Sam Swearson, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Iowa. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he chose to remain in Iowa, continuing his research as an intern before pursuing a Ph.D. in the same field. Now in his fourth year, Sam is a research assistant in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology under the mentorship of Dr. Brad A. Amendt.  His research focuses on craniosynostosis, a congenital disorder in which one or more cranial sutures fuse prematurely, leading to abnormal skull growth and often requiring multiple high-risk surgeries. Sam’s work seeks to uncover how small regulatory molecules called microRNAs (miRs) influence the development of craniosynostosis and how they might be harnessed as therapeutic targets. His ultimate goal is to advance microRNA-based gene therapy to make treatment safer and more effective, giving affected children a healthier start in life. Outside the lab, Sam enjoys spending time with his family in Iowa, traveling across the U.S. and abroad, and staying active through weight training and long-distance running. He also explores realism through pencil and ink art and enjoys programming and designing his own video games.