“Malaria kills between 500,000 and one million children each year,” said Jeff Wagner, Dartmouth ’06, “but it’s a problem we can address.” Wagner, who recently received his Ph.D. in biological engineering from MIT, is the lead author on a recent paper describing a new technique for genome editing in the malaria parasite, “Plasmodium falciparum.” The technique, which allows researchers to “cut and paste” nearly anywhere in the parasite genome, will dramatically speed up the process of identifying the functions of specific genes. “While this is not in itself a new drug or treatment,” explained Wagner, “it will allow future researchers to identify new drug targets and potential vaccination strategies far more efficiently than they can now.”

When he arrived at MIT, Wagner knew his time in graduate school presented him with a rare opportunity to focus on the research about which he was passionate. He began working with Assistant Professor Jacquin Niles and fellow SigEp Isaac Businger, MIT ’11, an undergraduate research assistant, on developing new methods for genetics engineering in the malaria parasite. In September 2014, Wagner began a post-doctoral fellowship at the Harvard School of Public Health developing vaccination strategies for tuberculosis.

Wagner began his genetics research with professors at Dartmouth in 2004, the same year he joined SigEp. “I’ve always been a bit of a genetics geek,” said Wagner, “and it was great to get so much encouragement, not just from professors, but from my brothers too.” During his SigEp days, Wagner “loved being around and learning from so many smart, talented people.” Wagner has maintained close friendships with several of his brothers and noted, “I was really touched when several of them flew into town to attend my doctoral defense.”

“To this day, I am inspired by the work that my brothers are doing,” Wagner said.

“Whether it’s social science research on education or power-grid problem-solving, SigEps are doing important and interesting things that are improving the world.”