This One Health Ph.D. student is investigating rare neurodevelopmental disorders to uncover their molecular foundations and improve outcomes.

Meet One Health Ph.D. student Denis Stepihar! Denis comes from Slovenia and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in molecular and functional biology. He is currently in his third year of the Ph.D. in One Health Sciences program at Texas Tech University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Denis’s research focuses on rare neurodevelopmental disorders, including Prader-Willi Syndrome, Schaaf-Yang Syndrome, and Hao-Fountain Syndrome. Using techniques such as proteomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and microscopy, he works to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind these conditions and identify ways to improve patient outcomes.

Beyond the lab, Denis is passionate about advocating for rare disease communities. He participates in patient “lunch and learn” events, where he shares his research and, alongside his mentor Dr. Klementina Fon Tacer, answers questions from families affected by these conditions.

Let’s learn more about Denis and his passion in research!

What sparked your interest in research, and how did you discover your passion for it?

I was exposed to academia at a young age through my uncle, who was the director of a university in my home country. He often took care of me while my parents were at work, and I would sit in on physics and computer science lectures. That experience sparked my curiosity and quickly grew into a fascination with science. By the age of six, I had my first microscope and telescope—and from there, the rest is history. 

What inspired you to pursue your research?

Choosing a research focus was not an easy decision. I was drawn to neuroscience partly because of my grandparents’ experiences with Alzheimer’s disease, and partly because of the nature of the field itself. Neuroscience feels like the “Wild West” of research—complex, largely unexplored, and full of unknowns. That sense of discovery gives me the freedom to explore and try to make sense of the brain. 

Why did you choose Texas Tech for your One Health Ph.D.?

I chose Texas Tech because of its strong interdisciplinary One Health approach and the opportunity to study complex biological problems from multiple perspectives. My research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological and genetic disorders, and the One Health program allows me to connect these insights to broader impacts on human and animal health. The collaborative environment and strong mentorship also made it an ideal place to grow as a scientist. 

What aspects of the One Health Sciences program do you find most valuable?

The most valuable aspect for me is the diversity of expertise within the program. Collaboration is one of the parts of science I enjoy most, and having experts from so many different fields readily available creates opportunities for meaningful discussions and innovative research. 

In what ways has Texas Tech supported your development as a researcher?

Texas Tech has provided me with the resources and support to grow not only as a scientist but also as an advocate for rare diseases. I’m especially grateful for the DGSA award, which funded my tuition, as well as the travel awards that allowed me to present at conferences. The research facilities are outstanding, and the staff scientists are truly exceptional. I’ve also benefited from career development seminars through Texas Tech University Libraries, which have helped me build skills beyond the lab.

What are your plans after completing the One Health Ph.D. Program?

After completing my Ph.D., I plan to continue in academia as a postdoctoral researcher, with the long-term goal of becoming a professor. I intend to remain in neuroscience, with a stronger focus on neurodegeneration and neurodevelopment.