Penn Postdocs in the News: Damian Dudka, Ph.D., receives ASCB Porter Prize for Research Excellence
Penn Postdoctoral Fellow Damian Dudka receives ASCB Porter Prize for Research Excellence
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Dr. Damian Dudka, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, has received the 2025 Porter Prize for Research Excellence from the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB), recognizing excellence in postdoctoral research and contributions that advance science through novel and creative findings.
Dr. Dudka earned his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Geneva in 2019, where he conducted research on cell division, mitotic spindle formation, and chromosome segregation in human cells. He joined Penn later that year to pursue postdoctoral research in evolutionary cell biology.
At Penn, Dr. Dudka works in the laboratory of Michael Lampson, Ph.D., Professor of Biology in the School of Arts & Sciences, where he investigates chromosome segregation in mammalian eggs. His research focuses on meiotic drive, a process through which certain chromosomes can increase their chances of being transmitted to an egg, and the mechanisms that cells use to suppress this “selfish” chromosome behavior.
Dr. Dudka’s research combines genomics, molecular evolution, molecular biology, and advanced microscopy to investigate fundamental questions about chromosome inheritance and reproduction. His work contributes to a deeper understanding of how rapidly evolving chromosome structures and proteins maintain the highly accurate segregation required for fertility and development.
Earlier in his postdoctoral training at Penn, Dr. Dudka received support through a Swiss National Science Foundation Early Postdoc Mobility fellowship, reflecting the international trajectory of his research career.
The ASCB Porter Prize for Research Excellence recognizes an outstanding postdoctoral researcher based on scientific excellence and contributions to advancing science, with particular emphasis on the novelty and creativity of the recipient’s findings.
We are proud to celebrate Dr. Dudka and his contributions to advancing research in chromosome biology, evolution, and reproduction at Penn.