Megan Dillon received her BS in biology from Randolph-Macon College in 2020 before joining the Genetics and Genomics Scholars program at NC State. After working on diverse research projects through undergraduate, ranging from eDNA to protein localization to interning at a brewery, she realized her passion for conservation genetics. Now, a genetics PhD student, Megan is studying a dog population living around the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. With both the Burford Reiskind and Breen labs’ support, her research will focus on the genetics of this population and investigate local adaptation and health effects from prolonged radiation exposure. When not in the lab (and not in a pandemic), Megan enjoys hiking with friends, skiing, and craft breweries. Check out her GG Scholar Spotlight LINK!