MacKenzie Cassity serves as one of the lab’s research specialists. She received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana University, where she worked as an undergraduate researcher studying motor proteins involved in mitotic spindle assembly. Following graduation, she worked at IU for an additional year as a research assistant, completing an independent research project and training undergraduate students.  She is passionate about studying the molecular machinery of prevalent diseases, such as cancer and malaria, with the hope of gaining novel insights into potential therapeutic targets. In the Jimah lab, she cultures the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and helps to ensure that the lab runs smoothly. In her free time, MacKenzie enjoys camping, hiking, exploring new restaurants, and just kicking back and relaxing with friends.