GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Spring 2024! 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.

Anush Chiappino-Pepe
Harvard Medical School

I work at the interface of synthetic biology and computational biology, decoding and expanding genome functions to introduce new chemistries in cells.

Brenda Cabrera Mendoza
Yale University

I study the biological and genetic factors that contribute to suicide and addictions.

McKenna Feltes
Johns Hopkins University

My research aims to identify new genes involved in lipoprotein synthesis to better understand how genetics contribute to the development of dyslipidemia—a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide.

Leticia Magpali
Dalhousie University

My PhD research focuses on the evolution of acoustic genes and sounds of toothed whales.

Sylvia Durkin
University of California, Berkeley

My work focuses on how genetic changes and environmental conditions together contribute to thermally adaptive phenotypes in tropical and temperate house mice (Mus musculus domesticus).

Toheeb Oyerinde
University of Medical Sciences

I am studying how environmental exposure, specifically exposure to heavy metals, influences the genetics associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder using C. elegans as a model organism.

Ben Hopkins
University of California, Davis

My work seeks to understand how evolutionary change at the cell type level drives the evolution of organ function.

Darren Lam
Stanford University

I am studying the mechanisms and evolutionary reasoning behind microbial cell death programs.

Austin Daigle
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

I study how natural selection, demographic history, and genome architecture shape genetic variation in natural populations.

Ayawovi Selom Ametepe
University of Arkansas

My PhD project focuses mainly on investigating the functional importance of structural domains in the Drosophila Robo3 axon guidance receptor.

Receiving the DeLill Nasser Award inspired Gosia to apply for faculty positions and ultimately secure her dream job. “[DeLill Nasser Award] was a turning point in my career,” she shares, as it encouraged her to “take the future of my career in my hands.” As a James F. Crow Early Career Researcher Award finalist, she presented a lecture at PEQG 2022, which along with networking, led her to immediately start her job application process upon return from the conference. Additionally, she considers the DeLill Nasser Award an important recognition of both her science and service to the community, particularly her research studying how biology is coded in the genome and how gene expression modulates phenotypical traits. 

It wasn’t smooth sailing though–it took Gosia several tries to receive this award, but the perseverance was well worth it! “I would like to encourage everyone to apply and apply consistently across years, it took me a couple of years and numerous applications, to finally make it happen,” she says. 

At TAGC 2024 this past March, Gosia expanded her network and paved the way to grow her involvement with GSA. Thanks to TAGC’s unique format, she found this large-scale conference with small-meeting interactions ideal. “I was particularly impressed by TAGC 2024 being a large meeting with a feeling of a small meeting,” she explains. “Also, the numerous opportunities to attend as a mentee as well as to serve as a mentor and network with the GSA Board were cherries on my years of involvement with GSA,” she adds. 

Gosia has participated in all of the opportunities GSA offers early career scientists, starting with the GSA Journals Peer Review Training Program, followed by the Early Career Leadership Program both as a subcommittee member and then as a co-chair and steering committee member. GSA has been one of her main scientific societies since she started her PhD and Gosia shares plans to continue paying it forward, supporting the next generation of scientists through her leadership and involvement with GSA. “It was particularly rewarding this TAGC to serve as a mentor and poster judge–to support young scientists, the bright future of science,” she shares.

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 or to join, find additional details on our website.

“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. 

GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Spring 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.

Julius Tabin
Harvard University

I am researching the genetic and evolutionary basis of variation in burrowing behavior of deer mice (genus: Peromyscus).

Julie Jung
University of Utah

Broadly, I study the mechanisms of developmental plasticity in several plant and animal systems, including treefrogs, nematodes, lakecress, and voles.

Cori Cahoon
University of Oregon

My research examines the mechanisms causing temperature-induced male infertility using sex comparative studies with the model systems C. elegans and Zebrafish.

Anadika Prasad
University College, London

I use the Drosophila visual system to study how neuronal numbers and how the decision to commit to a neuronal fate is regulated during development.

Ricardo Frausto
University of California, Los Angeles

I study the chemical cues that can evoke oppositive behaviors (repulsion or attraction). Uncovering how the brain switches between these responses informs our understanding of more complex behaviors.

