Ryan Prestil

Led implementation of engineered type V CRISPR nucleases and AI-designed adenine base editors into a modular base‑editing platform, standardized in vitro transcription workflows, and overhauled project management policies for the R&D unit.

Researched transcription factor–driven conversion of iPSCs and primary cells, performed bulk and single‑cell RNA‑seq and multi‑color flow cytometry, and established company-wide vector QC standards while leading work packages and training staff.

Identified and characterized L1CAM as a regulator of autophagy using lentiviral shRNAs and CRISPR in iPSC‑derived neurons, established neuronal differentiation models in the lab, and trained junior researchers.

Derived CRISPR- and TALEN‑edited human iPSC models of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, developed inducible TF‑driven iPSC‑to‑neuron differentiation systems, and implemented SILAC proteomics for protein turnover studies.

Optimized CRISPR transfection methods, derived transgenic human iPSC/ESC lines, analyzed cytoskeletal and chromatin dynamics during reprogramming, and managed reagent inventory.

Investigated conserved neurodevelopmental gene homologs in annelids, performed zygotic CRISPR microinjection, and developed single‑animal assay workflows.

Activities and societies: Co-advised by NIH and Cambridge faculty; presented at conferences; trained students and postdocs.

PhD in Medical Science (Neurogenetics) researching neurodegenerative disease modeling in human iPSC-derived neurons; thesis titled 'Modeling neurodegenerative diseases in human iPSC-derived neurons'.

Activities and societies: Conducted stem cell and CRISPR research; derived transgenic iPSC/ESC lines and optimized reprogramming/differentiation protocols.

Bachelor of Science with Honors in Research, majoring in Neurobiology and Mathematics with a Certificate in Excellence in Stem Cell Sciences.