Megan Dennis, an associate professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at UC Davis Health, has been awarded the 2024 Chancellor’s Fellowship

Megan Dennis, an associate professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at UC Davis Health, has been awarded the 2024 Chancellor’s Fellowship. This prestigious honor, given to early-career faculty members, includes a $25,000 grant for research, teaching, or service activities. Dennis, who joined UC Davis in 2015, has become a leader in studying the genetic factors affecting the brain, particularly in conditions like autism. Her research aims to identify hidden genetic changes linked to diseases, improving diagnoses and treatments.

In addition to her research, Dennis is a dedicated educator and mentor, having taught numerous courses and mentored over 50 students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers. She has also worked to increase access to STEM education for students from diverse backgrounds, drawing from her own experiences as a first-generation college student. Dennis has earned several prestigious awards, including the Sloan Fellowship and NIH Director’s New Innovator Award.

As a Chancellor’s Fellow, Dennis will continue advancing human genetics research and inspiring students, supported by UC Davis institutions like the MIND Institute and Genome Center. Her contributions to science and education have been widely recognized, and she remains committed to making science accessible to all.