Alexis A. Nagengast

Dr. Alexis A. Nagengast serves as Associate Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Chair of Biochemistry at Widener University's College of Arts and Sciences. She was honored with the Distinguished University Professor Award in 2023 for her exceptional contributions to teaching, research, and service. Her office and laboratory are located in Kirkbride Hall at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Nagengast earned her PhD in Genetics from Case Western Reserve University in 2003 and her MA in Biochemistry from the University of Delaware in 1996. Prior to joining Widener University, she completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania and Case Western Reserve University.

Her research centers on understanding gene regulation through alternative splicing using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) as a model organism. Dr. Nagengast investigates how alternative splicing affects lipid metabolism to better understand obesity-related gene regulation mechanisms. She also studies the effects of diet and supplements on lifespan and fitness in fruit flies, and collaborates on projects identifying regulatory genes involved in sexual dimorphism in insects. Her laboratory actively involves undergraduate students in meaningful research experiences, reflecting her commitment to hands-on learning.

Analysis of Dr. Nagengast's publications reveals consistent focus on RNA splicing mechanisms, Drosophila genetics, and the biochemical pathways connecting gene regulation to metabolism. Her more recent work has expanded into studying natural compounds like resveratrol and their effects on biological systems, demonstrating an evolving research trajectory that bridges molecular biology with potential health applications.

Dr. Nagengast has received significant recognition for her work, including:

• Primarily Undergraduate Institution Representative on the North American Drosophila Board (2014-2017)
• Braude Award for Research with Undergraduates, Maryland Section of the American Chemical Society (2013)
• Chair of the Genetics Society of America Victoria Finnerty Undergraduate Travel Award Committee
• Distinguished University Professor Award (2023)

She maintains an active mentoring relationship with undergraduate researchers, having guided numerous students through independent projects, conference presentations, and publications. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes creating an "open classroom" that promotes student participation and hands-on learning through case studies and real-world applications. Dr. Nagengast serves as Health Professions Advisor and is affiliated with the Biochemistry and Chemistry programs at Widener University.

Her laboratory, located in Kirkbride Hall, maintains active research projects examining alternative splicing events in fruit flies under different dietary conditions, the effects of splicing factor knockdown on sex determination, the impact of resveratrol on lifespan and nutrient storage, and the identification of alternative splicing between males and females in sexually dimorphic insects.