Bio:
Dr. Nicholas Morano

Dr. Nicholas C. Morano is a structural biologist at Columbia University and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at CUNY John Jay College. He received his B.S. in Biochemistry from Binghamton University, and then his PhD. in Biomedical Science with a focus in Biochemistry from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, a division of Montefiore Medical Center. His thesis work focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of how an immunological protein called B7-1 can adversely impact neuronal structure and function during inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Specifically, he found that recent evolutionary adaptations in the primate B7-1 gene cause it to interact with a neuronal protein called NGFR when the brain is experiencing an inflammatory event or disease. His work could help to explain why our best mouse models do not adequately model advanced human neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease. At Columbia University, Nick’s work is focused on understanding the neural circuitry of the model organism drosophila melanogaster, and in investigating the structure and mechanism of neutralization of vaccine or infection induced antibodies. Nick has a strong record of publishing peer reviewed research papers in high impact journals and has extensive experience writing papers, grants, letters of recommendation, application essays, and email inquiries/email introductions.

As an Adjunct Assistant Professor, Nick has the distinct advantage of being able to view college applications from the perspective of a faculty member, and can envision how any individual can use their strengths to become a unique student that a professor wants to see in his or her classroom. His approach towards college applications is to be able to demonstrate a curiosity and a desire to learn at an advanced level in an interesting and unique way. As a member of the medical community, Nick is also extremely familiar with the graduate school and medical school application process. He understands how to go about finding the research experience necessary for entry into these programs and can provide advice on how to approach doctors to ask for shadowing experience. He understands the particulars of what graduate admissions officers are looking for, and how to craft a well thought out essay demonstrating both a desire and the appropriate qualifications to obtain graduate school admission.