August 2026 Awards and Accolades

Nsa Dada

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Nsa Dada, assistant professor in the School of Life Sciences and Biodesign Center for Fundamental & Applied Microbiomics, has received funding from Arizona Biomedical Research Centre to support a new collaboration with the Maricopa County Vector Control Division. The project will address a growing public health concern in Arizona: West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease that has caused recurring outbreaks across the state, including a major outbreak in 2021. 

Because there are currently no approved human vaccines or treatments for West Nile virus, mosquito control remains the primary way to prevent infection. However, mosquito populations are becoming increasingly resistant to insecticides, making control efforts more difficult. Dada’s research will investigate how insecticide exposure affects the microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live in and on mosquitoes, and whether changes in the microbiome can serve as an early warning sign of insecticide resistance. 

By looking beyond mosquito genetics, this project introduces an innovative approach to tracking and managing resistance before it becomes widespread. The findings could help improve local surveillance in Maricopa County and support more effective strategies for preventing future West Nile virus outbreaks in Arizona and beyond.

Sara Brownell

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Sara Brownell, President’s Professor in the School of Life Sciences, has been named a 2026 Fellow of the American Society for Cell Biology, a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional contributions to cell biology, leadership, mentorship and service to the scientific community.

Brownell is a nationally recognized biology education researcher whose work focuses on making undergraduate life sciences learning environments more effective, inclusive and supportive for all students. Trained as a molecular and cellular neuroscientist, she has helped shape the field of biology education research through studies on active learning, course-based undergraduate research experiences, student identity and belonging, and how instructors can create classrooms where more students can succeed.

Her scholarship has been especially influential in highlighting the experiences of women, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, students with mental health challenges and others whose identities may not always be visible in science classrooms. Brownell has also been a longtime contributor to ASCB, including through her extensive publications and editorial leadership with CBE-Life Sciences Education, as well as mentorship through ASCB programs.

This fellowship recognizes Brownell’s sustained impact on biology education and her leadership in broadening participation in the life sciences. Her work continues to help instructors better understand students’ experiences and design learning environments that support the next generation of scientists.