معرفی
Casey Schmidt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Lafayette College, joining the faculty in fall 2024. She teaches BIOL 255: Molecular Genetics with laboratory components focused on circular RNAs and ethical implications of genetic technologies. Her research investigates histone regulation mechanisms using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to understand cellular DNA packaging control.
Dr. Schmidt's work centers on how cells determine precise timing and quantity of histone production – critical proteins that prevent genomic chaos by organizing DNA. This research bridges molecular biology and epigenetics through Drosophila genetic models, examining cellular checkpoints for histone biosynthesis. Her approach integrates fundamental genetic principles with broader implications for genomic stability.
Committed to student mentorship and advocacy, she emphasizes holistic academic success beyond the classroom. A Pittsburgh native returning to Pennsylvania after southern-based graduate and postdoctoral work, she actively engages with Easton through community building. Personal pursuits include knitting, genealogy research, thrifting, and crafting fermented beverages like ginger beer.
