Katherine is a third year in the Kiessling group and current co-president of WIC. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Katherine completed undergrad at UChicago working with Professor Scott Snyder towards the total synthesis of brominated labdane natural products. Here at MIT, she focuses on structure function relationships of bacterial polysaccharides.
Why did you pick MIT?
I picked MIT for the wide range of research opportunities and different types of groups. I also love the Boston area, it is really compact, and there is a ton of research going on. It’s really exciting to have so many seminars and supergroups so close by.
What are your favorite things about the Cambridge/Boston area?
I love how close we are to so many different types of nature. In Chicago and St. Louis, everything is flat. Here, we’re less than two hours from mountains, beautiful beaches, and other really cool cities. When I’m not in lab, there’s always somewhere exciting to go outside.
What’s something that surprised you about life here?
I was surprised about the art classes that MIT offers. They offer oil painting, ceramics, drawing, and photography. I take ceramic classes, and the studio access and different community are really important to my MIT experience. Going to the studio gives me time to think, either about my science or about nothing at all, and serves as a welcome respite from lab frustrations.
Real Talk: What’s been your biggest challenge since coming to MIT?
I often get frustrated with my research progress, and it can ruin even exciting moments in lab. Sometimes when I finally get an experiment to work, instead of feeling excited, I am frustrated that I hadn’t figured it out earlier or more quickly. I’ve spent a lot of time working on how I relate to my research and science at large, and my advisor and colleagues have been incredibly helpful as I develop resilience as a scientist.
What was your favorite part of your first year at MIT?
I really loved TA-ing 5.12 (organic chemistry). My students were so engaged and I had a great time preparing lectures and practice problems. I loved getting to know my students more personally as well. Three of the students from the class now work in our group!
What is your favorite thing about your cohort?
I love how engaged everyone was! We had a ton of themed parties (“Taco Tuesday,” Mardis Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, the Fourth of July, etc) and those were a ton of fun. It was nice to see people from all divisions, and go through our first year together, outside of the university.
Why did you join WIC?
I joined WIC because I really value communities by and for women. The commitment to providing opportunities, both social, mentoring, and professional for women in the department is my favorite part of the organization.
What’s your favorite WIC program or event?
We did a plant potting event last year that I loved! Everyone got to go home with one or two new plant friends for their desk or work.
What’s your go-to for self-care in quarantine?
1. Baking sourdough (like everyone else)
2. Drawing and painting (oil, watercolor, etc)
3. Chilling out with my cat!
Our series “Get to Know WIC” was inspired by MIT CADI, who did a similar series for their members. Thanks for the idea!