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Caterra Leavens

465

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

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.)
2023 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Bachelor's degree program
2018 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • 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

      HeartWorks
      2022 – 20231 year

    Sports

    Volleyball

    Intramural
    2010 – Present14 years

    Research

    • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences

      University of Wisconsin - Madison — PhD Student
      2023 – Present
    • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences

      HeartWorks — Laboratory Technician
      2022 – 2023
    • Computational Science

      University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire — Undergraduate Research Assistant
      2021 – 2022
    • Genetics

      University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire — Undergraduate Research Assistant
      2020 – 2022
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

      Mayo Clinic — Undergraduate Research Student
      2018 – 2020

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Madison Cat Project — Cat Care Taker
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Mayo Clinic Health System — Patient Care Taker
      2017 – 2021
    Skin Grip Diabetes Scholarship
    Winner