Hi, I'm Kate!

I am a neuroscientist (PhD candidate in neuroscience at University of Michigan) and creative science communicator! In the lab, I study how severe infections can lead to long-term brain issues like dementia. I am passionate about telling scientific stories through unexpected genres, particularly poetry, to expand the way people think about science and the world.

I'm graduating summer 2026 and looking for teaching & scicomm jobs!

My scientific background is in neuroimmunology – I'm interested in how the brain and immune systems interact to impact mental health. In my PhD research, I study the mechanisms of brain dysfunction after severe sepsis. My focus is on the immune cells of the brain, microglia, and how infection can increase microglial synaptic pruning.
I engage in public scientific outreach.
- As a Science Communication Fellow at the UM Natural History Museum, I designed an inquiry-based, interactive activity “Mighty, Mighty Microglia!” to bring my research to events with a broad audience ranging from Boy Scouts to retirees.
- I share exciting science through poetry in my newsletter, experiments in poetry. I have also written about science through the Michigan Science Writers (MiSciWriters) blog and magazine EquilibriUM.
I guide other scientists in effective science communication.
- As an editor, I help amplify each writer's unique voice and perspective while ensuring a strong and clear scientific message. I currently edit for the MiSciWriter’s blog, Your Neighborhood Scientist, and Consilience journal of science and poetry.
- I led two editions of EquilibriUM science and arts magazine as co-Editor-in-Chief. EquilibriUM is a student-led print magazine from University of Michigan MiSciWriters. I shaped the vision of the magazine, both the produtct and the process, as a creative, energizing space for researchers to explore the intersection of science and the arts while gaining skills in teamwork, editing, illustration, writing, and design.
- I have facilitated science communication workshops at the University of Michigan. I designed and led a poetry for science communication workshop for MiSciWriters, the Neuroscience Graduate Program, and an upper level Psychology class two years in a row (PSYCH 402, Hormonal Contraceptives and the Brain).
- In partnership with a local improv theatre teacher, I organize monthly improv sessions to enhance communication skills for graduate students. We have shared this benefits of teaching communication through improv in social/networking events at the Society for Neuroscience conference.
  - Several collaborators and I conducted a study on a similar, more structured improv curriculum used in a summer research program for undergraduates . We found that improv training increased science communication skills long-term and promoted community and well-being for the diverse group of undergraduate researchers. We have released a preprint of this study, "Applied improvisation training for diverse undergraduate researchers develops their science communication skills, supports well-being, and fosters community"!
In my free time, I am usually outside marveling at strange plants or learning a new artistic pursuit. My current obsessions are linocut and zines!