What does it take to turn curiosity about the natural world into a career that changes lives?
In this episode of Coffee with Chris, Chris Sindt, President of Lewis University, speaks with Dr. Mallory Havens, professor of biology and a leader in undergraduate research and scholarly engagement at Lewis. Dr. Havens shares how her early fascination with anatomy and biology led her from pharmaceutical quality control to molecular biology research, teaching, and prison education. She explains her work studying genetic diseases such as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 and discusses how antisense oligonucleotide RNA therapies may offer promising alternatives to traditional gene therapy.
The conversation also explores the unique value of undergraduate research at Lewis University, where students gain hands-on experience developing potential treatments, analyzing patient cells, and conducting experiments in the lab.
Dr. Havens discusses:
How RNA therapies can help treat genetic diseases
Why undergraduate research matters in higher education
The science behind gene expression and RNA splicing
How patient cells and C. elegans are used in research
Why memorization alone is not enough for today’s students
How storytelling, humor, and movement make biology easier to understand
The transformative role of science and education in prison education programs
Her podcasts, Science CoASt and Degrees of Freedom: The Second Chance Classroom
Whether you’re interested in biology, genetic disease research, higher education, student mentorship, or prison education, this episode offers an inspiring look at how science and learning can create new possibilities.
Learn more about Lewis University: https://lewisu.edu
#BiologyResearch #GeneticDisease #RNAtherapies #UndergraduateResearch #PrisonEducation #HigherEducation #LewisUniversity #ScienceEducation #CoffeeWithChris