Oscar Bautista
Case Western Reserve University

I am utilizing proximity labeling in Drosophila to expand identify novel meiotic proteins.

Roger White
University of Rochester

I am investigating the role of lipid droplets and lipid metabolism genes in protecting mitochondrial integrity during Drosophila oogenesis.

Jaclyn Bubnell
Cornell University

I study how the genes that control egg and sperm development in fruit flies evolved their functions.

Christine Rourke
University of Delaware

My research focus is on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to sex-specific chromosome structure during the specialized cell division of meiosis.

Erik Enbody
University of California

My research focus is on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to sex-specific chromosome structure during the specialized cell division of meiosis.

GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Fall 2022! 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.

Meareg Amare

University of Wisconsin-Madison

“Leveraging conserved inhibitor of apoptosis proteins to characterize the programmed cell death pathway in fungi.”

Puja Biswas

University of British Columbia

“Males and females have different levels of body fat storage which affect their lifespan and reproduction.”

Małgorzata Gazda

Institut Pasteur

“I study how biology is coded in the genome and how gene expression modulates phenotypical traits.”

Lydia Grmai

University of Pittsburgh/Duke University

“My research aims to leverage the power of Drosophila genetics to dissect the complex interorgan regulatory networks that link metabolism and reproduction.”

James Held

Vanderbilt University

“My research focuses on understanding how the quality of mitochondria, the cell’s energy producers, is maintained in healthy cells and under stressful conditions.”

Zoe Irons

University of Oregon

“My work centers around understanding the ways in which multiple tissues coordinate during development to form the correct body shape.”

Sarah Neuman

University of Wisconsin-Madison

“I study the role of lipid transport during animal development.”

Ana-Maria Raicu

Michigan State University

“I am studying how cancer-causing retinoblastoma proteins turn gene expression off in different cell types using the fruit fly.”

Carla Bautista Rodriguez

Université Laval

“Evolutionary dynamics of yeast hybrids facing harsh environments.”

Katheryn Rothenberg

University of Toronto

“I study how cells communicate and coordinate as a group to heal wounds.”

GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Spring 2022! 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.

Jon Hibshman

Postdoctoral fellow, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

“My research seeks to understand how some animals can survive extreme stresses like desiccation.”

Diedre Reitz

Postdoctoral fellow, University of California, Davis

“My research aims to understand the mechanisms responsible for preventing homologous recombination-mediated genome rearrangements between repetitive elements.”

Anna Moyer

Postdoctoral fellow, University of Alabama, Birmingham

“I use zebrafish to understand how the overexpression of chromosome 21 genes contributes to abnormal brain development in people with Down syndrome.”

Jennifer Chik

Postdoctoral fellow, University of California, San Diego

“My research focuses on identifying and characterizing multi-functional proteins with roles in two critical pathways: amino acid metabolism and chromatin regulation.”

Shannon Hateley

Postdoctoral fellow, Carnegie Institution for Science

“I use computational biology and ecological genomics methods to investigate how plants will adapt to climate change.”

Maria Sterrett

PhD candidate, Emory University

“We study human disease mutations that impact conserved RNA regulatory pathways by modeling the mutations in yeast and assessing the functional and molecular consequences using genetics and biochemistry techniques.”

Emily Hendricks

Master’s student, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville

“My research uses Drosophila to study the molecular mechanisms of synaptic dysregulation in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.”

Uzezi Okinedo

PhD candidate, University of Massachusetts, Boston

“I study the genetic basis of adaptation in African rice (Oryza glaberrima) to identify and characterize domestication loci for potential genetic improvement.”

Sophia Sanchez

PhD candidate, University of Texas, Austin

“We leverage C. elegans to understand the individual contribution of Hsa21 genes to cellular and molecular phenotypes that could be important in Down syndrome.”

Vladimir Lazetic

Postdoctoral fellow, University of California, San Diego

“My research focuses on uncovering novel mechanisms that regulate an immune response against viral and fungal pathogens.”

