SUMMER RESEARCH FELLOW: Lily Hefner ’25

Lily Hefner is one of 10 students awarded a 2024 Summer Research Fellowship at Westminster College. A rising senior honors student from Washington, Pa., Hefner is majoring in molecular biology and criminal justice studies. Her project, “Identifying Genes Affected by MAO Inhibition,” was conducted through a research partnership with her mentor, Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Marosh Furimsky. Hefner is an active participant in Westminster’s Model United Nations club, the women’s swim team, All-College Honors Program and serves as the head resident assistant in Russell Hall. She also works as a peer tutor in Westminster’s Academic Success Center.

Why did you apply for the fellowship?
In the past year, I have been designing an independent and interdisciplinary project through the All-College Honors Program. This summer opportunity gave me a head start on this research.

Can you briefly describe your project?
Throughout the day, neurotransmitter levels rise and fall to influence our mood and behavior. This process is mediated by factors including the function of monoamine oxidase. When monoamine oxidase is inhibited, I expect that other genes will be upregulated to compensate. Identifying this differential gene expression is the aim of my project.

What have you learned from your collaboration with Dr. Furimsky? What kinds of insight and support does he contribute to your project?
Dr. Furimsky was the very first person I met at Westminster, and since that initial introduction, he has been a great resource to me. Over many drafts of this summer proposal, his guidance has helped make my ideas measurable and my goals reachable. His influence on the project, and my person, is invaluable.

What aspects of research have been your favorite and most challenging?
I’ve done lots of reading, planning and conferencing to prepare for this summer. I am excited to get hands-on. My favorite thing about studying molecular biology is getting in the lab to see how the project works with my own eyes.

How do you think your work as a student researcher will shape your future student and career success?
I hope this experience will help me become more independent in the lab. I am still learning how to analyze my data and determine next steps. Under the tutelage of Dr. Furimsky, this will be a great opportunity for me to practice “calling the shots.” Long term, I am interested in a professional lab setting and I hope this summer will improve my investigative skills.

What is your favorite thing about being a Westminster student?
I am so thankful to have a great support system here at Westminster. Over the past three years, my professors have encouraged me into amazing opportunities to learn more about the world and myself. From classes and conferences to this summer experience, the faculty at Westminster have opened doors for me.

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to join the Peace Corps after graduation.

To learn more about Westminster’s Department of Biology, visit www.westminster.edu/biology.

Sponsored by the Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research, Summer Research Fellowships at Westminster College allow students to conduct hands-on research and creative projects under the guidance of our experienced faculty mentors.

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