The Laboratory of Genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is thrilled to announce Dr. Ahna Skop as a 2026 recipient of the Bassam Z. Shakhashiri Public Science Engagement Award, a competitive award that demonstrates excellence in engaging the public in STEAM. This award is sponsored by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and honors the emeritus professor of chemistry, Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, for his “Science is Fun” philosophy and long-term commitment to science education and public engagement. He urges UW-Madison faculty, staff and students “to engage with each other, and more importantly, with the public-at-large in respectful discourse on significant societal issues related to science, politics, the economy, the arts, the humanities, technology and ethics.”
Skop, a professor in the Genetics and Medical Genetics Departments, is widely recognized for her incredible work on the molecular mechanisms of cell division with a focus on the midbody and midbody remnants (MBRs). Her research targets disease mechanisms, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and autism, RNA biology, and extracellular vesicle signaling. Skop’s research lab combines genetics, cell biology, genomics, proteomics, and advanced microscopy in order to identify the RNA cargo of MBRs in various cell types and investigating their roles in cancer progression and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Ahna Skop is also the CSO of a Madison Biotechnology company, eMBR Genomics, based on discoveries from her lab that utilize MBRs in cancer and neurodegenerative disease diagnostics.
Beyond her research, Dr. Ahna Skop takes on Life Science Communication roles and participates in scientific outreach, diversity in STEM, and integrating science and art. Skop has curated scientific art exhibitions and has authored several books that reflect her commitment to science communication and public engagement in science, including Genetic Reflections: A coloring book and Lab Culture: A recipe for innvoation in science.
According to Skop, “Public engagement through science cakes, art installations, coloring books, and tactile models has been a joyful extension of my lab work, making complex cell biology accessible and fun for diverse audiences, much like Professor Shakhashiri’s ‘Science is Fun’ philosophy that has always inspired me.”
Receiving the Bassam Z. Shakhashiri Public Science Engagement Award recognizes Skop’s significant contributions to public science outreach and impact on UW-Madison research. Her leadership and accomplishments make Dr. Skop a critical member of the Laboratory of Genetics, and this award highlights the continued value of her work to the department and the campus community.