Alexa MacKersie, a Hope College junior studying biochemistry and molecular biology, captured first place for her undergraduate poster presentation at the national Yeast Genetics Meeting held in California this summer.
Prior to her national recognition, MacKersie captured award honors from the Michigan
branch of the American Society for Microbiology during her spring semester.
Mentored by Dr. Sean Beckwith — assistant professor of biology at Hope College — MacKersie
studies "jumping genes" in baker’s yeast. Her research explores how gene sequences
linked to human neurodegenerative diseases enable genomic movement similar to viruses
like HIV.
Each year, Genetics Society of America recognizes outstanding student research at its national Yeast Genetics Meeting, honoring exceptional presentations by undergraduate and graduate student members. Award recipients are selected based on both the scientific merit of their research and the clarity of their presentation.
MacKersie’s specific poster information, along with other student winners, can be found here.