Mackenzie Kelleher

Woman with brown hair smiling

Program: Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Lab: Joseph Mancias

Mackenzie is a second-year PhD student in the BBS program, originally from New Jersey. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2025 with a B.S. in Neuroscience. At Notre Dame, Mackenzie was an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Zachary Schafer's cancer biology lab, where she studied the regulation of cancer cell metabolism and cell death pathways. Now, in the Mancias Lab, Mackenzie is carrying those interests forward by applying MS-based proteomics to identify new biomarkers and induction strategies for ferroptotic cell death. Mackenzie became involved in LCBC because of the professional development and community-building opportunities it provides. She is passionate about finding creative ways to foster connections among students and faculty across the cancer biology community. Outside of the lab, Mackenzie loves traveling, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and rooting for Philly sports teams.

What is on your bucket list? I love traveling and most recently completed the Acatenango and Fuego volcano hike in Guatemala. The next treks on my travel bucket list are the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and the Camino de Santiago!

Favorite ice cream flavor? Anything with peanut butter or Reese’s cups

What is your go-to coffee/tea order? Iced vanilla latte with oat milk, plus honey and cinnamon if I’m splurging.

Favorite Movie? Remember the Titans

What is your favorite season? Definitely fall! Between Notre Dame and Boston, I’ve been lucky to experience some beautiful autumns. I love sweater weather, fall treats and flavors, and cozy football Sundays.

What is your favorite form of exercise? I love weightlifting at the gym as well as going to pilates and spin classes.

What skill would you most like to learn? I would like to become fluent in a second language, particularly Spanish.

Where would you build your dream home? Either somewhere on Cape Cod or in a New Jersey shore town. I love the east coast, and the beach is my favorite place.