MacDermott Awarded Scholarship For DNA Research At Richmond

Aine MacDermott from Lexington has been awarded a Beckman Fo u n d a tion Scholarship to support her research on DNA at the University of Richmond. “The Beckman Scholars Program champions scientific leaders of the future,” said Elisabeth S. Gottwald, chemistry professor at the University of Richmond who directs the school’s Beckman program.

“Under the dedicated mentorship of UR faculty, our Beckman Scholars are advancing important scientific research while gaining worldclass training experiences,” she said.

MacDermott, who studies biochemistry and molecular biology, plans to use her scholarship to study ancient DNA with UR biology professor Melinda Yang, focusing on the evolution of the alcohol metabolism gene ADH1B in present-day and ancient East Asian humans.

“This research will help clarify the origin, intensity, and timing of how and when variants of the ADH1B gene became prevalent in East Asian populations,” said MacDermott.

“That’s important because this gene can affect predisposition to alcohol dependence and abuse; can lead to the Asian Flush phenomenon, which is excessive blushing upon alcohol consumption; and creates a much greater risk of contracting esophageal cancer, which is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide.”

MacDermott plans to pursue a doctorate in genetics.