Dr. Mikaela Stewart | Biochemistry | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Mikaela D. Stewart is highly deserving of the Women Researcher Award, as her academic achievements, groundbreaking research in cancer biology, and commitment to mentoring and advancing the field of molecular biology demonstrate excellence. Her contributions to the scientific community, particularly in understanding the protein interactions that influence gene expression and cellular regulation, are invaluable. Dr. Stewart embodies the qualities that the Women Researcher Award seeks to honor—innovation, leadership, and a dedication to both scientific progress and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Education & Experience

• 🎓 Postdoctoral Fellow in Biochemistry, University of Washington (2017)
  • Advisor: Prof. Rachel Klevit
• 🎓 Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Biophysics, Texas A&M University (2013)
  • Advisor: Prof. Tatyana Igumenova
  • Thesis: “Determining the intrinsic properties of the C1B domain that influence PKC ligand specificity and sensitivity to reactive oxygen species.”
• 🎓 B.S. in Biology, Chemistry Minor, University of Central Arkansas (2007)
  • Advisor: Prof. Lori Isom
  • Thesis: “Cations stabilize unstacked nucleic acids in DNA and RNA structures.”
  • Graduated Summa cum laude

Professional Development

Dr. Stewart’s professional development centers on her pioneering research in biochemistry and her mentoring roles at TCU 🌱. As an active researcher, she has led numerous high-impact studies on transcriptional regulation and cancer-related protein interactions 🔬. Her research on BRCA1 and BARD1 in C. elegans bridges molecular biology with potential cancer therapies 🧬. Dr. Stewart’s leadership in guiding undergraduate and graduate students, as well as her numerous awards, reflects her dedication to advancing the field 🌟. She actively contributes to scientific communities through publications and conferences 💡.

Research Focus

Dr. Mikaela D. Stewart’s research focuses on biochemistry and molecular biology, specifically in the realm of transcriptional regulation by BRCA1 and BARD1 in Caenorhabditis elegans 🧬. Her work explores the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in cellular regulation and cancer mechanisms 🧪. She is dedicated to understanding protein interactions that influence gene expression and contribute to disease, particularly in the context of breast cancer and other genetic disorders 🔬. Her studies aim to unlock new therapeutic strategies by targeting specific protein functions and pathways involved in gene regulation and cellular stress responses 🌱.

Awards & Honors

• 🏆 Chrissy Baker – American Society Molecular Biology and Biochemistry travel grant recipient (2024)
• 🏅 Chrissy Baker – Student Research Competition Winner, TCU Biology (2024)
• 🥇 Chrissy Baker – Three-minute Thesis College of Science and Engineering Winner (2023)
• 🏆 Thu Uyen Nguyen – Outstanding Undergraduate Presentation at Texas Genetic Society Meeting (2022)
• 🏅 Russell Vahrenkamp – Protein Science Anniversary Award – Virtual Symposium (2021)
• 🏆 Davis Martin – College of Science and Engineering representative Boller Award Competition (2021)
• 🥈 Christine Hurd – Three-minute Thesis College of Science and Engineering Runner-up (2019)
• 🌟 Selected for UW School of Medicine Postdoc Seminar Series (2016)
• 🏆 Runner-up in the Texas A&M Biochemistry/Biophysics student research competition (2010 & 2012)
• ✈️ Experimental Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Conference travel grant recipient (2010)
• ✈️ Biochemistry Graduate Association travel grant recipient (five times, 2008-2013)