Katie Walker
senior
E-mail: kawhv7@mizzou.edu
Home town
Kirksville, Mo.
Why Mizzou
I chose Mizzou because it is a place that fosters tradition and excellence. It is also one of the few schools that I looked at that has a strong land-grant and research-based knowledge system. I was extremely interested in becoming part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources as well because it is well known for taking a special interest in students and providing exceptional guidance.
Lab work and internships
- I am currently working on my honors thesis and Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (LSUROP) fellowship project on a protein called DRP2Bm, focusing on its role in plant innate immunity.
- I have been active in research my boss has done on BAK1 in innate immune responses.
- I have worked in Antje Heese’s lab since March 2006. During the past couple of years, I have received a valuable laboratory education and have developed into a more independent undergraduate lab assistant.
Techniques
- Helped isolate the mutant lines used for my current honors thesis, LSUROP project and other publications from our lab.
- Worked with the ROS production, PCR, growth inhibition assay and callose secretion assays.
Favorite part of Mizzou biochemistry
My favorite part of the Department of Biochemistry is the close-knit relationship between professors and students. The professors take the time to make sure that students are actively learning the material and are able to make an application of class material.
Graduate school plans
I plan to attend medical school in fall 2009.
Career plans
I plan to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.
Honors
- Selected as an MU Undergraduate Research Ambassador to present research at the state capital in Jefferson City, Mo.
- Presented at Life Sciences Week 2008.
- Presented at the MU Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum.
- Selected as one of the 2008-2009 LSUROP fellows.
- G. E. Huggins Scholarship ( 2006-2007)
- Liu Him Scholarship (2006-2007)
- Agriculture Study Abroad Scholarship (2007)
Organizations
- Kappa Alpha Theta member
- Student athletic trainer
- CAFNR Student Council relations committee executive chair
- CAFNR Student Council biochemistry representative
- University of Missouri Undergraduate Research Ambassador
- Biochemistry Club member
Outside the lab
I enjoy being outdoors, Mizzou football, going to Cardinals baseball games and attending music concerts in my free time.