Jennifer Wanat

Jennifer Wanat is an Assistant Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology at Washington College. Her research focuses on the molecular basis of aging, particularly studying how telomeres affect meiotic chromosome segregation and cellular senescence using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) as a model organism.

Dr. Wanat received her educational training from prestigious institutions:

• 2007: Ph.D. in Genetics from Cornell University, with minors in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry
• 2001: B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Rhode Island, with a minor in Chemistry

Her research program investigates the role of telomeres in aging processes, with particular interest in how non-coding RNA molecules may signal the presence of shortened telomeres and cellular senescence. She also studies telomere roles in proper chromosome segregation during meiosis, which is critical for understanding age-related pregnancy complications. Her work bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with implications for human health and conservation biology, as evidenced by her recent publications on amphibian conservation.

Dr. Wanat's publication record demonstrates a consistent research trajectory focused on telomere biology, cellular senescence, and chromosome dynamics. Her recent work has expanded into amphibian conservation biology, with publications on Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis detection and amphibian metabolomics following pesticide exposure.

Before joining Washington College, Dr. Wanat served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology at Dickinson College (2015-2017) and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania (2008-2014).

Dr. Wanat maintains an active research laboratory at Washington College where she mentors undergraduate students in molecular biology research. Her work bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with implications for human health and conservation biology.