We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Leadership Committees. Join us to learn more about our 2020 early career scientist advocates.

Lossie “Elle” Rooney

Policy Subcommittee

North Carolina State University

PhD Candidate in Genetics

Research Interest

Gene regulation is often referred to as the “dark matter” of the genome. We have long wanted to understand how the differences between individuals and different species arise, but as genetics advanced we did not discover enough different genes and sequence changes to account for all of the differences we see. A key paper in the 1970s thoroughly examined homologous proteins from both humans and chimpanzees and established that our genes and the molecules they encode are not enough to explain the striking differences between these two species. The authors instead proposed that how our genes are regulated may play more of a role in the differences we see both between species and between individuals of the same species. 

My research applies this idea to the observation that we often see similarities between individuals within a species despite genetic variations in the genes involved in a physical trait. For example, most of us develop hands that have four fingers and an opposable thumb. We have some differences, such as individual finger lengths and length of fingers relative to the palm, but the overall structure is largely the same despite the number of genes involved in patterning the hand and likely variation in those genes. Buffering reduces the observable effect of this variation, likely through compensatory regulation or genetic redundancy, so genetic variation can accumulate in a population without adversely affecting individuals.

I am working on the Gap Gene Regulatory Network that is active in patterning the anterior-posterior body axis in embryonic development in fruit flies. We have two goals: identifying regions of the genome which affect core gene regulation within the network, and exploring how differences in these regions modify gene regulation of genes outside of the network. In the long term, I would like to explore using this kind of information to either make predictions about outcomes for individuals with different genetic backgrounds or contribute to drug discovery based on adjusting gene expression at the right time.

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

I have always wanted to be a researcher, even before I knew the term “researcher.” I’ve always been thirsty to know as much as I can and to share it with others, which still drives me today. I loved everything about biology as a child and spent most of my free time either looking things up or searching for interesting things outside, which I then explained to my brother, cousins, and anyone else who would listen. 

Currently, I do both benchwork and computational work, though in the future I would like to transition to more computational work. I am also planning to minor in statistics during my genetics PhD work. Long term, I would like to continue to use statistical methods to analyze genetic data and branch out to additional organisms, including human data.

While I primarily want to stay within a research position, where I would like to work is an open question. Because of my general love of science and learning, I think either industry or a research institute would be a good fit for me. I am also open to the idea of working in a federal institution where I could still be involved in research while having a public impact by sharing my findings with others. 

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

Personally, I want to have an impact by being accessible as a person who works in science. I spent most of my childhood in rural areas and did not have access to scientists. In fact, most people I knew did not know anyone who was a scientist even though I lived within an hour or two of some major research centers. I think this lack of knowing scientists as people within our communities is a major barrier to public trust and positive valuation of science. It is an entirely different experience to know a trusted and knowledgeable person than it is to watch a demo or complete a hands-on activity about a specific topic. Both are important, though I feel a stronger pull to the former. 

Service work is particularly important to me, especially in terms of increasing understanding, trust, and appreciation between scientists and nonscientists. Currently, I am a volunteer penpal with Letters to a Pre-Scientist as one of many efforts to work toward having this kind of impact. I previously worked in extension and engagement. During that time, I had a hard time with the contrast between these and outreach, which I considered less long-term and substantial. 

Professionally, I want to have an impact on bringing genetics more into public health. I recently learned about the concept of “impact identity” and how it relates to a scientist’s expertise and interests as well as community needs. In building my impact identity, my goal is to humanize genetics in a way that underlines science as a process of understanding reality and acknowledges scientists within that profession as trusted community members. This is a difficult subject as genetics has historically been improperly used by researchers and bad actors as justification for racist and sexist ends. Additional issues such as privacy concerns and conclusions drawn from problematic datasets also need to be acknowledged. Genetics can be a useful tool for public health and personalized medicine if these concerns are addressed in a way that promotes transparency, inclusion, and mutual exchange; however, it is easy to imagine how people from groups who were historically exploited for genetic research or faced discrimination due to genetic information (information that was often inferred due to easily observable traits like skin color) would be wary today.

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

I would like to meet as many GSA members and leaders as possible to learn about their different perspectives on science leadership which I can then incorporate into my own leadership philosophy. I feel like genuine attempts at taking others’ perspectives on how they have typically experienced something that is important to you is crucial for eliminating the barriers to the mutual exchange and understanding that is vital to science. Many of us do not experience the same barriers, but appreciating those barriers we do not individually experience is crucial to dismantling them. Consider public parks: enjoying the sunset at a public park seems like a fairly universal experience. When that park memorializes an influential pre-Civil War slave owner, how are some individuals’ experience of the sunset affected? How does this create a non-universal barrier to what should be a positive experience? Can that barrier be addressed in such a way to afford everyone the opportunity for the same positive experience?

