Katie (she/her) is currently a PhD student in Microbial Biology at UC Berkeley. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA where she developed a love for the natural world and the science that comes along with it. During her time as an undergraduate (also at UC Berkeley) she explored a variety of research branching her interests in environmental science and molecular biology. After graduating in 2019, she spent a year as a research technician working on archaea that produce methane gas (called methanogens).She’s fascinated by how metabolism (especially energy metabolism!) and molecular evolution intersect, resulting in unique strategies that microbes use to overcome and shape their environment.  Outside of research, Katie loves being outdoors (backpacking & climbing), sewing, and puzzles of all kinds.