GSA is excited to welcome Balint Kacsoh, PhD, as the Society’s Engagement Professional Development Program Coordinator! Read on to learn more about Balint, a past DeLill Nasser Award recipient, 2020 Larry Sandler Awardee, and former Early Career Leadership Program member.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what your career has looked like up to this point? How did you come to join the GSA staff?

My name is Balint Zoltan Kacsoh. I was raised in the beautiful capital of Hungary, Budapest, and in Macon, GA. From a young age, I was fascinated by biology—whether it be going to the aquarium and the zoo, to biology class—I wanted to understand how organisms function. My father, also Balint Kacsoh, brought me to his research lab at Mercer University School of Medicine, where I was able to keep my own cell cultures and “help” run experiments as young as age eight. Throughout lower, middle, and high school, my favorite subject was science. I even sought more rare classes to take, such as Genetics and Advanced Topics in Science. 

I received my BS/MS from Emory University under the guidance of Dr. Todd Schlenke and Dr. Nathan T. Mortimer and received my PhD in the lab of Dr. Giovanni Bosco at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College. I performed postdoctoral research in the lab of Dr. Shelley Berger at the University of Pennsylvania, funded by a Damon Runyon Cancer Research Fellowship, where my research focused on epigenetics of social structure. Throughout my time in research, I gained an appreciation for the immense importance of Science Communication and Science outreach, forming SciAnts with my wife to facilitate this goal.

I have been a member of the Genetics Society of America since I was an undergraduate. I have been afforded many opportunities, such as conference travel funding through the DeLill Nasser Award and participating in the Early Career Leadership Program (ECLP), that have shaped me as a scientist. These programs and opportunities were immensely important to me. Thus, when the opportunity to join the GSA staff presented itself, I immediately applied. I hope to make as big of a difference to the GSA as they have to me.

Can you describe your new position at GSA as the Engagement Professional Development Program Coordinator?

As a member of the engagement team, my job will entail working with members of the ECLP, organizing conference workshops and events, and implementing new ideas to benefit members and other constituents of the Society.

What upcoming projects are you most looking forward to working on in your new role?

I am excited for many different projects—first, I am looking forward to helping further grow the ECLP. The ECLP is a critical component in the lives of many young scientists, and I hope to further the community. I am also looking forward to designing conference mascots as part of our science outreach endeavor to engage a broad community. Finally, I am very excited about helming new programs to engage our community utilizing streaming platforms.  

What about the GSA community do you find most inspiring?

I am most inspired by the support system in place in the GSA community. Simply asking for help—whether it be on Slack, email, or in person—creates opportunities for growth and support. I owe my scientific career to the GSA, and I cannot wait to give back.

What’s one piece of advice that you think every early career scientist should hear?

As a scientist, you are in a position of extreme privilege; therefore, I believe it is your moral obligation to willingly and freely disseminate information in which you are an expert. Only with this mentality, can we promote science literacy and science trust in the broader community. 

What do you think would surprise your undergraduate self about your career path so far?

My undergraduate self would be surprised at my strong love of science outreach—not in that I love doing it, but in the strong need for it. I have experienced much more now compared to then, and have seen firsthand the need to support members outside of the scientific community.

Do you have any mentors? How have they played a role in your career journey?

I have had many mentors throughout my journey. This ranges from my father, who is a professor in a medical school, to my academic mentors. As an undergraduate, a postdoctoral researcher, Nathan T. Mortimer, took me under his wing. Under his mentorship, I began to think like a scientist, solving and making puzzles in biology. Because of his mentorship, I embarked on a journey of research. His continued mentorship across over a decade has helped me identify regions to improve in and what matters most to me. 

What professional accomplishment to date are you most proud of?

I am most proud of receiving the Larry Sandler Award, presented by the Genetics Society of America at the Annual Drosophila Research Conference for the best Drosophila PhD thesis. Having the community I support and love recognize my thesis has meant the most to me. It represents a long and hard journey through graduate school, and I am extremely proud of this accomplishment.

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend?

My perfect weekend is sitting outside in our yard with my wife on a cool afternoon while grilling some of our favorite foods. Having a soccer game on the tablet—on low volume, of course—would be a bonus.