Eugenics is a stain on the founding of the field of genetics, one that modern geneticists must still reckon with. The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on this subject, moderated by past GSA Presidents Denise Montell and Tracy Johnson. Panelists Katrina Claw, Nathaniel Comfort, Steven Farber, Daniel HoSang, and Jazlyn Mooney shared their expertise on the history of eugenics and the ways its ideas persist in both science and society even today. Their keen insights shed light on the interdisciplinary nature of science, highlighting that anthropology, philosophy, and the humanities are all key in the study of science. 

This event marks the start of important conversations for GSA and the larger genetics and genomics community about the field’s history. GSA understands that scientific research takes place in the context of society, and we strive to build an environment in which all researchers from all backgrounds feel welcome and can thrive. For that, we must look critically at the space in which we conduct research, including reflecting on and learning from the past. Even today, bad actors twist the findings of genetics research to support racist ideology, giving this conversation and reflection notable immediacy. 

While acknowledging that this topic can be uncomfortable, GSA will not oversimplify these discussions; our goal is to face this history directly, even as it may require re-contextualizing luminaries in the field. Only through honest reckoning can we move forward toward an anti-racist scientific enterprise.

GSA fully rejects eugenics ideology, and we commit to understanding how it has lived within and outside our institutions and society at large so we can do better as a field and a scientific community. We will continue to address this topic at GSA, creating space for our community to share their thoughts and experiences and to learn together.

Watch the recording of the panel on our YouTube channel.

GSA, supported by the National Science Foundation, offered $97,500 in funding to help early career scientists attend the conference. The award covered travel, lodging, registration, and professional development costs for 50 early career researchers, as well as expenses to attend peer review training workshops, the Community, Connections, and Mentorship Lunch, and scientific writing workshops.  

We spoke to an NSF Rising Scientist about her experience at TAGC 2024 and how the scientific enterprise can be made more inclusive and equitable. Carolyn is a postdoctoral fellow at Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health. She uses the Four-Core Genotype mouse model to investigate mediators of sex differences in allergic airway inflammation and elucidate mechanisms through which they carry out their effects.

Tell us a little about yourself. What made you choose science as a career path?  

Growing up in Nigeria, I observed many superstitions that sparked my curiosity about science and motivated me to seek scientific explanations. I remember the first time I learned about the autonomic nervous system in class—the lecturer explained why when someone yawns beside you, you immediately do the same. I was similarly fascinated to learn that rhesus incompatibility sometimes causes stillbirth. This was surprising because growing up, I had heard people attribute stillbirths to supernatural causes, and believed the same. These experiences propelled me to study human physiology. My interest in identifying problems and studying the mechanisms that help prevent or treat these problems led to my pursuit of a master’s degree in the same field. At the end of the program, I investigated the effect of staple food on human health. I was so excited about doing research that I obtained a PhD in human physiology. Being a Nigerian-trained scientist, my quest to know more and be able to impact my mentees made me start applying for postdoctoral training in the U.S. where I could access different resources to support my research.

How was your experience as an NSF Rising Scientist at #TAGC24? What did you enjoy most?

I am grateful to the Genetics Society of America for the opportunity to attend TAGC 2024. During one of my online searches for programs to help me achieve my goals, I came across the unique opportunities offered by GSA, a society I had never heard about. I sent in my application and to my greatest surprise, I was granted the award.  

Ever since I came to the U.S., I have always looked for opportunities to develop my career and to connect with experts in my field for mentoring (an aspect of my career that needs great attention). I often heard about the importance of networking, but as an introvert, it was something I struggled with. I could not just walk up to people and start a conversation even though I knew conferences were the best place to meet other great scientists. Thankfully, GSA made it so easy. The Society organized a networking program for all NSF Rising Scientists where I was able to easily network and discuss science with other researchers. Most importantly, I enjoyed the postdoc meetup session, where I met with other postdocs during this conference and learned about the amazing research they do. I also got in touch with potential collaborators and engaged with experts in the field for mentoring opportunities. Getting involved in GSA’s Professional Development Programs was an eye-opener to the different opportunities present within the Society that can help me in my career. I am thankful for the privilege GSA gave me to accomplish my dream at no cost by providing a scholarship that covered the conference expenses.

