Morgan Taylor, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher, The Ohio State University

I am a molecular biologist by training, interested in the complex relationships between brain disorders and peripheral immunity. Over the course of my scientific career, I have developed a diverse skillset that spans multiple disciplines.

I grew up in Texas and received my undergraduate education at Baylor University (B.S. in Biology, 2014). I completed my graduate studies at Texas Christian University (M.S. in Biology, 2017) and at Southern Methodist University (Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2022). My research at TCU, with Dr. Michael Chumley, explored the role of peripheral inflammation, particularly B cells, in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Bio

I switched gears for my doctoral studies and used the nematode C. elegans to study neuronal RNA regulation. Under the mentorship of Dr. Adam Norris, I conducted a CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic interaction screen, using RNA sequencing to investigate the effects of selected mutations on the whole transcriptome.

I am currently a postdoc researcher at The Ohio State University with Dr. Olga Kokiko-Cochran, leading projects that investigate how TBI induces chronic alterations in the physiological stress response. I focus on the role of microglia, and analyze cell-specific differential gene expression in brain-injured mice.

Looking forward, my goal is to apply the skills in transcriptomics and molecular biology that I developed in my graduate studies to understand mechanisms through which disorders of the brain affect peripheral stress and immune responses.