Santiago Mesa Mora

Santiago studied a double degree in Biology and Microbiology at Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia. As a bachelor student, he went on some expeditions to remote areas of the country and was involved in exploring novel black widow’s venoms the genetics, acoustic patterns, and geographical variations in frogs. 

In 2018, he worked in plant physiology and quality control before being awarded with a Colfuturo sponsorship to study a Master of Biotechnology at The University of Melbourne. 

He then completed research in the field of gene editing at the Centre for Eye Research Australia under the supervision of Dr Raymond Wong before moving to Children's Medical Research Institute where he joined the TVRU team as a Research Assistant. Here he acquired experience in the field of AAVs under the supervision of Associate Professor Leszek Lisowski. 

In 2023, he joined the Stem Cell Medicine Group given his fascination for stem cell biology and the beauty involved in organoid formation from pluripotent stem cells. He is looking forward to contributing to the team with his knowledge and enrol as a PhD student soon.

Outside of the lab you can find Santiago climbing, enjoying the beach or exploring Sydney’s multicultural and culinary offer.