Vice Dean Sarah Zanders, PhD, has been named to Science News’ 2020 SN 10: Scientists to Watch list. She is one of 10 early- to mid-career researchers being recognized for having already made big contributions in their fields. Dr. Zanders joined the Stowers Institute in 2016 and shortly thereafter was awarded an R00 grant from the NIGMS, the second phase of the NIH Pathway to Independence Award. Since then, she has been named a Basil O’Connor Scholar and a Searle Scholar. She also received an NIH New Innovator Award in 2018. Her research focuses on selfish genes in gametogenesis. By studying the wtf family of meiotic drive genes in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Dr. Zanders and her lab aim to uncover the strategies used by wtf genes and explore how they have affected genome evolution.

Now in its sixth year, this award recognizing young stars, all age 40 and under, in scientific research who have proved their potential for much greater impact in the years to come. Each of the SN 10 were nominated by a Nobel laureate, member of the National Academy of Sciences, or SN 10 alumni. The 10 researchers are profiled in the October 10, 2020 issue of Science News and online.