ESP Biography



FIORELLA GRANDI, First year Stanford grad student in biology




Major: Cancer Biology

College/Employer: Stanford

Year of Graduation: 2019

Picture of Fiorella Grandi

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I grew up in Idaho. I got my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and genetics from Washington State University. There, I spent a LOT of time studying transposons (jumping genes!) and how they affect epigenetics. This fall I moved to California to start my first year of graduate school in the Cancer Biology program at Stanford.

In my free time, I like to go hiking in the Redwoods, read, bike around the bay and tell people how cool I think biology is!



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

B4883: The Environment and Your Brain: Epigenetics and Neuroscience in Splash Spring 2016 (Apr. 09 - 10, 2016)
This class will focus on epigenetics, the science of how environment influences the genetic code, in the context of neurons and neuroscience. We'll explore how neurons are shaped by chemical changes to DNA, how epigenetics and memory formation may be linked and what role epigenetics plays in neurological and psychological diseases.


B4599: Epigenetics: it's not just about DNA in Splash Fall 2015 (Nov. 07 - 08, 2015)
Why are identical twins not exactly the same? Learn about epigenetics, the science of what's modifying your genes! We will explore how cells use epigenetic mechanisms to make decisions about becoming a neuron or a liver cell even though both types have the same DNA. We'll also look at the role epigenetics can play in diseases such as cancer.


B4600: Pet Genetics: Understanding your Cat or Dog. in Splash Fall 2015 (Nov. 07 - 08, 2015)
Have you wondered why Corgi’s have such short legs? Why do Tortoise-shell cats have all those colors? And for that matter, how did Fido get to be so different from a wild wolf? This class will look at the genetics of common traits in our favorite four-pawed companions and how they were domesticated from the wild.


B4601: The Environment and Your Brain: Epigenetics and Neuroscience in Splash Fall 2015 (Nov. 07 - 08, 2015)
This class will focus on epigenetics, the science of how environment influences the genetic code, in the context of neurons and neuroscience. We'll explore how neurons are shaped by chemical changes to DNA, how epigenetics and memory formation may be linked and what role epigenetics plays in neurological and psychological diseases.


B4164: Epigenetics: it's not just about DNA in Splash Spring 2015 (Apr. 11 - 12, 2015)
Is all about DNA, right? But, if that's true, why are identical twins not exactly the same? Why are calico cats different colors? Learn about epigenetics, the science of what's modifying your genes! We will explore how cells use epigenetic mechanisms to make decisions about becoming a neuron or a liver cell even though both types have the same DNA. We'll also look at the role epigenetics can play in diseases such as cancer.


B4168: Neuroscience and Epigenetics in Splash Spring 2015 (Apr. 11 - 12, 2015)
This class will focus on epigenetics, the science of how environment influences the genetic code, in the context of neurons and neuroscience. We'll explore how neurons are shaped by chemical changes to DNA, how epigenetics and memory formation may be linked and what role epigenetics plays in neurological and psychological diseases.


B3808: Epigenetics: it's not just about DNA in Splash Fall 2014 (Nov. 08 - 09, 2014)
Is all about DNA, right? But, if that's true, why are identical twins not exactly the same? Why are calico cats different colors? Learn about epigenetics, the science of what's modifying your genes! We will explore how cells use epigenetic mechanisms to make decisions about becoming a neuron or a liver cell even though both types have the same DNA. We'll also look at the role epigenetics can play in diseases such as cancer.


B3809: Jumping Genes! in Splash Fall 2014 (Nov. 08 - 09, 2014)
Why are different kernels of the same corn different colors? The answer: jumping genes! These mobile genetic elements, called transposons, can move around the in the plant genome. Turns out that 40% of the human genome is made up of these jumping DNA segments. Learn about the role that mobile DNA elements have played in shaping plant and animal genomes and the roles they play in human development and disease.