Auburn University associate professor Nancy Merner was named a 2025 Woman Who Shapes the State, an honor recognizing women across Alabama who are creating meaningful change through leadership, service and innovation.
Originally from Canada, Merner points to her work at Memorial University of Newfoundland as a defining professional milestone, where she was part of the research team that discovered the gene responsible for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy type 5, a fatal heart disease prevalent in Newfoundland. That discovery led to a patented genetic diagnostic test that enables early identification of at-risk individuals and continues to inform her work today.
At Auburn, Merner leads a breast cancer genetics research program and the Gene Machine, a mobile research unit that travels across Alabama to study hereditary breast cancer while building trust and connecting communities with critical resources. With more than 60% of Alabama’s population considered medically underserved, including the entire population of 85% of its counties, her work bridges gaps through both laboratory research and direct community engagement.
“In the laboratory, our team searches for new breast cancer genes, and through the process, we want to give back to the community in any way possible,” Merner said. “Whether through a conversation at a community event or connecting study participants with health care professionals, our goal is to make a meaningful impact.”
Presented by This Is Alabama, the Women Who Shape the State program celebrates individuals whose work strengthens communities and helps shape a better future for the state. Learn more at the Women Who Shape the State website or view highlights in the 2025 photo gallery.
