UC Davis Scientists Show How First-Gen Students Thrive

Getting through college without a family roadmap isn't easy, but two scientists at UC Davis turned that challenge into fuel for discovery.

Megan Dennis and Siobhan Brady both arrived at science as first-generation college students, unsure how to navigate the academic world. Today, Dennis is an associate professor studying genetic links to autism, while Brady researches how plants survive extreme climate conditions. They recently shared their journey on UC Davis Chancellor Gary May's talk show, Face to Face.

The secret to their success? Finding the right people. "I think finding the right team to push you forward is key, so not just mentoring, but collaborators and trainees in your group," Dennis explained during the interview.

Dennis's work might sound unexpected at first. She uses zebrafish to understand how genetic mutations affect brain development in people with autism. The tiny fish share surprising amounts of DNA with humans, making them perfect models for studying how our brains develop. Her research could eventually lead to new treatments for genetic conditions.

Brady's lab tackles a different but equally urgent challenge. As climate change brings unpredictable weather patterns, her team studies how plants have survived extreme environments throughout history. Understanding these natural survival strategies could help farmers grow more resilient crops as conditions continue to shift.

Both scientists point to something often overlooked in science news: federal funding makes this progress possible. Dennis credits the Human Genome Project as a landmark example of how public investment accelerates discovery. Brady puts it even more directly: "Without federal funding, our agricultural systems would be struggling with massive cuts in crop yields. As a result, we'd have increases in human hunger."

Why This Inspires

Their story shows that groundbreaking science doesn't require a perfect pedigree or family connections to academia. What matters is curiosity, strong mentors, and communities that lift researchers forward. Dennis and Brady are now paying that support forward, building labs where the next generation of scientists can thrive regardless of their background.

The work happening in their neighboring offices spans from understanding our own brains to feeding future generations, all rooted in the belief that science should solve real problems for real people.

Two first-generation students are now leading discoveries that could reshape how we treat genetic conditions and grow food in a changing world.