September 8, 2026

Michael Katanic awarded 2026 Thomas J Byers Scholarship

As announcement of the Byers award, including headshots of Michael Katanic (left) and Dr. Byers (right)

The Department is delighted to recognize the Michael Katanic as an awardee of the 2026 Thomas J. Byers Scholarship.

Michael is a Molecular Genetics major in Christin Burd's lab which studies genetic mechanisms involved in cancer and aging. He earned this award for his research using in vitro human and mouse models to investigate the role of damage-specific DNA-binding protein 2 (DDB2) and its impact on melanoma development.

Michael shares his answers to a few questions:

Why did you pick Molecular Genetics at OSU?

I chose to study Molecular Genetics at OSU because I wanted to understand the fundamental basis for how life “works,” and how different genetic diseases arise. I also enjoy how the Molecular Genetics department is a close-knit community filled with people who love talking about science.

What excites you most about being involved in research?

The idea that I may discover something new that no one else has seen before and that my research may be used to help treat diseases is what I find most exciting about research. It’s also inspiring to see so many people that are involved in research who are incredibly passionate about their work and love to hear about what other people are studying.

This award was funded by the Thomas J. Byers Memorial Fund

Dr. Thomas Jones Byers, came to OSU in 1964, as the University's first "molecular biologist." He was an original member and founder of the Molecular Genetics Department and the first director of the Graduate Program in Developmental Biology. Tom Byers' research concerned the cell growth, differentiation, and developmental biology of protozoa. Among other achievements, Byers was able to use DNA analysis to link the disease to contamination of contact lenses with the amoeba Acanthamoeba griffini from domestic tap water to the blinding disease Acanthamoeba keratitis. His research resulted in more than 40 articles and he was one of three editors of the book, Genetics and Biogenesis of Mitochondria and Chloroplasts (1975).

The Resolution of Memoriam by the OSU Board of Trustees, noted that Tom was a faculty member who had the remarkable ability to balance his skillful classroom teaching with his innovative research program and people-related service activities, while supporting junior faculty development, and mentoring new faculty and graduate students.

The Thomas J. Byers fund was established June 1, 2007 with gifts from family, friends, and colleagues in memory of Dr. Thomas Jones Byers. Consider contributing to the fund.