As part of the 2019 “MSTP Interactions with Prominent Physicians & Scientist Series,” MSTP Students enjoyed having a Q&A lunch with visiting speaker, Elizabeth Blackburn, PhD, Nobel Laureate. Dr. Blackburn has been a leader in the area of telomere and telomerase research throughout her career. She discovered the molecular structure of telomeres (the protective caps that preserve the ends of chromosomes) and co-discovered telomerase, the ribonucleoprotein enzyme that is responsible for maintaining telomere length. Dr. Blackburn is a known mentor to young researches and a champion for diversity and inclusion in the sciences. She has served on several national advisory boards and is known for her contributions to science policy and her advocacy for scientific research.