Today, we'd like to introduce you to Katelyn Baumer, a graduate research assistant in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. To read more about her research with ALS, check out out blog post below!
What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?
One of my mom’s favorite stories to tell is when I was around seven years old, my family doctor asked if I was going to be a doctor like him when I grew up since I was so smart. I replied, “No, I want to be the person that tells doctors what they need to know.” I don’t think 7-year-oldme really knew what she meant, but in retrospect I think she meant she wanted to study disease rather than treat it. Jump forward to high school, and I was fortunate enough to have fantastic women as my science and math teachers. I grew close to them personally and was always thrilled by the interesting labs and projects they assigned. Our first project in high school biology was a poster describing the different classes of macromolecules, and I quickly became fascinated by proteins. I was intrigued by the complexity and thought the crystal structures were beautiful. I held onto this interest and eventually double majored in chemistry and biology in college where I started research in a biochemistry lab as a freshman and haven’t questioned my decision to pursue biochemistry since!
How would you describe your work to the public?
My work focuses on superoxide dismutase, a protein involved in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). Typically, a person must express both the “normal” and mutant version of the protein to develop ALS. Our lab studies the interactions between the normal and mutant versions of the protein to better understand how the normal version contributes to the disease.
What do you enjoy doing the most? My favorite work related thing to do is to spend time mentoring and teaching younger students. I absolutely love seeing people develop their own interests in lab and achieve their goals. Outside of lab, I love traveling and spending time with Lilly, my 65 pound golden doodle who thinks she’s a lap dog.
Share an accomplishment that a younger you would have thought unachievable.
I was really shy as a kid, so I never prioritized friendships or personal connections. I think a younger me would be most proud that I finally branched out in college. Even though it may have cost me the same 4.0 GPA I had in high school, prioritizing relationships, both personal and academic, gave me the confidence I needed to move all the way to Texas for grad school.
If you could give a piece of advice to the younger generation, what would it be?
Never be afraid to ask for guidance when you need it, people are always going to be willing to help.
My first ALS symptom occurred in 2016, but was diagnosed in 2018. I had severe symptoms ranging from shortness of breath, balance problems, couldn't walk without a walker or a power chair, i had difficulty swallowing and fatigue. I was given medications which helped but only for a short burst of time, then I decided to try alternative measures and began on ALS Formula treatment from Aknni herbs centre, It has made a tremendous difference for me (Visit ww w. aknniherbscentre.c om). I had improved walking balance, increased appetite, muscle strength, improved eyesight and others.