Congratulations to Nandini Manepalli, selected as a 2026 Galileo Circle Scholar (selected by MCB), and a 2026 Mensch Awardee in Astrobiology.

Congratulations to Nandini Manepalli, selected as a 2026 Galileo Circle Scholar (selected by MCB), and a 2026 Mensch Awardee in Astrobiology. 

“My name is Nandini Manepalli, and I am a current junior at the W.A. Franke Honors College, majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry with minors in Astrobiology and Political Science. I’ve been in the Masel Lab for a little over two years now, where I investigate the evolution of metal-binding by proteins. On campus, I serve as the president of the UA Bookworms club and am also a reporter for The Daily Wildcat student newspaper! In my spare time, I love going on runs, reading good books, and visiting coffee shops around Tucson. 

After graduation, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. program where I can continue investigating the evolution of molecular phenomena. I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve received from my mentors and peers in the CBC and MCB departments throughout my academic journey." ~ Nandini.