Training todayās graduate students in cutting edge science communication skills.
Kathleen Durkin is a PhD student in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences who is broadly interested in how important marine organisms respond to environmental stress under climate change. Her current research involves studying stress response through the lens of epigenetics -- molecular features that can affect the body without altering the underlying DNA.
Sophia Chioma Chima is a PhD candidate in the Pathobiology program at the School of Public Health, University of Washington. She is also a Predoctoral Research Associate in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Research department. Sheās passionate about translating scientific discoveries into practical strategies and insights for families, healthcare providers, and the broader scientific community.
Dr. Justin Applegate, PhD is a recent graduate from the University of Washington Biochemistry Program. During their time in graduate school they studied Type IV Pili, tiny fibers bacteria use to cause infection.
Gretchen Stemmler is a first year pharmacology graduate student. She studies the neural systems involved in motivation and reward learning using techniques such as neuromodulation, fluorescence imaging, and pharmacological methods. Through examining neural circuitry during natural and maladaptive behavior, she aims to identify specific molecular and circuit level mechanisms to facilitate development of treatment for individuals with addiction and mood related disorders.
Emma Modrick is an oceanography graduate student studying the physics of the surface ocean using a combination of theory, simulations, and observations.. Her free time is consumed by desperate efforts to foil her cat's attempts at shredding all the paper in her home.
Sierra Gillman is a PhD candidate in the Quantitative Ecology Lab in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington. Her research applies quantitative models to improve long-term conservation efforts for marine birds and mammals throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Makenzie Patarino is a PhD student in neuroscience at UW working with Dr. Abbie Schindler at the VA Hospital Puget Sound. Her research aims to characterize the biological and behavioral effects of chronic alcohol use following blast trauma.
