Edgar Lopez-Garcia is a Guatemalan transfer student from Merced College double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. A first-generation college student, he has built a strong academic record and, after undergoing multiple major reconstructive surgeries, brings a personal understanding of patient care and perseverance to his academic and professional goals. At Merced College he served for two years as President of the Pre-Health Club and as a Student Senator before transferring to UC Berkeley. Edgar has worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for two years, gaining firsthand insight into acute care and neurotrauma, and has volunteered in emergency rooms, hospice organizations, and at school events. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and friends and watching sports games.
Edgar is interested in using CRISPR base editing tools to correct single letter DNA changes that increase the risk of brain diseases. For example, he wants to work on the APOE4 gene (APOE4 is one of three common versions of the APOE gene, which everyone inherits one copy from each parent). Possessing this allele significantly increases the likelihood of late onset Alzheimer’s disease. Using prime editing techniques, he's planning on converting it to the safer, neutral APOE3 form.
