Summer 2026 Research Spotlight: Faith Brooks ’28 Explores Genetics Through Fruit Fly Research

While tiny in size, fruit flies play a major role in genetics research. Scientists have relied on them for decades because many fruit fly genes have human counterparts, helping researchers better understand human genetics and disease.

This summer, Faith Brooks '28, a biology major at Loyola Marymount University, gained firsthand experience in this type of research while studying a tumor-related genetic mutation in fruit flies at the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering.

Working under the mentorship of Cory Evans, associate professor of biology, Brooks was part of Seaver College's summer research community where undergraduate students are guided by faculty mentors to conduct hands-on research.

"I investigated the tumor mutation Tumorous(2)48 [tu(2)48] within the fruit fly model, Drosophila melanogaster," said Brooks. "Through understanding the tu(2)48 mutation, not only will we expand knowledge of tumorous fly lines, but we may also learn more about human genetics."

Her work involved examining tumor growth under a microscope, documenting differences in tumor size and appearance, and conducting genetic mapping experiments to help narrow down where the mutation is located within the fruit fly's genetic code.

By learning more about how this mutation functions in fruit flies, researchers can gain insights into the genetic pathways that influence disease.

The experience also gave Brooks a greater appreciation for the patience and planning required in scientific research.

"Drosophila research is extremely time based since it is approximately 10 days for adults to form," she said.

Beyond the experiments, Brooks found the collaborative environment of the lab to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the summer.

"Some of my fondest memories came from the conversations amongst my lab mates and professor in between experiments," she said. "Summer gave me more time to dedicate to my research, so being able to progress on my project was very exciting."

Through this summer research project, Brooks gained hands-on experience in genetics research while contributing to an ongoing effort to better understand how mutations influence tumor development. The experience gave her the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a research setting while developing practical skills used by working scientists.