Kathleen graduated from Virginia Tech in 2023 with a degree in Systems Biology. One of her most valued experiences in college was being able to tutor younger students in introductory biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, allowing her to combine her passions for science and education. She also joined the Brown Lab, a molecular modeling and computational biology group in Virginia Tech’s biochemistry department, where she worked on designing a therapeutic peptide aimed at preventing the development of non-small cell lung cancer.

Outside of academics, Kathleen was highly involved in the campus ministry Cru, where she served as a Bible study leader as well as the logistics director of their weekly large group meeting. She is a nursing assistant and is currently working at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital as a Clinical Associate in the Emergency Department, where she hopes to further her experience in healthcare with the hopes of attending Physician Assistant school in the future.

In her free time, Kathleen loves going on drives in the mountains, playing sports, hanging out with friends, and cooking.