What has been your experience as a minoritized early career scientist in the field? How can the scientific enterprise be more welcoming of scientists from underrepresented or marginalized groups? 

My quest to know more and be able to impact my mentees made me start applying for postdoctoral training in the U.S. where I could access different technologies to support my research. I lost count of the rejection letters—I remember a professor asking me in one of the interviews, “Is there a stable electricity supply in Nigeria, how then do you do research?” Most people I contacted told me a Nigerian-trained scientist couldn’t get an appointment in the U.S. Others requested that I work pro-bono for one year to prove my worth because of my perceived background. I persevered for four years, developing and improving myself until I met my present mentor—it was the happiest day of my life! Eventually, I came to the U.S. in November 2021. In the laboratory, I was faced with imposter syndrome, which I quickly turned into my strength. I had to work hard to prove myself as a scientist, and this has helped me make huge progress in my career. As a result, today, I have won several awards, published six papers (four first-authored), won the postdoctoral challenge in grant writing in my school, and submitted my first NIH grant (K99/R00). Through diligence and perseverance, I was able to achieve these things which in turn helped improve my confidence as a minoritized early career scientist in the U.S.

I wish the scientific enterprise could be more welcoming for minoritized scientists by giving them the chance to express themselves without fear of being discriminated against. There is a need to believe in their abilities as a scientist, to help nurture them into being the best in what they do. I strongly believe that everyone has potential but opportunities differ. Another way to make the scientific enterprise more welcoming for scientists from underrepresented communities is to improve accessibility to resources that can aid their career development.

What are some key takeaways from your #TAGC24 experience that will both help your career trajectory and help you contribute to making the field more inclusive?

TAGC 2024 had a great, positive impact on my career trajectory, equipping me with confidence for the next step in my career. At the conference, I saw the importance of networking among scientists. I had the privilege of meeting experts in my field of respiratory system research, and got feedback that helped improve my research. Listening to all the presenters, especially those from IMGS, as well as the lecture on microbiome in health and diseases, helped me develop an excellent research idea for an NIH grant proposal. 

“At any career stage, the GSA membership is an amazing investment for any genetics professional!”

Julio Molina Pineda is a PhD Candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Research Assistant at the University of Arkansas, and a Doctoral Academy Fellow at the Lewis Lab. In 2023, Julio was awarded the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics in recognition of his genetics research and work leveraging natural variation in yeast to understand why certain individuals are more susceptible to stress and disease, as well as his service and leadership in his community.

“GSA is one of the premier scientific organizations and being honored by receiving one of their most prestigious awards has not only helped me with starting to establish my record as a scientist, but it has also inspired me to keep working hard and reproducing more great science!” shares Julio, stressing how receiving this award marked an important event in his academic journey. This recognition is more than a financial award intended to support attending a conference or completing lab work—it signifies to Julio that he’s on the right path in his career. 

To apply for this award, you must be a GSA member. While many scientists may join for a discount on conference or abstract fees or to apply for a funding opportunity like the DeLill Nasser Award, Julio shares how maintaining a GSA membership has been essential for his professional growth. As a GSA member, he has enjoyed countless professional development opportunities, access to publish in the GSA Journals, GENETICS and G3, at a reduced fee, and one or two conference discounts. From being a member of the Early Career Leadership Program to participating in seminars, networking events, and GSA Conferences like The Allied Genetics Conference 2024, Julio says, “GSA has allowed me to broaden my horizons and learn much more about other careers and parts of the field I was not aware of.” 

