A question & answer session to get to know the 2024 GG Scholar Meghan Dillon, 1st year graduate student in the Toxicology Program.
What aspect of genetics and/or genomics most interests you?
Broadly, I am interested in studying gene by environment (GxE) interactions. As a Toxicology PhD student and Genetics and Genomics Scholar, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about how exposure to both naturally-occurring and anthropogenic compounds, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), influence gene expression, and as a result, an individual’s phenotype for a given trait. I hope that in my own research, I can help further our understanding of how changes in gene expression related to environmental exposures impact human health and disease risk.
What (or Who) influenced you to go into your field of study?
I was introduced to the field of toxicology via my undergraduate research with Dr. Anthony Fiumera at Binghamton University. A true “toxicogenomics” lab, the Fiumera lab uses the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to study how genetic variation influences susceptibility to developmental, morphological, and behavioral disturbances following exposure to the herbicide atrazine. Working in Dr. Fiumera’s lab helped develop my knowledge of and passion for the fields of genetics, genomics, and toxicology, and he played a huge role in supporting my applications for the GGS and Toxicology programs at NC State!
Who or what do you hope benefits from your research?
I hope that my research will benefit and inform several, diverse communities. First, I hope that my research will serve to inform the work of researchers conducting similar studies within my field, and inspire interdisciplinary collaboration. Further, I hope that my findings will demonstrate to policymakers the need for increased regulations on compounds known to have harmful effects on human health. Finally, I hope that my research can be communicated to the general public so that they may develop an understanding of their potential exposures, and use this knowledge to advocate for themselves and their communities.
How can your research be used to inform decision makers (e.g. policy makers, resource managers, health practitioners, K12 educators, etc etc)?
Hopefully, my research can be used to inform policymakers as they consider regulations for emerging contaminants, help healthcare practitioners recognize and better treat exposure-related illnesses, and serve as evidence for community leaders and advocates in affected areas.
What do you think is the most pressing issue or problem in your field of study?
Widespread and persistent contamination of air, water, and land by anthropogenic compounds is a forefront issue within toxicology. Though efforts have been made to regulate and eliminate some of these compounds from our environment, there is often a significant lag and disconnect between scientific findings and regulatory efforts that needs to be addressed.
How do you expect the GG Scholars program to impact your work?
The GG Scholars Program has already made a huge impact on how I understand and approach my research. As a first-year PhD student, navigating the transition between undergraduate and graduate research seemed daunting. However, the GG Scholars Program has provided me with an amazing foundation in genetics and genomics, and provided me with valuable opportunities to consider how I would apply this knowledge in my future research. Further, working with faculty, staff, and fellow PhD students from different programs has helped me build my abilities to conduct interdisciplinary research, and opened the doors for future, innovative collaborations!
What’s your dream job?
Though early in my scientific career, and unsure of what path (academia, industry, government) my research and graduate experiences will steer me towards, my dream job would be any job that allows me to form meaningful, high-impact partnerships with community members, scientists, and policymakers!
