Fabrizio Malatesta
Undergraduate Researcher · Bioinformatics & Computational Genomics
University of California, San Diego
I am a Bioinformatics student at UC San Diego with a deep interest in the intersection of biological data and computational modeling. My academic foundation combines a major in Biology (Specialization in Bioinformatics) with a minor in Computer Science, providing me with the interdisciplinary toolkit necessary to tackle complex genomic questions. I am particularly passionate about:
- Computational Genomics & Statistical Genetics: Leveraging large-scale data to understand disease mechanisms.
- Algorithmic Development: Applying data structures and runtime analysis to biological pipelines.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Bridging the gap between “wet lab” biological questions and “dry lab” computational solutions.
I am also a UC LEADS Scholar, actively preparing to pursue a Ph.D. to further explore the potential of Bioinformatics in improving human health. When I'm not in the lab or at the computer, you can usually find me rock climbing, training Muay Thai, or following the latest in soccer.
3.8
GPA
Provost Honors
2027
Expected Grad.
Research Timeline
Sanchez-Roige Lab — UCSD
La Jolla, CA
- Leading a project analyzing the genetic architecture of wisdom using GWAS and population-level genomic analyses.
- Implementing various tools across different platforms for multi-variate genetic analysis.
Presentations
McVicker Lab — Salk Institute
La Jolla, CA
- Designed and implemented a computational framework in Bash and Python to identify low-frequency off-target genome edits from Superb-seq single-cell sequencing data.
- Aimed to distinguish off-target Cas9-mediated events from spontaneous breaks or technical artifacts.
Presentations
Mueller Lab — Salk Institute
La Jolla, CA
- Conducted experiments on arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis using PCR, gel electrophoresis, spore inoculation, microscopy analysis, and gene extraction.
- Designed an independent peptide treatment study across multiple plant species and presented findings to the lab.
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, NY
- Conducted experiments on mitochondrial myopathies in mice to test potential therapeutic approaches.
Mediakite
New York, NY
- Managed tasks at on-location shoots including set construction, camera work, and facilitating clear communication between staff and clients.
Alliance NY Team — Compass Real Estate
New York, NY
- Assisted with creating and updating property listings, showings, and effective client communications.
Beyond the Lab Bench
UC LEADS Scholar
University of California
Selected as one of a limited number of scholars for this UC-wide research and leadership program. This fellowship supports my Ph.D. pursuits for a TBD number of years within the UC system.
2025 – 2027Finance Chair
Undergraduate Bioinformatics Club (UBIC)
Managed event finances and logistics, directly enabling bioinformatics student body engagement and activities across the department.
2025 – 2026Secretary
Tau Kappa Epsilon — UCSD Chapter
Coordinated meetings and events for an 80-member organization. Managed funding logistics and organized philanthropic events raising thousands of dollars for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
2024 – 2025Student Representative
BICD 100 (Genetics)
Participated in weekly faculty meetings to represent student feedback and share class-wide updates, bridging communication between students and instructors.
Fall 2024Mentor Collective Program
UC San Diego
Served as a mentor for an incoming freshman, providing guidance and support during their transition to university life.
2025 – 2026Triton Research & Experiential Learning Scholar
TRELS — UC San Diego
A program empowering students to pursue intellectual opportunities beyond the classroom through funding and mentorship support.
Winter 2026Toolkit & Expertise
Technical
Research
Communication
Languages
Conferences & Field Work
NCRC 2026 @ Harvard
Cambridge, MA
NCRC 2026 @ Harvard
Cambridge, MA
Mueller Lab — Salk Institute
La Jolla, CA
Mueller Lab — Salk Institute
La Jolla, CA
Mueller Lab — Salk Institute
La Jolla, CA
UC LEADS Symposium 2026 @ UCSF
San Francisco, CA
UC LEADS Symposium 2026 @ UCSF
San Francisco, CA
UC LEADS Symposium 2026 @ UCSF
San Francisco, CA
UC LEADS Symposium 2026 @ UCSF
San Francisco, CA
Posters & Abstracts
Identifying Low-Frequency Off-Target Genome Edits from Superb-seq Data
McVicker Lab — Salk Institute · 2025
Identifying Low-Frequency Off-Target Genome Edits from Superb-seq Data
NCRC 2026 @ Harvard · 2026
Identifying Low-Frequency Off-Target Genome Edits from Superb-seq Data
UC LEADS Symposium 2026 @ UCSF · 2026
Genetic Architecture of Wisdom: A Multi-Variate Genomic Analysis
Sanchez-Roige Lab — UC San Diego · 2026
Genetic Architecture of Wisdom: A Multi-Variate Genomic Analysis
Sanchez-Roige Lab — UC San Diego · 2026