At TAGC 2024, Julio had the opportunity to present his research, an impactful experience due to the feedback and encouragement he received from both senior scientists and fellow early career scientists. “When you are doing research, it can sometimes get lonely or obfuscating, but receiving clear feedback and learning that others appreciate your work and agree with your results and conclusions make all the hard work worth it!” He even met PIs and senior scientists who inspired him to keep working towards a career in academia. Julio also found that professional development activities at TAGC 2024 allowed him to grow his professional skills and create an amazing network of colleagues with similar goals. “Thanks to TAGC, I was able to learn and apply to a science policy fellowship as well as apply and get accepted to a scientific writing/preprint review program—so, I was able to broaden my horizons and take advantage of new opportunities that can transform into career options in the near future!” he shares. 

When it comes to his career trajectory and what the future holds, Julio recognizes that a GSA membership will always be a key piece. He emphasizes its value for all career stages, explaining that while it allows early career scientists to create amazing networks with great colleagues and grow professionally, you can continue to learn from others throughout your career and even teach or become a mentor. From receiving the DeLill Nasser Award, to participating at TAGC 2024, to being an ECLP member, who knows what the future holds for Julio? We’re certain of one thing: it looks bright! We might see him serve on a GSA committee or perhaps run in one of our elections and even join our Board! 

If you’re a graduate student or postdoc interested in applying for the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for $1,000 to support your attendance at a conference or laboratory courses, learn more online and apply by May 9, 2024.

If you’re interested in exploring all the benefits of a GSA membership, and joining, find additional details on our website. 

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the GSA Poster Awards for posters presented at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024! Undergraduate and graduate student members of GSA were eligible for the awards, and a hard-working team of judges made the determinations.

Congratulations to all!

Faith Akoachere, Syracuse University

Functional characterization of systemic RNA interference in C. elegans

Allison Beachum, University of Virginia

Multiple glial subtypes interact and compensate for the loss of nearby glial function

Puja Biswas, University of British Columbia

Female specific increased Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway promotes increased body fat in Drosophila females than males

Marvin Cortez, Princeton University

Non-ciliary roles for the cilia-motility associated gene Cfap298 (Kurly) in zebrafish and mouse

Tristram Dodge, Stanford University

Ancient gene duplication and recent non-coding structural variation underpin pigmentation diversification in swordtail (Xiphophorus) fishes

Eduardo Gameiro, Institute for Molecular Biology

Genetic analysis of the yeast DNA damage response with a genome-wide inducible degron library

Artemiza Martinez, Lehigh University

Using experimental evolution of hybrid genomes to identify genetic incompatibilities in yeast

Shannon Pfeiffer, University of Delaware

Characterizing the effects of WEE-1.3 depletion on spermatogenesis in C. elegans

Victoria Placentra, Emory University

Homeostatic control of intestinal stem cell renewal by two transcriptional regulators

Rebecca Ray, Lake Forest College

Investigating the bidirectional relationship between traumatic brain injury and sleep homeostasis in D. melanogaster

Wyatt Toure, Columbia University

Genetic and molecular bases of hybrid dysgenesis in deer mice

Catherine Zhang, University of Toronto

Investigating the role of the Drosophila PI 4-kinase four wheel drive during spermatocyte cytokinesis

Honorable mentions:

• Cyril Anyetei-Anum
• Sayan Biswas
• Ryan Clough
• Elli Cryan
• Eloïse Duramé
• Yi Gao
• Lauren Hodkinson
• Dana Jackson
• Nicolas Lee
• Kayla Ly
• Jeffrey Matthew
• Colin Miller
• Xheni Mucelli
• Hannah Munby
• Sherif Negm
• Meri Nehlsen
• Mia Peifer
• Nathan Rather
• Susannah Schloss
• Colby Schweibenz
• Emma Steinson
• Rebeccah Stewart
• Karli Sunnergren
• Jennifer Viveiros
• Shane Warland

Poster presentations are not just about displaying your work—they allow you to foster meaningful interactions and discussions within the community. While you may find yourself interacting with attendees, there may also be times when you are in between discussions, waiting for the next person to approach your poster.

