MN Chapter Scholar Award 2017-2019
Field of Study - Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics

Colette Rogers is a graduate student in the Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics department at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She is co- advised by Dr. Anja-Katrin Bielinsky and Dr. Eric Hendrickson, experts in DNA replication and cancer research, DNA damage repair research, and genome engineering. Colette’s research aims at elucidating the molecular and biochemical mechanisms that underlie the cancer predisposition syndrome Fanconi anemia (FA). Her work applies a combination of biochemical, gene targeting, and imaging techniques to better understand how FA- and FA- associated proteins promote genomic stability. The goal of this research is to discover novel mechanisms to suppress cancer development.

Colette received her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she studied Biology and Gender and Women’s Studies. She ultimately hopes that her research will positively impact human health by inspiring future development of novel strategies for cancer treatment therapies. The ARCS award funds will help her achieve this goal by allowing her to travel and present at conferences, including the annual Fanconi Anemia Research Fund (FARF) Symposium, facilitating her growth as an academic scientist.