This week, Sarah Brings interviews Dr. Ifshan Ismat, Chair and Associate Professor of the Biology Department, about her research on how the extracellular environment affects cell movement.Dr. Ismat explains that during embryonic development, cells must migrate from their origin to specific destinations for organs to form correctly. Her lab uses fruit flies as a model system, where she and her students modify genes and analyze the results to understand this process better.

Dr. Ismat also highlights the challenges involved in publishing research in scientific journals, and stresses the importance of STEM majors to receive a well-rounded education and experiences that extend beyond their specialized fields to cultivate broader skills and perspectives.