During these moments, we encourage you to make the most of your time. Whether it’s catching up on reading, checking your email, or planning your schedule for the next day, use these breaks efficiently. Remember, your poster is on display, not you. While it’s ideal that you stay near your poster during your presentation time, we also understand that an hour can be a long stretch. Don’t hesitate to take short breaks, stay hydrated, and explore the other posters around you.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of proactive engagement. If you feel comfortable, consider sending out a couple of emails inviting colleagues or individuals whose talks interest you to stop by your poster. This proactive approach can help enhance the visibility of your research and attract valuable interactions. There is a feature available in the abstract portal that you can use to personally invite fellow TAGC attendees to see your poster. You will be limited to three invitations; these are sent directly through the abstract portal, where you’ll find the TAGC 2024 attendee list. Your invitees will get an automated email telling them the date and time of your poster presentation.

Poster presentations offer a unique opportunity to not only present your findings but also participate in discussions about your science. Embrace these interactions as they arise and be open to questions and inquiries from attendees. If someone asks you a question you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to acknowledge it and offer to follow up via email. This demonstrates your willingness to engage further and ensures that all inquiries are addressed comprehensively.

Finally, we want everyone to feel supported and included at TAGC 2024. The poster sessions at GSA Conferences are often rated as a favorite by attendees, due to their inclusivity and the support and encouragement that presenters receive from attendees. We encourage you to embrace this spirit of collaboration and reach out if you have any questions or need assistance leading up to the conference.

We are thrilled to have you as part of TAGC 2024 and look forward to seeing you showcase your research and engage with our vibrant community!

Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a list of activities and restaurants you can explore in your free time to help make your trip truly unforgettable.

Don’t forget to book your hotel room at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center by February 12, 2024 to stay at the heart of the conference. The location is unbeatable, plus you’ll get some complimentary perks as part of your stay. Make a reservation and find more details about the hotel here. 

Staying in National Harbor:

The waterfront oasis has everything from picturesque views and arts and culture to retail outlets, the MGM National Harbor, and more! It’s the perfect destination to wind down with friends and colleagues after the conference.  

Restaurants

Stop by the Potomac District Café & Market at the Gaylord Hotel to grab a quick bite while meeting up with colleagues in the Exhibit Hall. The Market has everything you might need for a quick bite: breakfast bagels, soups and sandwiches, pizza, salads, and desserts.

In addition to the restaurants available at the Gaylord, you can choose from more than 40 dining options, for all budgets, within walking distance of the venue. We hear the Maryland-style crab cakes are a must-try! 

Organizers’ pick: 

Nando’s at National Harbor for “meals under $20!”

Entertainment

TAGC 2024 coincides with the very beginning of Cherry Blossom season in the Washington, DC area. Take in the Instagram-worthy views while riding the Capitol Ferris Wheel, taking a water taxi tour, or walking or biking along the Potomac waterfront. 

Plan a trip to the Escapology escape rooms at National Harbor for a real-life adventure – find hidden clues, crack codes, and solve challenging puzzles to escape a themed room along with your friends and new acquaintances! 

Additionally, National Harbor has an impressive array of activities and nightlife for every person and every interest. Whether it’s a team outing to Top Golf, a drink with old friends at an Irish pub or paint bar, or a brunch or dinner with newfound colleagues at James Beard Award Winner, Succotash, you’ll find exactly what you need within walking distance or a short bus trip away. 

Organizers’ pick: 

The Harbor Social has great food & drinks, arcade games, shuffleboard, duckpin bowling & bocce ball. It’s the perfect place to wind down with old and new friends after the conference. 

If you have time to visit Washington, DC:

For those who don’t mind a short trip, Washington, DC is a treasure trove of culinary hotspots, iconic landmarks, and cultural attractions, steeped in rich history, all waiting to be explored. 

Restaurants

Below are a few places that the GSA staff enjoys for brunch, lunch, dinner, or drinks: 

• Un Je Ne Sais Quois (Dupont Circle)
• La Famosa (Navy Yard)
• Maydan (Columbia Heights)
• Tilt (Logan Circle)

And if you’d prefer to try something else, here are a few lists of DC’s best restaurants:

• The 100 best restaurants in DC from the Washingtonian
• 38 essential restaurants around DC from DC Eater 
• 20 best restaurants in Washington, DC from Condé Nast Traveler

Entertainment

Just a short trip into the city via taxi, rideshare, or public transit, will get you to more world-class museums, entertainment venues, and nightlife than you can experience in one week. To help guide your choices, we’ve included a list of some amazing experiences in Washington, DC.

