Recruiting study participants, collecting and analyzing data, developing a DNA methylation analysis methodology, writing grant applications and manuscripts, Rachel McFarland Lucia has done it all. Several years, 3 conferences posters, and 3 publications later, Rachel successfully defended her thesis and earned her Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics on November 16, 2021 via zoom, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her thesis was entitled “DNA methylation markers for glyphosate exposure and mammographic density.” Congratulations, Dr. Lucia! Can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will do next!! Here is Rachel delivering her flawless defense on zoom to her Thesis Committee, Dr. Hannah Lui Park (Chair), Dr. Luohua Jiang, and Dr. Trina Norden-Krichmar, followed by a well-deserved, outdoor, COVID-friendly celebration.
