Hometown: Germantown, Wisconsin
Faculty mentor: Lori Wallrath, PhD, professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Carver College of Medicine
Degree program and anticipated graduation date: PhD in genetics, May 2026

Nathan Mohar studies muscular dystrophy (MD), a group of genetic diseases that cause muscles to weaken and break down over time. He focuses on rare types of MD caused by mutations in the LMNA gene, for which no treatments currently exist. Symptoms can range from minor muscle atrophy and gait abnormalities to wheelchair dependence. While testing for this genetic mutation exists, predicting patient outcomes is difficult, given the wide range of symptoms. Mohar is identifying genetic differences among affected individuals that can moderate disease severity and testing treatments that target these genetic differences. His work will improve predictions of disease progression and identify new treatments, improving quality of life for those living with this type of MD.

After graduation, Mohar would like to work in an industry research position focused on developing therapies for genetic diseases.

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