• Eight best museums to visit if you’re a science nerd from the Washingtonian
• 18 essential bars in DC from DC Eater
• Plan your visit to the National Mall with this resource from the National Park Service
• Catch a soccer match, hockey game, or basketball game downtown or at the Navy Yard
• Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley Tours to see the best of DC at discounted rates
• Take a self-guided tour of Embassy Row or Cherry Blossom Trails

How can you contribute?

• Email communications@genetics-gsa.org with your favorite scientific jargon along with a brief explanation.
• Share your own terms or phrases that leave you scratching your head on social media, using the hashtag #GSAJargonIndex. 

Why should you contribute?

You’ll help us create a fantastic resource. We’ll also highlight your submissions on social media and feature the most intriguing ones at #TAGC24 where you can chat with other scientists about the campaign. Together, we can make science easy to understand for all. 

We’ll start! 

2022 GSA President Jane Hubbard nominated the phrase: “We cloned the gene.” According to the NHGRI, cloning in our field involves using scientific methods to make identical (or close) copies of an organism, cell, or DNA sequence. But there’s more to it! Check her explanation in the graphic below.

But wait … aren’t “positionally mapped” and “phenotype” jargon, too? Did we just use jargon to explain jargon?

Hubbard adds, “We found a specific change in the DNA sequence (‘variant’) of a gene that is responsible for an important process. We knew it was significant beforehand because we saw the variant caused a heritable, visible alteration (‘phenotype’) in the organism compared with other individuals who don’t carry this specific DNA sequence variant. We use DNA sequencing, classical genetics (crossing individuals with and without the change, assessing how it’s inherited relative to other variants at known locations in the genome that cause different phenotypes), or both. We then do more tests to ensure we’ve found the exact DNA sequence variant responsible for the observed phenotype.” 

So, we have some questions for you!

1. What comes to mind when you hear, “We cloned the gene”? Is it confusing?
2. What’s your suggestion for more inclusive or clear language?

And of course, what’s your example of common jargon? Email us at communications@genetics-gsa.org or post your own on social media, tag us, and don’t forget to use #GSAJargonIndex!

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear these outstanding scientists discuss their work. Access the full conference schedule online.

C. elegans 

Sydney Brenner Award

Sneha Ray 

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center  

The Sydney Brenner Dissertation Thesis Award is presented to a graduate student who has completed an outstanding PhD research project in the area of genetics and genomics of C. elegans.

Drosophila 

Larry Sandler Award

Sherzod Tokamov

University of California, Berkeley

The Larry Sandler Award is presented to outstanding recent graduates who have completed a PhD in an area of Drosophila research. The award serves to honor Dr. Sandler for his many contributions to Drosophila genetics and his exceptional dedication to the training of Drosophila biologists. 

Mammalian 

IMGS President’s Award

Jason Bubier

The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics

This new award, the IMGS President’s Award, is presented to an early career scientist in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments in independent research in mammalian genetics. The award celebrates their contributions both to the IMGS and the field of genetics as a whole.

Population, Evolutionary and Quantitative Genetics (PEQG) 

James F. Crow Early Career Researcher Award

Olivia Harringmeyer

Harvard University

The James F. Crow Early Career Researcher Award is presented to students and recent PhDs conducting PEQG research. The award serves to honor Professor James F. Crow and his numerous, impactful contributions to the field of genetics. 

Yeast 

Angelika Amon Award

Xiaoxue Snow Zhou 

New York University

The Angelika Amon Award is presented to an outstanding recent PhD graduate. The award serves to honor Dr. Amon for her many discoveries through the use of yeast genetics, and her exceptional dedication to training and mentorship.

