Mother and Daughter Scientists at the Weissman Hood Institute at Touro University
It is not common in Montana for both a mother and daughter to pursue biomedical research. But at the Weissman Hood Institute at Touro University, in Great Falls, MT, Serena McElroy and her daughter, Sayre McElroy, both work to bring biomedical research solutions to reality.
Sayre (left) and Serena (right) McElroy work at the Weissman Hood Institute in Great Falls, MT. Sayre is now a student at Northeastern University in Boston, MA (the location of this picture).
Serena McElroy grew up on a small ranch near Naches, Washington, a town with a current population of 1090 in central Washington state. Her love for animals originated on the ranch where she learned animal care from an early age. Serena and her family live in Cascade, MT; she commutes daily to the Institute.
Serena credits her high school biology teacher with her love of science and adds that “In combination with my love for animals, it was a natural transition to pursue something in veterinary medicine. I spent 20+ years working in a clinic setting as a Veterinary Technician, then through the grapevine I heard about the McLaughlin Research Institute (now the Weissman Hood Institute at Touro University). I never really imagined myself on this side of the science, but it has been a fun and interesting new challenge. I think it will be a great way to finish out my career, to be surrounded by all of the brilliant minds here trying to make a difference.”
Serena added that “the best thing about working with my daughter is getting to see her find something that excites her. The summer internship program here helped her decide on a career path in science. The scientists here have been instrumental in helping lead her down this path and helping her achieve her goals. Also, I enjoy having lunch with her!”
Sayre McElroy shared a bit about herself too. She grew up in Cascade, MT, as she said “my whole life and attended the local public school in Cascade from kindergarten to graduation.” Sayre said that she has always been interested in science and thinks back to when she first was in a science fair in 5th grade and was so excited to compete. She continues to explain that “It was my first introduction into formal science and I was just beginning to understand education and competition. I competed relentlessly in the science fair for the rest of my school career, and in my senior year (2025) I represented Montana at the international science and engineering fair.” She credits the internship program at the Weissman Hood Institute for her true love of research and loved having the opportunity to participate in hands on research. She said that “solidified my love for laboratory science and my love for the scientific process in general.”
Sayre is currently attending Northeastern University in Boston (see the recent photograph) to get her bachelor’s degree in biological science and hopes to continue to be active in the field of research, get involved in clubs, and really begin working towards higher education and a career path in research!
As the CEO and a Professor at the Weissman Hood Institute at Touro University, Renee Reijo Pera added: “What we know at the Weissman Hood Institute is that every day, in so many ways, Serena and Sayre have made a difference by carrying out preclinical experiments to test potential treatments, helping scientists with their research on neurodegeneration such as chronic wasting disease, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, Parkinson’s disease or ALS. We have been so very fortunate to have Serena and Sayre doing research at the Institute. They set a great example of how a family can help bring biomedical research forward through their hard work and dedication.” We hope that others will consider the option of a scientific internship and career and we wish Sayre all the best as she continues her studies at Northeastern University.