Kristin Benjamin

Fly Girl

Dr. Stephen Crews’s neurogenetics lab has become a second home for Kristin Benjamin … and a bunch of fruit flies.

But the senior biology major enjoys spending time with her little roommates. Benjamin studies mutations in a Drosophila gene called “single-minded” that is involved in the development of the central nervous system. Research suggests that two human analogues of single-minded are involved in the development of obesity and Down’s Syndrome.

Single-minded works with a second gene called “tango” to regulate DNA transcription and normal development of a fly’s nervous system. Benjamin studies mutant flies in order to learn how the two genes function normally. Eventually, this information may contribute to the development of treatments and cures for human diseases caused by abnormal central nervous system development.

“People say that research is for those who are not the most socially adept or adventurous people,” Kristin says. “The lab is seen as a dark, lonely, and dreary environment. I beg to differ. Not only is it bright, airy, and friendly, but the most amazing discoveries take place here. In my pursuit of medical school, it is ironic that I have found two summer research internships and now work in a fruit fly lab at UNC. But I feel that I can make more of a contribution to science now by conducting research. I’ll have my whole life after medical school to work directly with patients.”

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