Learning about epigenetics in cell biology has deepened my understanding of how the environment can influence biological outcomes. My research is currently centered around maternal and fetal health, so learning how epigenetics functions gave me a deeper understanding of how maternal care behaviors impact childhood development. The topic of epigenetics also emerged in my genetics course, where we examined its impact on gene expression. I was fascinated by how epigenetics challenged our idea that our genes are permanently fixed. Epigenetics has captured my interest, and I hope to one day make it a central focus of my research.