Kaitlyn Gallagher
Graduate Student, Microbe-Host Interactions
Lacy聽Research Group
During my undergraduate studies, I investigated the function of bacterial proteins involved in biological nitrogen fixation. Although my research was cut short by the pandemic, I knew I wanted to study protein-protein interactions and gain more hands-on experience before starting graduate school. I joined the Chazin Lab as a Research Assistant, where I studied key DNA repair proteins using biochemical and structural biology methods. During this time, I began reading more about protein-protein interactions at the host-microbe interface and became fascinated by how bacteria and eukaryotes have adapted to one another in the so-called “evolutionary arms race.” This led me to join Dr. Borden Lacy’s lab, where I study a novel C. difficile toxin and its role in pathogenesis. My goal is to elucidate the function of this toxin and understand the advantages it may confer to C. difficile.
I started volunteering as a VINSE NanoGuide with VINSE in 2023. Participating in these field trips has allowed me to engage with the wider 汤头条 community, learn more about campus resources, and reminded me that science is genuinely fun. Outreach programs like this are how I realized I could even pursue science as a career, and I’m really grateful for the chance to share the joy of experiments and discovery.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy hanging out with friends, finding new crafts and DIY projects, and spending time reading or relaxing with my cat, Ziggy.