Gecko genetics in three minutes: Ashmika Behere wins Marquette University’s Three Minute Thesis competition

In just three minutes, Ashmika Behere captivated judges and audiences at Marquette University, earning first place in the university's annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. For the fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences, the victory was more than a polished presentation, it was a celebration of years spent unraveling the colorful secrets of gecko genetics.

Behere, who is pursuing her doctorate in biology with a focus on evolution and genomics, studies the genetic basis of color and pattern in geckos. Her work explores how specific genes influence the striking hues and intricate designs seen across different species. "I'm really interested in identifying the genetic basis of different colors and patterns in geckos," Behere explained. "By understanding which genes are responsible, we can begin to understand how these traits evolve."

At the heart of her research is a powerful gene-editing tool known as CRISPR-Cas9. Behere is developing a CRISPR-Cas9 protocol tailored specifically for geckos, allowing her to test whether certain genes truly control particular colors or patterns. By intentionally "breaking" a candidate gene and observing whether the gecko's appearance changes as predicted, she can move beyond simply linking genes to traits and directly confirm their function. "It's the difference between seeing that two things tend to occur together and proving that one actually causes the other," she said.

Although her research is considered basic science aimed at expanding foundational knowledge rather than producing an immediate application, Behere sees its broader impact clearly. By establishing gene-editing techniques in geckos, she is laying the groundwork for what she calls "a new era of gecko genetics." The tools she is developing could open doors for future discoveries about reptile biology, evolution, and development.

Originally from the suburbs outside Kansas City, Behere's fascination with animals began early. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, but growing up in Kansas made that path less accessible. A pivotal moment came in high school when she conducted fieldwork with the Kansas Herpetological Society, sparking her interest in reptiles and setting her on the path she follows today.

Her decision to attend Marquette was largely influenced by her advisor, Tony Gamble, whose research she had admired before applying. She now works in Gamble's lab, where she credits a supportive and collaborative environment for helping her succeed. "He is a fantastic advisor and does a wonderful job keeping us curious," Behere said.

She is quick to recognize her lab mates Ryan Cook, Kat Sullivan, Sarah Gobris, and Sydney Ward for their countless hours assisting with gene-editing experiments and animal care. She also acknowledges the undergraduate researchers and the lab's animal care technician, Blake Gamble, who help maintain the health and well-being of the geckos central to her work.

Winning the 3MT competition provided a rare and meaningful moment of affirmation. "There is often little validation in graduate school," Behere said. "It is really nice to receive recognition of my work."

In addition to winning the 3MT competition, she was recently awarded the Jobling Fellowship, further recognizing her excellence in research. Beyond adding distinction to her curriculum vitae, Behere says the 3MT experience sharpened her science communication skills, a benefit she believes is invaluable. She strongly encourages other graduate students to participate in the competition. "This was such a great experience," she said. "Practice your talk to make sure you are under three minutes without speaking too quickly. And give it to friends or family outside your field so that your talk is approachable to a broad audience."

When she's not in the lab editing genes or preparing presentations, Behere enjoys reading, playing video games, dancing, and experimenting with watercolor painting which are her creative outlets that balance the precision of her scientific work.

For Behere, distilling years of complex genetic research into three compelling minutes was both a challenge and an opportunity. In the process, she not only won a competition, she brought the vibrant world of gecko genetics into sharper focus for an entirely new audience.

Behere will be awarded the first place 3MT prize of $500 and represent Marquette University at the regional Three Minute Thesis competition at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools' annual meeting in Kansas City, MO on March 27, 2026.

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