Katie V
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at Vanderbilt University

Expertise

Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology of Alzheimer's Disease, Neurodegeneration, Microglia, Biology, Molecular Physiology, Biophysics

Bio

Hi there! My name is Katie and I am a 5th year PhD candidate in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University, where I explore the role of microglial cells (the innate immune cell of the brain) in the context of Alzheimer’s Disease. Originally from Southern California, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience, with a minor in Art History, from Washington and Lee University in Virginia. Through my coursework and research internships under mentors at several different institutions, I discovered a love for the iterative nature involved in asking and answering questions in biomedical research. Particularly drawing on my liberal arts education, I seek to foster thoughtful inquiry and the critical-thinking skills which will transfer to a variety of applications in science and life. During my PhD thus far, I have found particular joy in encouraging students to reflect on and develop their own unique giftings and skills as they pursue important scientific questions related to research in neuroimmunology and neurodegeneration, or to whatever field they choose. Outside of science, I enjoy being active and outdoors, finding running routes around my current city, and exploring new coffee shops and restaurants with friends.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Devising a Novel Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease Research Proposal (Paper or Presentation)

Students are tasked with presenting a novel treatment idea (preventative or intervening) for Alzheimer’s Disease. Through our conversations and an extensive literature search, students should design a novel treatment paradigm that can be centered around modifiable lifestyle factors or actions, pharmaceuticals, and/or other new treatment ideas (be creative!). Think about mechanisms by which this treatment may prevent or improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. The student's creative idea will be presented in either an oral presentation via PowerPoint, Canva, Keynote, or other preferred platform, or via a written document (research proposal). Just as is done in scientific research presentations and grant proposals, the student's project will start with an introduction to the problem, a hypothesis, proposed methods to test the therapy, and expected results and conclusions. This final project will develop and hone the ability to find a gap in the known scientific literature, think creatively to design an independent research idea, and present the idea clearly and effectively.

Teaching experience

I helped co-teach a collegiate module course on Data Science at Washington and Lee University (for two different semesters), where undergraduate students worked with real biological data sets to produce a final paper summarizing their analyses. I also have served as an Instructor for a 5-month-long mentorship course (virtually through Vanderbilt University's PTY program), where I taught high school students across the country about the basics of neuroimmunological function in Alzheimer's Disease. This course also consisted of a large mentorship component, and my syllabus incorporated mentorship pieces such as discussions surrounding time management skills, resilience in science, etc. Lastly, I have mentored three different undergraduate students in my current lab throughout my time at Vanderbilt University.

Credentials

Education

Washington & Lee University

BS Bachelor of Science (2018)

Neuroscience

Vanderbilt University

PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate

Molecular Physiology and Biophysics - Neuro Immunology

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Katie V - Research Program Mentor