Summary
Sarah Hurt, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Missouri – Columbia with a strong background in Molecular Genetics and Genomics. Specializing in precision medicine, viral vector development, and rare monogenic diseases. Experienced in leading research projects, designing in vivo/in vitro experiments, and mentoring students.
- Columbia, MO
- HurtSC@missouri.edu
Education
PhD - Molecular Genetics and Genomics
June 2019 - September 2024
Washington University in St. Louis
Dissertation: Treatment Modifications and Development for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I
Emphasis: Precision Medicine
Advisor: Patricia Dickson, MD
BS - Biological Engineering
August 2015 - May 2019
University of Missouri – Columbia
Minors: Mathematics and Biology
Honors: Cum Laude and Honor Scholar
Professional Experience
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
September 2024 - Present
University of Missouri – Columbia
Lab of Christian Lorson, Ph.D. and Monique Lorson, Ph.D.
- Compiled and analyzed polysome profiles to further understand translational consequences in relation to mutations associated with rare monogenic diseases
- Formulated and performed suites of experiments for testing therapeutics in vivo
- Led research projects and coordinated with collaborative partners
Graduate Research Assistant
April 2022 - September 2024
Washington University in St. Louis
Lab of Patricia Dickson, MD
- Designed and developed viral vectors for potential therapeutics to rare monogenic diseases
- Formulated and performed suites of experiments for testing therapeutics in vivo
- Led research projects and coordinated with collaborative partners
Summer Education Partnership Award Mentor
June 2021 - August 2023
Washington University in St. Louis
- Assisted students from low-income area high schools in conducting a virtual summer research project
- Taught students to use comparative genomic techniques and to analyze sequencing data for evidence of viral infection
- Informed students of career possibilities in STEM
Tutor for the Sophia Project and the Village
August 2020 - May 2024
Washington University in St. Louis
- Assisted students from nearby, low-income neighborhoods who are in first through twelfth grade in their studies, specifically math and writing skills
- Aided students in developing good time management skills for online learning
Assistant in Instruction
August 2020 - December 2020
Washington University in St. Louis
- Facilitated group work for undergraduate students taking Introduction to Environmental Biology
- Used teaching assisting technologies Canvas, Piazza, Zoom, and Padlet to instruct students
- Gave input on assignments and evaluated student work
Graduate Research Assistant
June 2019 - December 2023
Washington University in St. Louis
Lab of David T. Curiel, MD, PhD
- Designed and developed viral vectors for potential therapeutics to rare monogenic diseases
- Formulated and performed suites of experiments for testing therapeutics in vitro
Undergraduate Research Assistant
May 2017 - July 2017
Johns Hopkins University
Labs of Phillip Wong, PhD and Tong Li, PhD
- Utilized ImageJ software to analyze images of murine brains to understand how Tau pathology occurs in a new model for Alzheimer’s Disease
- Performed western blots identify tau proteins within different sections of the brain to further evaluate the Alzheimer’s mouse model
- Cared for mice and performed dissection techniques for research purposes
Summer Undergraduate Research Assistant
May 2016 - July 2016
University of Missouri – Columbia
Lab of Ruthie Angelovici, PhD
- Used bioinformatics tools such as SnapGene and early gRNA design tools to design vectors to proceed with CRISPR in Arabidopsis thaliana
- Worked on a team to knockout three genes associated with seed storage in Arabidopsis thaliana
Undergraduate Research Assistant
September 2015 - May 2019
University of Missouri – Columbia
Lab of J. Chris Pires, PhD
- Led research project to establish a new protocol to initiate CRISPR in Brassica oleracea
- Worked as a team to complete research projects exploring leaf morphology and phylogenetic trees
College of Engineering Student Worker
August 2015 - May 2019
University of Missouri – Columbia
- Assisted advisors in the Engineering Advising Office with general office needs
- Ensured students were able to meet with their advisors in a timely manner
Scholarships & Awards
- Wiley Top Downloaded Article in 2021 - March 2023
- University of Missouri Award for Academic Distinction (Top 15 Graduating Students) - May 2019
- Bess M. and George W. Corrigan Memorial Scholarship - August 2018 – May 2019
- Hummel Family Scholarship - August 2017 – May 2019
- University of Missouri College of Engineering Dean’s List - May 2016 – May 2019
- Byron and Ardith Nolte Undergraduate Scholarship for Bioengineers - August 2015 – May 2019
- University of Missouri Excellence Award - August 2015 – May 2019
Skills
Service and Activities
Mentoring Up at Mizzou
October 2025
University of Missouri – Columbia
- Participated in a CIMER training focusing empowering mentees to take responsibility in their mentoring relationships
Graduate Peer Mentor