Zebrafish 

International Zebrafish Society Genetics Trainee Award

Mollie Sweeny 

Duke University 

The International Zebrafish Society Genetics Trainee Award recognizes excellence in research, in particular discoveries leading to significant scientific or technological advances through the use of zebrafish genetics.

To promote excellence in undergraduate research and education, GSA established the Undergraduate Travel Award, which supports travel costs for undergraduate members who are presenting at and attending a GSA conference.

Congratulations to the 2023 awardees!

Trace Ackley
Truman State University
I genetically modify roundworms to help us better understand the sperm maturation process.

Morgan Apolonio
University of California, Berkeley
I research the possible correlation between long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA) and tocochromanol (Vitamin E) abundance in maize using Genome Wide Association Studies and Transcriptome Wide Association Studies.

Nkechinye Baadi
Colby College
My research focuses on studying the role of the gene MMS21 in DNA damage repair and response pathways in S. Cerevisiae.

CeOnna Battle
Christopher Newport University
My research examines the connection between gut health and the aging process of the muscles and the brain using D. melanogaster.

Dimitrios Bikas
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
I interrogate the roles of KMT2C and KMT2D in chondrocyte differentiation and subsequent bone formation.

Joseph Butler
University of Western Ontario
My research pertains to genomic signature analysis using machine learning tools.

Jacqueline Cho
Brown University
My current research interests revolve around understanding how genetic variations impact sleep mechanisms and contribute to sleep disturbances. To explore this, I am employing the model organism C. elegans to investigate the role of GOA-1—a gene encoding a G-protein alpha(o) subunit involved in G-protein signaling complexes— in sleep.

Arthur (Araceli) Colunga
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
I examine phenotypes arising from epigenetic modifications in the model C. elegans using immunofluorescence assays.

Lydia Cruce
Grand Valley State University
The research I am involved with is determining the in vivo role of the AANATL-7 gene in histamine metabolism and effects on the male reproductive system in Drosophila.

Ismael Curiel
Elmhurst University
We assessed the development of the nerve ring in GFP tagged C. elegans by measuring the expression levels of ADM-4 after incubation at 28 degrees Celsius.

Jayden Cyrus
Duke University
This project explores the role of various proteins, like Draper and Spastin, in neurodegeneration.

Madeline Daniel
Lewis and Clark College
I study the pathways of formation of lysosome-related organelles in the developing C. elegans embryo.

Leah Ding
Austin College
The PGM2 gene in yeast helps manage sugar levels and calcium balance which is crucial for many biological functions. Without PGM2, cells grow slower and struggle with maintaining proper calcium levels. I am currently investigating a relatively unexplored gene, YDL206W, to see how it might be connected to these problems and whether it could teach us more about similar issues in humans.

Julinette Gines-Garcia
Goucher College
We are using zebrafish (Danio rerio) to study the cell cycle dynamics of Müller glial cells in retinal neuron regeneration.

Lexis Grandel
College of the Holy Cross
I am in an undergraduate research lab that uses fruit flies to study how glia, a cell type in the brain, modulate seizure susceptibility.

Rutuja Gupte
University of Wisconsin, Madison
I study the effects of mutations on the fitness of haploid and diploid yeast.

Reiley Heffern
University of Missouri, Columbia
I am currently investigating the genetic basis of learning and memory skills in D. melanogaster.

Tapasya Katta
University of Alabama, Birmingham
I am using yeast as a model organism to identify genes that play a role in the escape of mitochondrial DNA.

Iris Kazzi
West Chester University
I am currently exploring novel Intracellular Pathogen Response Triggers in C. elegans and analyzing the impact of ethanol on intestinal permeability and its implications for innate immunity in humans.

Eleanor Laufer
University of Oregon
My research investigates the evolutionary fitness of interacting genes which contribute to drug resistance in the model system C. elegans. We use novel genetic engineering and ultra large populations to track fitness over several generations.

Nicolas Lee
University of Oregon
I am characterizing mutations that affect the heat tolerance of proteins in C. elegans cells responsible for reproduction.

