Megan McCabe, a recent graduate of Kennesaw State University (KSU), has already made significant strides in the scientific community. Her impressive academic achievements and research contributions have set her apart as a promising future medical professional. During her time at KSU, McCabe participated in various prestigious programs, including the KSU Journey Honors College, where she excelled academically and earned top honors. She secured first place at Analytics Day and placed third at the Fall 2024 Symposium of Student Scholars. Additionally, her work in the Birla Carbon Scholars program and her graduation with highest honors underscore her dedication to scientific inquiry. McCabe's research on a human proto-oncogene, conducted under the guidance of Associate Professor Dongyu Jia, has garnered attention within the academic community. This article explores her journey from an aspiring nurse to a biology major and her aspirations for a career in medicine.

McCabe initially enrolled at KSU with the intention of pursuing a nursing degree. However, her curiosity about the underlying science behind nursing led her to switch majors to biology with a pre-medicine concentration. This shift allowed her to delve deeper into the scientific principles that fascinated her. In 2023, Assistant Professor Andrew Haddow encouraged McCabe to seek out an undergraduate research project, which would enhance her prospects for medical school. This advice proved pivotal, as McCabe discovered an interest in oncology research under the mentorship of Professor Jia. The project involved studying a human proto-oncogene associated with ovarian and nerve-related cancers using fruit flies as model organisms. Over the course of more than a year, McCabe immersed herself in this research, presenting her findings at several academic events, including the 66th annual Drosophila Research Conference—a notable achievement for an undergraduate researcher.

Jia praised McCabe's contributions to the lab, highlighting her collaborative spirit and enthusiasm. "Megan’s experience exemplifies the collaborative environment we foster here," he said. "Her success underscores KSU’s commitment to advancing research and innovation." McCabe's capstone project for the KSU Journey Honors College was recently accepted for oral presentation at the Drosophila Research Conference, further cementing her status as a rising star in the field. Beyond her research, McCabe also worked as a supplemental instructor for three semesters, demonstrating her passion for teaching and mentoring others. Her close relationships with professors like Dr. Animesh Aditya in chemistry have provided valuable guidance and encouragement throughout her academic journey.

As McCabe prepares for medical school, she continues to gain clinical experience by working as a medical assistant for a surgical oncologist. This hands-on role allows her to accumulate the necessary hours for her medical school applications. Reflecting on her time at KSU, McCabe expressed gratitude for the unwavering support she received from her professors. "The faculty at KSU have been my biggest cheerleaders and mentors," she said. "They’ve always been there to help me achieve my goals, as long as I was willing to put in the effort." McCabe's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship, setting the stage for a promising future in medicine.