News
Makaia Papasergi-Scott (PhD '17), one of our newest faculty members, recently participated in an episode of “The Next Step”
Monday, January 26, 2026
In this episode, Makaia, who is an assistant professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics, as well as Pharmacology and Physiology, talks about what happens when a carefully imagined career path doesn’t unfold the way you expect. She shares her journey through graduate school, postdoctoral training, and into a research career shaped by obstacles, difficult decisions, and moments of uncertainty. Along the way, she reflects on the personal and professional challenges she faced, the mentors and community members who helped guide her, and how she learned to stay open to new directions—including teaching, emerging research technologies, and leadership opportunities.
This conversation is especially relevant for prospective and current trainees who may be questioning their next steps, rethinking long-term goals, or wondering whether it’s okay to change course. Makaia’s story is a reminder that career paths in science and academic medicine are often nonlinear—and that growth can come from the unexpected turns.
The interview can be found here on YouTube.
Lea Vacca Michel is Named an ASBMB Fellow
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Congratulations to Lea Vacca Michel, who was named recently as a Fellow of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Lea is currently a professor of chemistry and materials science at Rochester Institute of Technology, and director of Access and Belonging in the College of Science. She earned her PhD in biophysics in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, under Professor Kara Bren of the Department of Chemistry. Her lab studies the role of bacterial lipoproteins and crystallin proteins in bacterial infections and cataracts, respectively. Her group also studies bacterial extracellular vesicles as potential vaccine carriers and diagnostic biomarkers for bacterial sepsis.
Lea is a leader in numerous ASBMB activities. She is also active in several programs of the American Chemical Society. In 2024, she was a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.