Victoria Brown-Kennerly

Victoria Brown-Kennerly is an Associate Professor of Biology in the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Webster University's College of Science and Health. She teaches courses in biology, genetics, and bioinformatics, and is recognized for her contributions with awards including Advisor of the Year and Women of Webster.

Education:

• BS in Biology, University of Michigan
• PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University
• Postdoctoral Damon Runyon Fellow, University of Washington, Seattle
• NIH K01 Scholar, Washington University in St. Louis

Research Interests: Dr. Brown-Kennerly's research focuses on animal behavior using harvester ants as a model to study sensory perception, pathfinding, communications, and innate behaviors. She also engages in genetics and biodiversity studies through the Citizen DNA Barcode Network, and biochemistry of human diseases. Her work integrates evolutionary biology and bioinformatics to understand complex biological systems.

Scientific Awards:

• Advisor of the Year
• Learning Happens Everywhere
• Women of Webster
• Damon Runyon Fellow
• NIH K01 Scholar

Advising and Projects: She mentors students in the national SEA-PHAGES bacteriophage discovery project and the Citizen DNA Barcode Network. Her students actively participate in genetic research and biodiversity documentation. Additionally, she holds two patents related to genome editing and mRNA ligands in fragile X syndrome.

Labs and Teams: Dr. Brown-Kennerly collaborates with national networks including SEA-PHAGES and the Citizen DNA Barcode Network, fostering student research in genetics and biodiversity.