KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 31, 2025

A simple conversation with Megan McCabe about her research is enough to see she is a scientist in the making.

The recent Kennesaw State University graduate has already racked up an impressive résumé. She was a student in the KSU Journey Honors College, earned first place at Analytics Day, finished third at the Fall 2024 Symposium of Student Scholars, participated in the Birla Carbon Scholars program, and graduated summa cum laude.

The self-described science nerd speaks with eloquence and enthusiasm about the work that led her to a bachelor’s degree in biology last month, and she hopes to take that enthusiasm and knowledge to medical school this fall.

“We have been incredibly fortunate to have Megan as part of our lab,” said Dongyu Jia, associate professor of molecular and cellular biology. “Megan’s experience highlights the collaborative spirit in our lab, where students and faculty members work together to push the boundaries of scientific discovery. Her success reflects KSU's commitment to fostering research and innovation, making it a hub for groundbreaking work and academic growth.”

Originally interested in nursing upon enrolling at KSU, McCabe realized she wanted a deeper understanding of the scientific topics presented in nursing prerequisite classes. She changed her major to biology with a pre-medicine concentration and found her niche as an undergraduate researcher.

In 2023, assistant professor of microbiology Andrew Haddow encouraged her to find an undergraduate research project, something that would help her chances of getting into medical school. Eventually, she learned about Jia’s oncology research, and she joined his lab as a research assistant, taking on a project involving the study of a human proto-oncogene associated with ovarian and nerve-related cancers using fruit flies as a model organism.

McCabe stayed with this project for more than a year, participating in the Birla Carbon Scholars program in 2024 and presenting her research at the Symposium of Student Scholars this fall. She also used the project for her capstone in the KSU Journey Honors College, and now she and Jia are compiling their results for potential publication in a scholarly journal. That capstone project was recently accepted for oral presentation at the 66th annual Drosophila Research Conference, an event that will feature leading researchers from around the world—a major achievement for an undergraduate researcher.

“I did a senior thesis in high school, mostly just a literature review, but I did want to participate in real hands-on research when I came to Kennesaw State. Once I did, I loved it,” she said. “It’s fun to have these super high-level conversations at presentations. Whether it's fly research or the statistics research that I've done, I just really enjoy talking about research.”

Jia said McCabe’s enthusiasm comes through in her work and presentations, and her research has advanced the science of genetic expression and showing what an impact an undergraduate can have on meaningful scientific endeavors. McCabe will happily take that curiosity into the medical field.

“One of my favorite professors, Dr. Animesh Aditya in chemistry, told me he thought I would thrive in academia, and it’s definitely something I’ve considered,” she said. “I do love to teach, though, and I worked as a supplemental instructor for three semesters, but an M.D. will give me the widest variety of options.”

McCabe now works as a medical assistant for a surgical oncologist and is earning the clinical hours needed for medical school. As she waits for word on admissions, she said she’ll always remember how the professors she had at KSU championed her.

“I got to have a close relationship with professors at Kennesaw State, and all of them are always willing to help,” she said. “They're all absolutely dedicated to getting you where you want to be as long as you are willing to work for it. They're your cheerleaders. They're your mentors.”

–Story by Dave Shelles

Photos provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.