No single approach can be complete, but with the increasing diversity we see within science, it is definitely worthwhile to learn about as many perspectives as possible to increase inclusivity and understanding. As a member of the Policy and Advocacy Subcommittee, I also hope to draw attention to the importance of engagement work alongside outreach as well as how both can be bolstered by effective policy. Outreach increases your reach to others outside of your institution while engagement focuses on the building of longer-term relationships with the community. Both of these are important. As communities change over time, we need outreach to continue to bring new people into the fold while engagement deepens the connection and increases the benefit of involvement for the community.

Previous Leadership Experience

  • Mentor – undergrad and graduate students – NC State University
  • Member/Junior President/President – NC State University Genetics Graduate Student Association 
  • Graduate Student Representative – NC State University Standing Committee on Speakers & Lectures 
  • Staff Senator – NC State University Staff Senate 

To contact Lossie “Elle” Rooney, you can email her at: llrooney@ncsu.edu

,

Graduate student and postdoctoral leaders from the Early Career Scientist Committees of the GSA.

View all posts by Early Career Scientist Committees »

Read more in

  • Collage of 2021 Rosalind Franklin Award recipients

    Where are they now? Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award recipients share updates on their research

    Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award applications are open–make sure you submit your application or nomination of a colleague by September 30, 2024.

  • University of Minnesota researchers map genome of the last living wild horse species

    The study, published in G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, is part of larger conservation efforts to save Przewalski’s horse.

  • Congratulations to the Spring 2024 DeLill Nasser Awardees!

    GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Spring 2024! Given twice a year to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, DeLill Nasser Awards support attendance at meetings and laboratory courses. The award is named in honor of DeLill Nasser, a long-time GSA supporter and National Science Foundation…

  • Carolyn Damilola headshot

    Carolyn Damilola: an NFS Rising Scientist on a lifelong quest to learn more

    Carolyn Damilola is an NFS Rising Scientist from Nigeria doing respiratory system research and paving the way for scientists from underrepresented communities through mentorship.

  • Text over a blue background image: Apply for up to $2,000 for your project from the Starter Culture Microgrant Program.

    What does a good microgrant proposal look like?

    Members of the Microgrant Review Committee share their tips for a successful proposal.

  • A blurred image of a human face is shown against a dark background.

    The first piece of the facial recognition puzzle

    New research in GENETICS gives a first peek at the molecular pathway involved in recognizing faces.

  • New Senior Editor Amy MacQueen joins GENETICS

    A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Genome Integrity and Transmission section. We’re excited to welcome Amy MacQueen to the editorial team.

  • Close up of an adult zebrafish with blue and white stripes in an aquarium with red lighting.

    Block party on the zebrafish sex chromosome

    Research in G3 identifies a gene regulatory block of the zebrafish genome responsible for overseeing the maternal-to-zygotic-transition.

  • Lemna Minor, the common duckweed

    Unraveling the mysteries of duckweed: epigenetic insights from Spirodela polyrhiza

    Research published in G3 offers insight into the impact of DNA methylation on clonal propagation in asexually reproducing plants.

  • Luciano Marraffini headshot

    A microbiologist’s quest to understand CRISPR in bacterial self-defense

    2024 Genetics Society of America Medal recipient Luciano Marraffini determined how CRISPR-Cas systems destroy genetic targets with precision, paving the way for gene editing technology development.

  • Elaine Ostrander headshot

    Unlocking mysteries of trait and disease heritability in dogs

    2024 Edward Novitski Prize recipient Elaine Ostrander, a pioneer of the domestic dog model, discovered numerous genes affecting dog size, morphology, behavior, and disease susceptibility—many of which have relevance in humans.

  • NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS Grant to Support Culture Change in Genetics

    GSA and collaborators Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue and Reclaiming STEM Institute launch NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS project to support culture change in genetics 

    We are thrilled to announce that the Genetics Society of America (GSA) is collaborating with the Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue (PGED) based in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, and the Reclaiming STEM Institute (RSI) on a Leading Culture Change Through Professional Societies of Biology (BIO-LEAPS) grant from the U.S. National Science…

  • Daman Saluja: Navigating Science and Policy in India

    In the Paths to Science Policy series, we talk to individuals who have a passion for science policy and are active in advocacy through their various roles and careers. The series aims to inform and guide early career scientists interested in science policy. This series is brought to you by the GSA Early Care­er Scientist…

  • Deborah Andrew headshot

    A fly geneticist’s journey into discovering rules of organ development

    2024 George W. Beadle Award recipient Deborah Andrew discovered new genes and pathways in Drosophila salivary gland organogenesis. Now, her work can help optimize cell secretion in therapeutic applications and fight malaria.

