Kathleen Paul, Guarini Community Fellow

What do you consider your hometown and how has it shaped you today?

I was raised in Bedford, New York. Bedford is a small town close to New York City. I was able to grow up outside with vast wooded surroundings while being afforded the limitless opportunities available in the city for arts and culture. Growing up in Bedford shaped me profoundly because it fostered my ambitions to become a scientist through my exposure to the natural world and creative approaches to understanding it.

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree and what did you study?

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. I also completed an honors thesis in women, gender, and sexuality studies.

What is your program at Dartmouth?

I am a PhD candidate in molecular and systems biology in the MCB program. I am also concurrently pursuing a master of science degree in quantitative biological sciences.

Why did you choose Dartmouth to pursue your degree?

I initially learned about programs at Dartmouth because of the Dartmouth Cystic Fibrosis Research Center - I spent three years as a research technologist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine working on the molecular genetics of rare variants of cystic fibrosis and was open to continuing similar research. Once I learned more about Dartmouth, I was excited by the breadth of research opportunities in translational fields. I ultimately chose Dartmouth because of these opportunities, as well as the culture of collaboration, exploration, and community that is emphasized in the MCB program. 

What is your area of research and what inspired you to pursue it?

I am in Matt Havrda's lab, and I am trying to elucidate the contribution of the peripheral immune system in Parkinson's disease, a progressive 
neurodegenerative disorder. I aim to address our gap in understanding of the peripheral immune system's contribution to neuro-inflammation and -degeneration in Parkinson's that may potentially inform development of therapeutics. I chose Matt's lab and this work as my thesis work because I am passionate about precision medicine approaches and patients with rare diseases finding access to therapeutics. 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a community fellow this term or year?

I am most looking forward to continuing initiatives I started as the GSC CARE co-chair last year including equity in admissions and community building for our students. I am also really excited to work with my friend and co-fellow, Beatriz!

What advice would you give to incoming students?

Invest in a really warm winter coat!

What is your favorite place or activity that you like best in the Hanover area?

My favorite place in Hanover is Still North Books & Bar - the staff is really friendly, they always have good book recommendations, and the food/coffee is delicious!