Hi, I'm Dr. Katie! I am currently an NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Biology Department at Stanford University. I am co-mentored by Dr. Lauren O'Connell and Dr. Deborah Gordon, working to better understand the relationship between poison frog prey selection and their toxic ant diet. During my position I also hope to broaden the participation of diverse identities in science by specifically working with and mentoring LGBTQ+ students and professionals.
Previously, I was a PhD Candidate in the department of Biology at Drexel University, researching under the guidance of Dr. Sean O'Donnell. I studied social insect nutritional physiology and chemical ecology in Monteverde, Costa Rica, in collaboration with Dr. David Velinsky at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, Pa and Dr. Helen White at Haverford College in Haverford, Pa. I have led field seasons for the O'Donnell lab in Monteverde since 2018, and am passionate about creating an immersive and challenging field experience for my undergraduate collaborators. This has led to co-authored publications for many of them, and has inspired careers after graduation in research and biotechnology. In congruence with my PhD studies, I earned a graduate minor in Undergraduate STEM Education through the Drexel Center for the Advancement of STEM Teaching and Learning Excellence (CASTLE). It is my hope to translate the immersive experience in the field to students in my courses by encouraging them to become independent and life-long learners through collaborative problem solving and critical thinking. |
Keep up with me: |
ResearchGate
www.researchgate.net/profile/Katherine_Fiocca
Google Scholar
scholar.google.com/citations?user=hinnIkYAAAAJ&hl=en
www.researchgate.net/profile/Katherine_Fiocca
Google Scholar
scholar.google.com/citations?user=hinnIkYAAAAJ&hl=en