  • Małgorzata Gazda's headshot

    Małgorzata Gazda: How receiving the DeLill Nasser Award helped her land her dream job

    Have you ever experienced an event that changes the course of your life, or in this case, your career? Małgorzata (Gosia) Gazda is Assistant Professor at the University of Montreal and in 2022, she received the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics, which she used to attend and present at the 2022 Population,…

  • Hongyu Zhao joins GENETICS as new Senior Editor

    A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Statistical Genetics and Genomics section. We’re excited to welcome Hongyu Zhao to the editorial team.

  • Julio Molina Pineda at TAGC 2024

    GSA Member Julio Molina Pineda Receives DeLill Nasser Award, Shines at TAGC 2024 

    “At any career stage, the GSA membership is an amazing investment for any genetics professional!” Julio Molina Pineda is a PhD Candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Research Assistant at the University of Arkansas, and a Doctoral Academy Fellow at the Lewis Lab. In 2023, Julio was awarded the DeLill Nasser Award for…

  • Ed Grell at his dissecting microscope using ether to anesthetize his flies.

    In Memoriam: Ellsworth Herman Grell (1932–2023), a pioneer of Drosophila genome engineering and annotation

    Ellsworth (Ed) Grell blessed the Drosophila community through three enduring legacies: as a pioneer of chromosome mechanics, as a primary organizer and synthesizer of genetic knowledge in Drosophila, and as a graceful mentor to those fortunate to have known him personally. Ed grew up in rural Nebraska, completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State, and…

  • Congratulations to the #Fungal24 Poster Award winners!

    We are pleased to announce the recipients of the GSA Poster Awards for posters presented at the 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference! Undergraduate and graduate student members of GSA were eligible for the awards, and a hard-working team of judges made the determinations. Congratulations to all! Felicia Ebot Ojong, The University of Georgia My research is focused…

  • Poster presentation tips for TAGC 2024

    You’ve been selected to present a poster at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March—you’ve celebrated, made plans to attend, now what? This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your research and engage with fellow members of the genetics community, so you want to make sure you’re prepared. We wanted to offer you some tips…

  • Maximize your TAGC 2024 experience 

    A guide to all that National Harbor & DC have to offer Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Petrosky

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Sarah PetroskyMultimedia SubcommitteeUniversity of Pittsburgh Research Interest I am interested in understanding adaptation that has been happening recently in populations by dissecting the ways that genes underlying an adaptation…

  • TAGC 2024 Early Career Award Winners

    GSA is pleased to announce the winners of the early career awards presented at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024. These awards are specific to particular TAGC communities and recognize early career scientists’ outstanding work on their respective research organisms. The awardees will present their talks in keynote sessions at TAGC 2024.  Don’t miss the opportunity…

  • Preeminent geneticists recognized with revamped GSA Awards

    In 2022, GSA’s Board of Directors launched an audit to review the five major awards conferred by the Society. Today, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the reimagined GSA Awards, including the new Genetics Society of America Early Career Medal. The scientists honored this year are recognized by their peers for their outstanding…

  • Fly Board funds outreach programs to spread the word about Drosophila research

    In 2020, the Fly Board voted to use part of its reserve fund to support efforts to increase trainee participation as well as equity and diversity in the Drosophila community. An awards committee decides how the money will be spent each year, and from 2020–2022, the committee posted a very broad call for applications from…

  • New members of the GSA Board of Directors: 2024–2026

    We are pleased to announce the election of four new leaders to the GSA Board of Directors: 2024 Vice President/2025 President Brenda Andrews Professor, University of Toronto It’s an honor to continue my association with the Society by serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. I have broad knowledge of the ongoing activities…

  • The Fly Meeting is one-of-a-kind! Dros 2025 organizers share their excitement

    The 66th Annual Drosophila Research Conference promises to be a meeting rich with the latest in Drosophila research as well as opportunities to advance your career and connect with a global community of 1,400+ scientists. The organizers Todd Nystul, Michelle Bland, Leila Rieder, Amanda Crocker, and Justin Crocker are hard at work, planning a conference…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Olufemi Osonowo

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Olufemi Adekunle OsonowoCareer Development SubcommitteeDalhousie University Research Interest Metabolomics and genomics are two distinct but complimentary approaches that offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of complex traits, such…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Hector Mendoza

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Hector MendozaCommunication and Outreach SubcommitteeUniversity of Michigan Research Interest My research goals converge around the evolution of sexual reproduction. During my doctoral program, I investigated mitochondrial inheritance, a mechanism…