Siqi (April) Li
New York University
My project aims to generate cell-type-specific genetic tools to study Drosophila neuronal development in the optic lobe.

Cheung Li
Colby College
My research focuses on deciphering the genetic interactions between the C-terminus of MMS21 and RAD5, two genes vital to the DNA damage response and repair system of budding yeast.

Kayla Ly
University of California, Irvine
My research aims to discover novel genes contributing to transposable element-mediated heterochromatin formation in D. melanogaster.

Jennifer Madu
Emmanuel College
I am investigating GEF and GTPase function in the mitotic exit network in S. cerevisiae by further analyzing the impact mutated MEN proteins has on regulation and activation of growth

Sergio Moreira-Antepara
Cornell University
I use genetic approaches to study the regulation of body size and BMP signaling in C. elegans.

Mai Tien Nguyen
Colorado College
My research looks at the inventory of inner kinetochore proteins in budding yeasts, which are important for accurate chromosome segregation. This offers insights into the coevolution of centromeric DNA sequences and associated proteins, providing directions for future experimental work in the lab.

Mara Stout
Morehead State University
I am investigating linear versus circular chromosome structure during cellular division.

Mingyang Tang
Bryn Mawr College
My research strives to understand how changes in DNA chemistry affect gene expression, specifically the mechanisms responsible for establishing and maintaining these chemical modifications.

Erika Tsukamoto
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
I am investigating the mechanism of maternal mRNA clearance during the oocyte-to-embryo transition in C. elegans.

Zoe Upham
San Jose State University
I am investigating how the cells that form the intestinal lining coordinate themselves to create a hollow tube capable of digestion, and I am specifically interested in understanding the roles of two highly conserved proteins, PAR-1/MARK and UBA-2/UBA2, in this process.

Peri Wivell
George Washington University
My research involves studying the role of macrophage populations during development and in diseases of the prostate.

GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Fall 2023! Given twice a year to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, DeLill Nasser Awards support attendance at meetings and laboratory courses.

The award is named in honor of DeLill Nasser, a long-time GSA supporter and National Science Foundation Program Director in Eukaryotic Genetics. Nasser was regarded by some as the “patron saint of real genetics,” shaping the field through more than two decades of leadership. She was especially supportive of young scientists, people who were beginning their careers, and those trying to open new areas of genetic inquiry. For more about Nasser, please see the tribute from Scott Hawley, published in the August 2001 issue of GENETICS.

Mariana Harris
University of California, Los Angeles
My research focuses on quantifying the tempo and mode of adaptation in natural populations, highlighting the distinction in selection signatures (selective sweeps) between the X chromosome and autosomes, driven by the unique effect of selection on the hemizygous X chromosome in males.

Jennifer Alexander
University of Pennsylvania
My research seeks to understand the link between the aging process and cancer progression in high risk populations.

Renee Geck
University of Washington
I use yeast as a tool to understand how differences in genetic sequence can affect how people respond to pharmaceutical drugs.

Landen Gozashti
Harvard University
I use a combination of computational and statistical methods to interrogate the origins of genome architecture and the mechanisms driving genome structure evolution.

Bogdan Sieriebriennikov
New York University
I study how the nervous system evolves by comparing different insects.

Sarah Colon Plaza
University of Colorado
I study the non-apoptotic role of apoptotic caspases after Ionizing Radiation (IR) exposure.

Travis Tu’ifua
University of Utah
I study genetic interactions in a fruit fly model of a rare human disease called NGLY1 deficiency to understand the genes and pathways that modify disease symptoms.

Rachel Meade
Duke University
I study the interactions between Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, and genetically diverse mice to understand the genetic factors that control susceptibility to tuberculosis in a diverse human population.

Malek Elsayyid
University of Delaware
I use a C. elegans model and genetic techniques to study extracellular vesicles as a form of intercellular signaling in both homeostasis and disease.

Julio Molina Pineda
University of Arkansas
I leverage natural variation in yeast to understand why certain individuals are more susceptible to stress and disease.