Email: kam6rn@virginia.edu

Kate grew up in Centreville, Virginia. She completed a BS in biology at James Madison University in 2015. Her undergraduate research in neurobiology studied the nociceptive reflex arc in rat models. After completing her BS, she studied veterinary technology at Blue Ridge Community College and became a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) in 2017. Her technician student externship was performed at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, where she aided in the recovery of a variety of native species including deer fawn, raptors, turtles and black bears. After graduation, Kate spent several years in private practice before joining UVA’s Center for Comparative Medicine as an LVT. During her time with CCM, Kate ensured the well-being of the many species of animal models utilized by the research labs at UVA. Additionally, under the tutelage of the director of the department, Dr. Sandford Feldman, Kate took on the role of the department’s laboratory technician. She held oversight of the colony health surveillance program and aided in the establishment of the gnobiotic mouse program as part of the TransUniversity Microbiome Initiative. Kate currently holds the position of lab specialist for the Lukens’ lab and looks forward to assisting in the many ongoing projects. Outside of the lab, Kate enjoys bird watching, making pottery, cooking, and visiting new breweries.