Dr. Ahna Skop is an internationally recognized geneticist, cell biologist, artist, and science communicator at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she holds joint appointments in Genetics, Cell and Regenerative Biology, Life Sciences Communication, and the Division of the Arts. She is renowned for her pioneering research on the molecular mechanisms of cell division, particularly the discovery and functional characterization of midbody remnants (MBRs) as RNA-rich organelles with emerging roles in cancer and neurodevelopmental disease.
Dr. Skop is also the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of aMBR Genomics, a biotechnology company launched in 2025 with Dr. Eugene Yeo (UCSD), to translate MBR biology into next-generation liquid biopsy diagnostics. Her work bridges fundamental cell biology and clinical innovation, advancing new approaches for early disease detection and biomarker discovery.
A passionate advocate for STEAM, Dr. Skop integrates the arts into science through her work as a curator, author, and educator. Her creative projects include Genetic Reflections: A Coloring Book and Lab Culture: A Recipe for Innovation in Science, which explore the intersection of scientific discovery, artistic expression, and the cultural identities behind the science. Her recent Tactile Mitosis initiative develops soft-sculpture models and tactile puzzle games to make cell division accessible to Blind and Low Vision learners, expanding inclusive, multi-sensory STEM education. She has received numerous honors, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), recognition from AAAS for excellence in science leadership, and multiple awards for teaching and mentorship. She has also led impactful initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, humanizing scientists and broadening participation through community-centered outreach.
Dr. Skop’s work exemplifies the power of integrating science, art, and entrepreneurship to drive innovation and broaden participation in STEM, aligning with the STEAM vision celebrated by the Da Vinci Science Center.
