Natural Sciences: Katie Kaiser '25
Major(s) and minor(s)
B.S. in Microbiology
Minor in Epidemiology
Hometown
Belmont, MA
Areas of interest/focus in research
I started with research in the ecology field, but my interests have shifted toward microbiology and immunology. I am currently doing research involving bacteria, horizontal gene transfer, bacteriophages, and CRISPR.
Labs / departments / offsite programs where research was conducted
Current:
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at URMC - Dr. Andrew Varble
Previous:
- Bioenergy Systems REU, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Prof. Heriberto Cerutti
- Tropical Biology Lab, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - Dr. Floria Uy
About me...
Hi! My name is Katie and I'm a Microbiology major in the class of 2025. I'm from right outside of Boston, MA. I joined the Varble Lab at URMC second semester of my sophomore year. We study bacteria and the bacteriophages that infect them. Our projects focus on the CRISPR system and horizontal gene transfer, especially the transfer of antibiotic resistance. My project involves infecting Staphylococcus aureus bacteria strains with different phages to determine what factors may allow bacteria to ward off phages more effectively. This will have implications for biotechnology and gene editing.
This summer, I participated in an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I was part of the Bioenergy Systems REU and worked with Professor Cerutti to improve biofuels. My project involved using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit the TOR kinase in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a species of microalgae.
How has your experience as a researcher influenced your career objectives?
Going into college, I knew that I wanted to major in biology, but I wasn't sure about much else. Although I didn't have a specific track in mind, I had a lot of interest in infectious diseases. The summer before my sophomore year, I joined a lab and immediately knew that I wanted to continue doing research. Although research is a supplemental part of the undergraduate experience, it has easily been my favorite. I work in a microbiology lab at URMC and I have already learned so much. Despite the rigor of the semester, I try to spend as much time in the lab as possible. I look forward to continuing and learning more. I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology.
Campus organizations, programs, activities, clubs, awards/distinctions:
- Prince Street Scholarship
- Catherine Block Memorial Fund Prize
- Recny Fellowship / Discover Grant Recipient (Summer 2023)
- Dean's List (all semesters)
- Biology Department Peer Advisor
- Organic Chemistry I & II Workshop Leader
- Outing Club
- Food Pantry Volunteer
Fun Fact: when I'm not doing research you can usually find me...
Spending time outside! I love everything outdoors. My favorite outdoor activity is skiing but hiking is a close second.
Areas where I may be particularly helpful:
- REU applications
- Discover Grant application
- Finding a lab that's the right fit
- Reaching out to PIs
- General research advice :)
What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?
Don't hesitate to reach out and utilize your resources! Ask your older peers, email faculty, go to the Greene Center, or talk with the Biology Department Peer Advisors. There are a lot of underutilized resources on campus.
Email me with any questions: kkaiser4@u.rochester.edu