Lauren Dineen             
Communication and Outreach Subcommittee
UNC Charlotte, NC

Research Interest:

I am a molecular mycologist interested in exploring novel roles of tRNA in fungi in the context of fungal pathogens and non-model yeasts. My journey into the world of fungi started with joining the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) as a research technician. I worked on generating a whole-genome knockout library in the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. This was a monumental team effort, and it was great to have been involved in generating such a useful tool for the field. I subsequently began my PhD in Infectious Diseases within MFIG, where I focused on a subset of this library, the tRNA knock-out collection. The role of tRNAs in translation is well defined; however, they are also increasingly being shown to play active regulatory roles in stress response. I carried out high-throughput functional analyses of the tRNA knock-out collection and found that tRNAs contribute to antifungal sensitivity and tolerance to low iron conditions in A. fumigatus. I am fascinated by these novel regulatory roles of tRNAs, as they are consistently overlooked—perhaps I am rooting for the underdog. 

I am now in the second year of my first postdoctoral role, working in Dr. Abigail LaBella’s research group at UNC Charlotte. We are harnessing a large genomic dataset of the entire Saccharomycotina subphylum to explore the diversity of tRNA genes and tRNA modification genes using bioinformatics and tRNA sequencing techniques. In the future, I want to establish my own research program focused on the tRNA biology of fungal pathogens.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

I have always found that the academic environment has suited me, and I really enjoy applying my creativity to research projects. I also recently taught my first class on animal pathogens. I found this to be a great learning experience, and I want to continue to grow this area of my profession. My first post-doc has been a real transitional stage of my career, and although I have mentored before, I am now starting to develop my own style and to understand what it means to go from a learner to a leader. I am still finding my feet with this transition and am excited about a future when I have grown my confidence in being a leader.

Overall, I am most interested in continuing to explore the tRNA biology of fungi and to be an educational leader. I am interested in teaching the importance of fungal pathogens and how genetics is a powerful tool in biology. I am also interested in continuing to take part in scientific communication throughout my career stages.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

I recently gave my first science talk to the public and want to continue sharing my passion for the big impact of small fungi. When we think of fungi, most often we think of the beautiful fruiting bodies found in the woods. However, the fungi we cannot see have huge impacts on our health, industry, agriculture, and the environment. For example, through fermentation, brewer’s yeast has helped shaped the development of human society as we know it today. I want to advance the scientific enterprise by continuing to communicate this message and to engage and share knowledge with the public.

Ultimately, science is for everyone, and it should not be gatekept. Furthermore, communicating science to those outside our field can expose us to new ways of thinking—it’s a win-win!

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

I applied to the Early Career Leadership program because I wanted to grow confidence in presenting myself as a leader, to make connections with my peers in the field of genetics, and to work on new challenges of producing content outside my research. I hope that, through accomplishing these goals, I will go forward in my career with a fresh perspective on what it means to be a leader.

I hope that I can use this experience of being a leader within GSA to improve my mentor style and eventually influence the culture of my research group. I have already developed a stronger passion for science communication and outreach, and I hope to carry this with me throughout my career. I also hope that I inspire others around me to take on leadership training in the future.

Previous leadership experience

Lecturer in Animal Fungal Pathogens, UNC Charlotte (2024)

Mentor in Bioinformatics, UNC Charlotte (2024)

Mentor for MSc Student in Medical Microbiology, University of Manchester (2024)

Mentor for MSc Student in Medical Microbiology, University of Manchester (2018)

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