Saving Future Lives
Ohio Wesleyan Student Continues Cystic Fibrosis Research, Produces Work for Scientific Paper
Name: Andy Weisgerber '27
Hometown: Harmony, PA
High school: Seneca Valley High School
Majors: Genetics and Pre-Medicine
Minor: Chemistry
OWU Connection Experience: Paid full-time research position with The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Biosciences
Since beginning his research position in May, Weisgerber has been studying the use of precision-cut lung slices as a model for measuring the efficacy and safety of future Cystic Fibrosis viral vector genetic treatments.
The position continues to build Weisgerber's research experience. Last year, he was selected as one of seven 2025 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fellows nationwide. He spent the summer working at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in its Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine and its Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center.
My OSU Position
"I am passionate about CF research, and this opportunity allowed me to gain more experience in the field of CF and other pulmonary disease research. I also had an opportunity to generate work that will be sent out for review in a manuscript in the following year, helping me accomplish my goal of being a published first or second author on a paper in undergrad."
A Meaningful Moment
"My favorite moment was the first time I received a donor lung and went through the procedure to allow that deceased person's donation to help save future lives."
Lessons Learned
"I learned a lot about my strengths in a research setting and how I can market those things to graduate schools when I apply."
My OWU Mentors
Faculty like Dr. Wolverton, Dr. Markwardt, and Dr. Hamill have all been dedicated advisors and supporters of my dreams in innumerable ways over the years I've had at OWU!" (Professors Chris Wolverton, David Markwardt, and Danielle Hamill are members of OWU's Department of Biological Sciences.)
My Campus Involvements
"President of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, participant in club soccer, founder of Friends of MSF at OWU (Doctors Without Borders), and several other clubs."
I wanted opportunities to develop skills that could help me stand out for larger roles and graduate programs.
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"For a specialized genetics degree program and research opportunities in a small campus environment. I wanted opportunities to develop skills that could help me stand out for larger roles and graduate programs."
My Plans After Graduation
"I'm going to go get an M.D. and a Ph.D.! I will hopefully study Cystic Fibrosis as a thesis project for a molecular genetics Ph.D. and then become a pediatric pulmonologist later."