MADISON, WI
Hobbies and interests
Animals
Art
Volleyball
Caterra Leavens
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WinnerCaterra Leavens
465
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WinnerBio
Current Cell and Molecular Bio PhD student in Dr. Jon Odorico's lab at UW-Madison. During my PhD training, I will be working with stem cell technology in studies for Type 1 diabetes. These studies include subcutaneous transplantation of beta islet cells, islet cell immune evasion, and the development of unique hydrogels for the improvement of the transplantation process and function of stem-cell derived beta cells.
As a Type 1 diabetic myself, I am excited to be contributing to work that may one day lead to a cure. I also have an active presence on social media within the T1D community. I have a TikTok in which I share my experience with T1Ds, and talk about new technology and scientific advances in the field of T1D.
During my time as a PhD student I want to hone in on, and improve, my professional skills and scientific knowledge so that I can make an impact in the field of T1D, along with being a mentor to future scientists in a rich academic community.
Link to CV: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KXJAi49_mNm_Ymf2Q4x1TFTO4K8NK0d6_QEpF40e5No/edit?usp=sharing
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caterra-leavens-7b75421a4/
TikTok Profile: https://www.tiktok.com/@caterral
Education
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)Majors:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Biotechnology
Dream career goals:
My long-term career goal includes using my PhD to work on Type 1 diabetes therapeutics along with being an advocate for the Type 1 diabetes community.
Laboratory Technician
HeartWorks2022 – 20231 year
Sports
Volleyball
Intramural2010 – Present14 years
Research
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
University of Wisconsin - Madison — PhD Student2023 – PresentCell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
HeartWorks — Laboratory Technician2022 – 2023Computational Science
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire — Undergraduate Research Assistant2021 – 2022Genetics
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire — Undergraduate Research Assistant2020 – 2022Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Mayo Clinic — Undergraduate Research Student2018 – 2020
Public services
Volunteering
Madison Cat Project — Cat Care Taker2023 – PresentVolunteering
Mayo Clinic Health System — Patient Care Taker2017 – 2021