This past month, I had the privilege of hearing from Professor Dennis Ko from Duke University’s Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. My questions focused on predictions and advice for the future of genetics and infectious disease research.
Professor Ko holds multiple roles at Duke (Associate Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Medicine, and Cell Biology, as well as an Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society.)
Part One: The Next 10 Years of Genetics
To get started, I asked “What exciting developments do you anticipate in the next 10 years in understanding how human genetic variation influences susceptibility to infectious diseases?”
Dr. Ko shared:
“There are now many large genome-wide association studies that link genetic differences to risk and severity of disease. Over the next decade, I anticipate there will be increased use of genetic biomarkers in predicting who is at highest risk for severe outcomes of different diseases, including infectious diseases. At the same time, therapies will be developed based on these known genetic targets.”
His answer highlights one of the most important factors in disease prevention: prediction. The development of genetic biomarkers could be groundbreaking, especially for hereditary diseases. Knowing a person’s risk of developing a disorder years in advance could allow for preventive treatments before symptom onset. This concept is fascinating when considering degenerative disorders, as the future engineering could potentially find ways to edit genetics on a molecular basis where the degeneration would never begin.
Part Two: Technology Transforming Research
Continuing on this topic, I asked Dr. Ko to elaborate more on the future, specifically, on the technologies shaping it. “How has modern technology opened doors for your research?”
He explained:
“New technologies have opened new approaches throughout my career, from genomics, RNAi, to CRISPR. These technologies have allowed us to ask questions we couldn’t address well before. Importantly, these transformative technologies often arise from basic science where we would not have guessed the important application.”
Technology is transforming every corner of science, but in genetic engineering, it’s enabling medical manipulation at the molecular level. Based on my own research into the controversial use of CRISPR, its applications in gene editing could be huge for disorders such as Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases, where small-scale organism trials are already showing promising results.
(You can learn more about this in my research paper “Advancing Clinical Trials in Rare Brain Disorders: Solutions for the Challenges of Limited Patient Populations.”)
Dr. Ko also noted that technology isn’t just shaping future research, it’s allowing scientists to answer complex questions of the present. Each new discovery builds the foundation for future breakthroughs, and is closing the gap between perplexing questions and options for life saving treatment.
Part Three: A Scientist’s Inspiration
To reach Dr. Ko level of success, his passion is evident. When I asked what inspired him to start out, he shared this moment from his past:
“I was inspired in high school learning about how the sickle cell allele causes protection against malaria. Then, in college, a paper came out showing how people with a mutation in CCR5 were protected against HIV infection. I want to make those same kinds of discoveries!”
I loved this answer because it shows how everyday curiosity in high school can spark a lifelong passion. It’s a reminder that the greatest discoveries often begin with the simplest questions, and not necessarily a life-altering experience. If anything, I have learned that passion can come from anywhere. This translates into the fact that it is important to keep an open mind to experiences whenever they come your way, as it is truly the best way to get your hands dirty with success.
Part Four: Advice for the Future
To close out, I asked Dr. Ko what advice he would offer to future generations of biomedical researchers. His response was truly inspiring:
“Biology is so fascinating! Often our understanding is limited, and it’s important not to get too attached to a hypothesis about how something probably works. If you’re dedicated and can ride out the ups and downs, eventually the mystery will be revealed. It takes lots of patience, hard work, and a willingness to think deeply about all the available information.”
This piece of advice really resonated with me. In science, progress isn’t always linear, it’s a mixture of success and failure. Dr. Ko’s words remind us that with the right amount of patience and curiosity, even the most complex mysteries of biology can be uncovered.
Part Five: Final Thoughts
Professor Ko’s answers opened my eyes to how genetics, technology, and curiosity work hand in hand to shape the future of medicine. From predicting disease risk through biomarkers to using CRISPR to correct genetic errors, we’re entering an era where understanding our DNA can help us prevent and treat disease like never before.
As students and future scientists, we have the chance to contribute to the journey for the future of medicine.