The School of Graduate Studies at Utah State University

Discover what others think about choosing Utah State for grad school! 🎓✨

A USU doctoral student just helped make history. 🔬

Kadin Crosby, a Chemistry and Biochemistry doctoral candidate at Utah State University, is co-first author on a landmark study published today in Nature — one of the most prestigious scientific journals in the world.

The research, led by USU biochemist Ryan Jackson and his lab, explores CRISPR-Cas12a2, a lesser-known but powerful immune defense system. Unlike the widely known CRISPR-Cas9, this system targets RNA rather than DNA — and when activated, it destroys cancer-causing cells while leaving healthy tissue completely unaffected. In preclinical testing, a single treatment reduced tumor volume by approximately 50%.

"We demonstrate Cas12a2 can selectively kill cells containing a single-point mutant that causes cancer while leaving cells without the mutant unaffected, with no observable side effects," said Crosby.

This research was made possible in part by the generosity of the R. Gaurth Hansen Family — including USU alum and Nobel Laureate Dr. Lars Peter Hansen, his wife Dr. Grace Tsiang, and their son Dr. Peter Hansen — whose support continues to fuel transformative science at Utah State.

This story is part of UMAC's university-wide "Small Moments, Big Impacts" campaign, celebrating the everyday breakthroughs that define Utah State University.

🔗 Read the full story:

USU Biochemists Show CRISPR Can Selectively Destroy Cells, a Cancer-Treatment Goal Kadin Crosby, Ryan Jackson and colleagues report newly discovered details demonstrating how CRISPR Cas12a2 can be repurposed to discriminately kill cancer cells in the petri dish and in mice.

Congratulations to all the 2026 Grads! So excited to see what the future holds for all of you!

Hey everyone! We have the online learning lounge today at 6! Join us over zoom for this special event hosted by Olanrewaju Adeyemi! Zoom link will be on our story!

New Faculty Spotlight: Emily Pifer The English Department is thrilled to spotlight new faculty member Emily Pifer.

Grad School Writing Group is coming up this Monday!

Need time to write? Join us for a focused session featuring Stacie Denetsosie, a celebrated writer, citizen of the Navajo Nation, and proud Utah State alum.

You’ll also have the chance to connect with our Associate Vice Provost and fellow graduate students.

🗓️ November 24th
📍 Library 122 (and Zoom)
⏰ 3 - 5 PM

RSVP + Zoom link at the link in our bio!