Mackenzie is a third-year Molecular Medicine student studying under the mentorship of Dr. Rory Fisher. She graduated with a B.A. in Biology in 2017 from Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana. Mackenzie’s passion for research sparked when she conducted research for 3 years under the guidance of Dr. Brian Gall during her time at Hanover, leading her towards the path of graduate school. Mackenzie’s current research focuses on identifying the mechanisms that underlie the development of Parkinson’s disease. Her lab created the first mouse model to recapitulate age-related Parkinson’s and they now hope to discover new ways to improve current treatments for Parkinson’s patients. Outside of lab, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her two dogs and two cats. She also loves playing tennis, exercising, and being outside!