August 2023 – August 2024
Washington University in St. Louis
- Advised first-year graduate students one-on-one about choosing an advisor, fellowship applications, and classes
- Assisted students in acclimating to St. Louis during their first year of graduate studies
First Generation Scholars
August 2021 – June 2024
Washington University in St. Louis
- Vice President (2023-2024), Bookkeeper (2022-2023), and Social Activities Chair (2021-2022)
- Organization dedicated to supporting first generation students through graduate studies
- Provides opportunities for professional development and mentorship for first generation students during graduate studies
Opportunities in Genomics Research Mentor
May 2022 – August 2023
Washington University in St. Louis
- Advised students one-on-one to prepare for graduate school applications
- Worked to ensure students were adequately supported during their time in St. Louis
- Planned and participated in group outings designed to build community within the group of students
Tau Beta Pi
August 2018 – May 2019
University of Missouri – Columbia
- Engineering Honor Society
- Recognizes academic and professional excellence rooted in personal integrity
- Provides opportunities for leadership development and promotes lifelong learning
Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society
August 2018 – May 2019
University of Missouri – Columbia
- International honor society of science and engineering
- Dedicated to growing the scientific research community
Biomedical Engineering Society
August 2017 – May 2019
University of Missouri – Columbia
- National organization for biomedical engineers
- Keep students up to date on the latest technology in biomedical engineering
Engineering Ambassadors
August 2017 – May 2018
University of Missouri – Columbia
- Promote the MU College of Engineering at a variety of events on and off MU’s campus
- Give engineering building tours to alumni, businesses, and prospective students
Mentor to High School Students
May 2017 – August 2017
Johns Hopkins University
- Taught lab techniques such as pipetting and western blots, along with general lab safety, to two high school students volunteering in Dr. Tong Li’s Lab
Society of Undergraduate Researchers in the Life Sciences
August 2015 – May 2018
University of Missouri – Columbia
- Organization of undergraduates conducting and interested in research in the life sciences
Women in Engineering Student Board
August 2015 – May 2016
University of Missouri – Columbia
- Organization of students at the undergraduate and graduate level interested in supporting women in engineering
- Provide professional development panels with graduate students, faculty members, and other post-graduate opportunities
- Organize social events and professional development events to benefit those within the College of Engineering
Student Volunteer in the Lab of Dr. Terri Woodford-Thomas
April 2015 – July 2016
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
- Accompanied Dr. Terri Woodford-Thomas establishing outreach programs in Ferguson, MO
- Assisted in soil core pulls
- Volunteered to run a portion of the Girl Scout outreach program at Danforth
Public Communication and Outreach
One Tiger’s roadmap from first-gen freshman to postdoctoral fellow
April 2025
University of Missouri – Columbia, Show Me Mizzou
Ronald E. McNair Day Panelist
November 2024
University of Missouri - Columbia
Office of Undergraduate Research First Generation College Celebration Panelist
November 2024
University of Missouri – Columbia
MARC Scholars’ Minorities in Graduate School Panelist
March 2024
Washington University in St. Louis
First Generation Scholars’ Choosing a Thesis Lab Panelist
April 2023
Washington University in St. Louis
MARC Scholars’ Graduate School Panelist
March 2023
Washington University in St. Louis
Guest Speaker for Genetics Class
May 2021
St. Joseph’s Academy, St. Louis, MO
Guest Speaker at Global Education Scholars
April 2021
St. Joseph’s Academy, St. Louis, MO
Ronald E. McNair Graduate School Panelist
September 2020
MOKANNE (MKN) McNair Heartland Research Conference
Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program Orientation Panelist
August 2019
University of Missouri – Columbia
Mizzou senior’s NSF Graduate Fellowship a dream achieved
May 2019
University of Missouri – Columbia, College of Engineering
Guest Speaker for AP Biology Class
May 2019
St Joseph’s Academy, St. Louis, MO
Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program 30th Anniversary Luncheon Panelist
April 2018
University of Missouri – Columbia
Taking her Research to Capitol Hill
April 2018
University of Missouri – Columbia, Office of Undergraduate Research
Sarah Gebken #IAmScience
March 2018
University of Missouri – Columbia, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center
Undergraduate Research Leads Bioengineer to Prestigious Summer Program
April 2017
University of Missouri – Columbia, College of Engineering
Student researchers from University of Missouri – Columbia present at Capitol
April 2017
University of Missouri System
DNA! What’s on Your Plate?
April 2016
Benton Elementary After School Science Club Presentation