Cheikh Oumar Nour Agnero Niagne (Omar)

(907-371-0170), omarniagne@gmail.com, Redwood City, CA

EDUCATION

Stanford University – Ph.D. in Genetics, GPA 3.5
Expected: Spring 2027 | Stanford, CA

· Thesis: Characterizing host-pathogen interaction between Xanthomonas and tomato

· Designed and led independent experiments combining computational biology and microbiology

· Secured competitive research grants; authored proposals and presented findings across multiple international conferences

University of Alaska Fairbanks – B.S. in Biology, Cell & Molecular Concentration
May 2019 | Fairbanks, AK

· Awarded $6,000 NIH BUILD grant to lead RT-PCR study on Bitter Crab Disease

· Graduated with Honors in Leadership

EXPERIENCE

Stanford University – Ph.D. Researcher, Mudgett Lab
Fall 2021 – Present | Stanford, CA

· Spearheaded project analyzing transcriptional manipulation during plant-pathogen interaction

· Applied CRISPR and transcriptomic tools to uncover mechanisms of immune suppression

· Collaborated with the Genetics and Biology departments

University of Illinois Chicago – NIH PREP Research Scholar
2019 – 2021 | Chicago, IL

· Investigated virulence pathways in Listeria monocytogenes, lead 2 independent projects

· Developed new experimental pipeline to identify peptide signaling mechanisms

· Engaged in scientific community through journal clubs and interdisciplinary seminars

University of Alaska Fairbanks – BLAST Research Fellow
2016 – 2019 | Fairbanks, AK

· Developed and implemented novel RT-PCR method to detect crab parasites

· Mentored high school students and collaborated with Environment Canada on crab DNA studies

LEADERSHIP & IMPACT

Board Member – Humanist Mutual Aid Network (The Human Team)
2023 – Present | Remote

· Serve on board guiding strategic, research, and fundraising decisions for global nonprofit

· Support program expansion and organizational governance (thehuman.team)

Chair of Diversity – Nanook Diversity and Action Council
2017 – 2019 | Fairbanks, AK

· Founded and led “Good Neighbor Program” to promote cultural inclusion among youth

· Oversaw funding allocation for 10+ student-led diversity initiatives

· Organized TED-style speaker series reaching local community center.

SKILLS

· Technical: PCR, CRISPR, RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, R, Python, Command line

· Soft: Public Speaking, Scientific Writing, Cross-cultural Leadership

· Languages: English (Fluent), French (Native), Spanish (Intermediate)