Tyler Watson

Recent graduate of a multidisciplinary course of study, Recent graduate of a multidisciplinary course of study in biology and psychology. Offering an advanced comprehension of research methodologies and data analysis. Strong understanding of fundamentals and Bioinformatics and statistical software. Seeking to obtain a leadership role in an organization to apply superior research, analysis, and technical writing skills.

• Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SEO) June – August 2026, Karen Crow Laboratory (Fish Lab), San Francisco State University, “Hox Gene Expression, gene expression in the developmental stages of Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and White sturgeon (Asciensar transmontanus)”, Investigated the role of Hox genes and the barbel development of Ictalurus punctatus, and Asciensar transmontanus (White Sturgeon) to determine if barbels share deep homology with fin and limb developmental genes. Authored a research summary incorporating relevant published papers to support and explain the experimental findings., Operated Thermocycler for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Electrophoresis, DNA Extractions, Mini prep, Cell Transformation, Digestion, Centrifuge, and pelleting of cells., Sequenced Ictalurus punctatus and Asciensar transmontanus Hox Gene’s A11,D12 and D13., Using cell transformation, Cultivated and grew Constructs of Hox genes A11, D12 and D13 for both channel catfish and white sturgeon., Maintained laboratory cleanliness, organized shared workspace sterilized lab equipment, and Assisted in lab organization, and received and distributed lab shipments., Collected channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and white sturgeon (Asciensar transmontanus) specimens at multiple developmental stages from “The Fishery”, staged, photographed, and labeled each specimen, and preserved around 100-200 embryos per tube to prepare for in situ Hybridization in the future., Cataloged two specimens in the Fish Lab database, creating a documented collection for future research., Created a PowerPoint reference guide to embryonic and developmental staging for both species, using published staging literature as the basis for each stage, with crucial identifying details about each stage using a dissection scope and camera for up-close photography.
• Undergraduate Research Project September – November 2025, Karen Crow Laboratory (Fish Lab), San Francisco State University, “ Identifying Barbel support structures in Siluriformes ”, Compared variation in barbel support structures of three diverse species of Siluriformes using clear and stain techniques., Clear and stained three species of catfish, channel catfish, corydoras catfish, and tiger shovelose catfish., Photographed close up images using dissection microscope to compare variation among barbel structures., Developed a poster presentation and presented key research findings at the College of Science and Engineering (CoSE) Showcase.

• 2026 SEO Scholarship award Summer 2026, Karen Crow, The SFSU Student Enrichment Opportunities (SEO) designed to prepare students for stem research positions, through academic support. Compared hox gene expression across two species, white sturgeon and channel catfish., SFSState Create, Kate Hammel - program director Fall 2025 – Summer 2026, The California State University (CSU), Council on Ocean Affairs, Science and Technology (COAST) is the CSU system-wide affinity group for marine and coastal related activities that funds undergraduate research opportunities. Compared Hox gene expression across multiple species, White sturgeon, American Paddlefish, Channel catfish, Zebrafish, and Goatfish.
• “Hox Gene Expression in Channel Catfish and White sturgeon” November 2025, CoSE Showcase (Poster), Poster presentation, San Francisco, CA, Presented findings on Hox gene expression via comparative analysis of species with known hox gene expression in closely related fish with barbels using a phylogenetic tree, and literature. Compared American paddlefish, White sturgeon, Channel catfish, Zebrafish and Goatfish., 2026 SFSU Undergraduate Research Symposium San Francisco State University July 2026, Presented work on hox gene expression of four distinct species, targeted species channel catfish and white sturgeon, and using American paddle fish and zebrafish as a reference species.

• Eagle Scout Award, Boy Scouts of America (BSA Troop 686) November 2018
• Eagle Scout Project
• Planned, coordinated, and led a community service project to completion for the Mt. Carmel High School Wrestling program to provide them with two weight sleds in support of the schools athletic program.
• Designed weight sleds capable of sliding on wrestling mats and turf fields using removable feet. One set with marine carpet and the other with a smooth paint finish for low friction.
• Learned to weld, and welded two weight sleds, each sled was primed and painted red and black before being presented to the wrestling program.
• Raised $1,035.71 through individual contributions, a GoFundMe campaign as well as material contributions. Led a team of 9 adults to help with painting and finishing of the weight sleds.