Ph.D. candidate presents research at international RNA Society meeting
Posted on June 11, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
Haley Kominek, a Ph.D. candidate in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, recently presented her research at the 31st Annual Meeting of the RNA Society, an international conference held in Montreal, Canada.
Kominek's poster, titled "RNA modifications facilitate the transmission of extracellular RNA between cells," highlighted research from the laboratory of Glen Borchert, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology at the Whiddon College of Medicine.
“This experience allowed me to share my research with scientists from all over the world and from a variety of scientific backgrounds,” Kominek said. “I was also able to explore a new country that I’ve never visited before.”
Glen Borchert, Ph.D., with 2006 Nobel Laureate Craig Mello, Ph.D.
The conference provided valuable networking opportunities for Kominek, including a visit to her poster from Craig C. Mello, Ph.D., recipient of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his co-discovery of RNA interference.
“I am extremely proud of everything Haley has accomplished,” Borchert said. “Nobel Laureate Craig Mello stopped by her poster and loved it. He even said about her pending article, ‘I can't wait to read it.’”
Kominek expressed gratitude to Borchert for supporting her professional development and providing opportunities to present her work on an international stage. This marked her second consecutive year attending the RNA Society meeting with Borchert, following last year's conference in San Diego.
Kominek recently defended her dissertation and will hold her public defense on June 12.