In labs filled with microscopes and in classrooms filled with curiosity, Dr. Taylor Medlock Lanier has built a graduate career defined by discovery and perseverance. A doctoral graduate of the cellular biology program who was recruited through Integrated Life Sciences at the University of Georgia, Lanier was recently honored with the Excellence in Research Award for her groundbreaking work on nervous system regeneration. Her research reflects both scientific depth and a commitment to advancing knowledge that may one day impact human health.
“My thesis work centered on understanding how successful nervous system regeneration occurs. To begin answering this, I utilized planarians, freshwater flatworms that are capable of robust, whole-body regeneration, including that of their nervous system,” Lanier explains. “I focused on the mechanisms underlying the regeneration and maintenance of dopaminergic neurons throughout the planarian nervous system for a few key reasons, including that dopamine is clinically relevant in humans, as a loss of dopaminergic neurons in associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s Disease; and that we have a great, quantifiable marker for dopaminergic neurons in planarians. I identified six transcription factor-encoding genes that are required for regeneration and maintenance of planarian dopaminergic neurons through combinatorial mechanisms.” Through this work, Lanier has contributed important foundational knowledge to her field.
“The hope is that this basic research will inform future research into therapeutic treatments for patients with Parkinson’s Disease.”
photo courtesy of Taylor Medlock Lanier
Reflecting on her time at UGA and the Excellence in Research honor, Lanier shares, “I am surrounded by phenomenal scientists and feel so extremely honored to have been selected from such an amazing group of people. It still feels a little surreal, and I am incredibly grateful for the Graduate School and the people in my corner who nominated me for this award and supported me through the nomination process.” She is quick to credit the mentors who shaped her journey.
“Dr. Rachel Roberts-Galbraith served as my mentor and friend throughout my Ph.D. Not only did she help me develop as an independent and thoughtful scientist, but she taught me the importance of processing any ‘losses’ and, more importantly, how to celebrate every ‘win.’ I will forever be indebted to her for her unparalleled guidance.”
She also acknowledges two other faculty members who played a key role in her path to graduate school and beyond: “I would be remiss if I did not mention Drs. Yao Yao and Jim Lauderdale. Yao, Jim, and Rachel are some of the very first people I met on UGA’s campus, and I am so thankful for their mentorship and support. I truly do not believe I would have ended up in graduate school at UGA were it not for their willingness to meet with me as an undergraduate student to discuss their research and the Integrated Life Sciences program at UGA.”
photo courtesy of Taylor Medlock Lanier
Lanier’s graduate experience also came with challenges. Beginning her Ph.D. in Fall 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic meant navigating virtual classes, socially distanced lab work, and the difficulty of building community in isolation. Despite the uncertainty, she found support within her rotation labs and adapted quickly. When she needs to regain focus, she turns to a peaceful spot on campus. “I love the turtle pond on campus! It’s a little bit hidden so it isn’t too busy, especially when classes aren’t in session,” she remarks.
Through resilience, curiosity, and gratitude for her mentors, Dr. Taylor Medlock Lanier leaves a meaningful mark on UGA. The University of Georgia Graduate School cannot wait to see the impact she’ll continue to have on the broader scientific community.
The Excellence in Research Award was established by the Graduate School in 1999 to recognize the quality and significance of graduate-student scholarship. Students who graduated the previous year are nominated by their departments in one of five areas: Fine Arts and Humanities, Life Sciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Professional and Applied Studies, and Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.
