By Madelyn Ostendorf
Brenna Mathers has always been interested in genetics. She knew from her first day in AP biology that she wanted to have a career helping people. After learning that Iowa State University was not only her mom’s alma mater but also offered a degree in genetics, Mathers knew it was the place for her.
Mathers, a graduating senior in genetics, is the spring 2024 recipient of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council Inclusive Excellence Award, which recognizes a student who has fostered an environment of inclusion within the college.
“My freshman year I joined a multicultural learning community that was specific to CALS,” Mathers said. “In that time on campus during 2020, with everything online and not being able to physically meet a lot of people, that learning community was super meaningful to me. We had a mentor-mentee system, so I got to learn about Iowa State from someone who had a similar experience to me.”
Mathers knew genetics was her passion but took every opportunity to build on her experiences. She took three semesters of Chinese, joined the Chinese Language Club and got involved with the Queer Trans People of Color, the Women of Color Network and the Color of Love organizations. She also was part of several research projects across campus, including Jeffrey Essner’s zebrafish studies, Hua Bai and Ping Kang’s fruit fly research in the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, and Nicole Valenzuela’s turtle organoid lab in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology.
“I think it's so important to continue to represent and add inclusion to historically less inclusive spaces,” Mathers said. “It’s really important to me to be a role model for future generations of young girls, especially young women of color. I want to encourage them to really go after scientific careers.”
After graduation, Mathers is headed to Philadelphia to continue her education and genetics research. She will study melanomas with the intention of creating a direct application for treatments.
“Brenna demonstrates an unwavering commitment to building the inclusive environment at Iowa State,” wrote Jehan Faisal, assistant director of the Margaret Sloss Center for Women and Gender Equity, in Mather’s nomination letter. “She does this consistently, whether her role is one of leadership or membership, if she is an organizer or participant. She does this in every sphere she moves through student organizations, classrooms, community groups or campus committees. Brenna is skillful: building relationships, engaging in conversation, showing up and investing in community at Iowa State.”
Mathers’ advice for future Iowa State community members: show up and build it.
“It’s cliche, but you do have to put yourself out there,” Mathers said. “Go to a club, make a connection. Shoot your shot. If you never ask, it's always going to be a ‘no.’”