the normal and disease contexts of the cell so we can apply this genetic profile for future diagnostic purposes.”

The project is conducted along with Dr. Massa Shoura, a post-doctoral researcher at the Fire Lab at Stanford School of Medicine. When the project began, the lab worked with bacterial plasmids approximately 3 kilobase pairs (kbp) in size. “As the project has progressed, we have successfully isolated a wide population of eccDNAs from C. Elegans at least 100 kbp in size, as well as brain cancer samples in a similar range,” Girata said, “This technology has now been patented, and we plan to continue studying different cell types, particularly cancer cells then using our findings to develop future diagnostic tools.”

Girata first became interested in this topic when looking for a research lab as a high school senior. He discovered Dr. Levene’s profile and research while looking into the available research in systems biology at Department of Bioengineering. Girata said, “His research interests and mission really spoke to me, so I decided to reach out with an email. I was lucky enough to be offered a position in the lab after a couple of meetings.”

Soon after joining the lab in 2018, Girata began his involvement on campus by joining the Anson L. Clark Research Program. In 2019, Girata received the undergraduate Research Scholar Award. He then represented UT Dallas Research at the UG Research Day at the Capitol in Austin, Texas. David was also a recipient of the first Decade of Excellence Research program in the Department of Bioengineering.

“All of these accomplishments have been made possible and strongly supported by Dr. Shoura and Dr. Levene. Not only are they brilliant scientists, but they are also amazing mentors,” Girata said. “They have trained me and shaped the way I approach a research question, an experiment, and my future pursuits. Working at the Levene lab has been the single most influential experience of my college career, and I am beyond thankful that they welcomed me to work with them.”

Aside from participating in research on campus, Girata has been a part of the UTDallas chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society. He served as education chair for two years and recently served as the vice-president. Additionally, David has also served as the vice-president of the Journal Club for the Biosciences for two years and has been. He also served a freshman mentor and residential assistant/peer advisor.

“I decided to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering because technology in medicine is incredibly fascinating, and as time goes on, they will only become more intertwined. The Bioengineering department itself is composed of excellent researchers and amazing’s instructors,” Girata said. “After graduating this May, I plan to continue my research at the Levene Lab and eventually pursue graduate education in medicine.

Congratulations, David, thank you for sharing your story about all of your accomplishments! We can’t wait to see you walk across the stage at commencement!