Melika Ghasemi Shiran
Short Bio
Melika Ghasemi Shiran is a PhD student in Biological Sciences at Auburn University. Her research focuses on genetics, particularly how environmental stressors such as caloric density, hypoxia, and temperature influence meiotic recombination and genetic variation in Drosophila melanogaster. She integrates experimental and computational approaches to better understand genome dynamics under stress. Melika has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and is actively involved in research, teaching, mentoring and scientific outreach.
Education
BS Azad University Central Tehran Branch 2017-2021
PhD Auburn University 2024-2028
Professional Experience
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Auburn University | Aug. 2024–Dec. 2024
Independently taught introductory biology laboratory sections, supervised experiments and evaluated student performance.
Innovation
Auburn University | Aug. 2024–Present
Investigating the effects of environmental stressors, including caloric density, hypoxia and temperature, on recombination rates using Drosophila melanogaster. Conducting experimental design, data analysis and manuscript preparation.
Salari Institute | Aug. 2023–Aug. 2024
Studied immune cell function, including macrophages, T cells and T helper cells, in multiple sclerosis through molecular and computational analyses.
Avicenna Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences | Oct. 2022–Aug. 2023
Contributed to scientific writing and analysis of migraine and age-related neurological disorders.
Salari Institute | Apr. 2021–Sept. 2022
Performed data curation, methodological development and manuscript editing for research projects in the molecular biology of breast cancer.
Engagement
AURORA Outreach Program, Auburn University | March 2026
Participated in STEM outreach initiatives aimed at broadening participation in science, engaging students from diverse backgrounds in genetics and computational biology.
High School Outreach Volunteer, Auburn University | Oct. 2025
Led outreach activities introducing high school students to STEM fields and academic career pathways in genetics.
Judge
Research and STEM Competitions | 2026
Served as a judge for undergraduate research fellowship competitions in genetics and biomedical sciences.
High School Olympiad | 2025
Served as a judge for high school science competitions in genetics.
Peer Reviewer
Integrative and Comparative Biology | 2025
Reviewed scientific manuscripts in the field of bioinformatics.
Genetics | 2026
Reviewed scientific manuscripts in the field of genetics.
