Katie Klimpel is a current PhD candidate at UW-Madison working in the Brunkard Lab. In this Q&A, she discusses previous mentorship that sparked her interest in research, what led her to pursue a PhD at UW-Madison, challenges of her research, and future plans as a mentor in research.
Klimpel offers support to undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to guide them through laboratory techniques and safety guidelines, the scientific process, science communication skills, and fellowship applications. In the spring of 2025, Klimpel’s hard work was recognized by the university and she was one of 10 recipients of the Award for Mentoring Undergraduates in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities!
Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Brookfield, WI.
What was your educational journey leading up to your PhD candidacy?
In high school I found my passion for biology, and more specifically genetics, so when I was applying to colleges I was focused on schools with top genetics programs and research opportunities for undergraduate students. Being from Wisconsin, UW-Madison was an easy choice with many research opportunities and excellent professors. I completed my B.S. in Genetics in 2021 and was able to get lots of research experience in the lab of Dr. Xuehua Zhong as an undergraduate student. I developed a strong passion for academic research and decided to pursue a PhD to continue to grow as a scientist and mentor.
Why did you choose to complete your PhD at UW-Madison?
UW-Madison is a leading research institution with faculty interests and research topics spanning a broad spectrum. I wanted to be in a program that would allow me access to explore different model systems and areas that would be of interest to me. I also love the city of Madison! Being between 2 lakes there is so much to do outdoors, and it is the perfect mix of city and college.
What lab are you in? What is the focus of your research thesis?
I am in the Brunkard Lab and the focus of my research is the early evolutionary history of the Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway using an early-diverging soil and freshwater protist Naegleria gruberi.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your research?
The protist I am working with is not a model organism, so many of the established protocols and experiments need troubleshooting or I need to make my own protocols to run experiments of interest. While fun to do, it can take a lot of time and patience to achieve.
What is the single person, event, or experience that most influenced your trajectory to where you are today?
My graduate student mentor, Sarah Leichter in Dr. Zhong’s lab, greatly sparked my interest in academic research. Through her dedication, creativity, and passion for science and mentoring, I was able to grow as a young scientist and strengthen many skills required for academic research. I became inspired to ask and investigate my own questions of interest in the world of genetics.
Why did you decide to be a mentor?
I have always loved teaching others and knew when I started graduate school I wanted to gain more experience as a mentor, specifically in a research lab setting. I wanted to share my passion for science and spark interest in students who have not yet had the opportunity of being in a research lab setting.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a mentor in research?
The most rewarding aspect of being a mentor in research is seeing students grow as scientists and discover what they are passionate about. I love when students come to me with ideas about follow up experiments and things they would like to learn. I also really enjoy when students take what they have done and learned in the lab and apply to post-graduation job searches or graduate school applications.
What advice would you give for a young person interested in pursuing a PhD?
Getting a PhD is a long, intensive process. My advice would be to choose a research area you are passionate about, while also choosing a lab that best fits and supports you and your needs.
What are your next steps after you complete your PhD?
After completing my PhD, I plan on continuing in academic research and pursuing a Postdoc position with the goal of becoming a professor.
What is your favorite memory from your time here at UW-Madison so far?
My favorite memory at UW-Madison so far has been kayaking in Lake Mendota with some friends in the summer and enjoying the views of the lake from the terrace.
What is your favorite flavor of Babcock Dairy ice cream?
My favorite flavor of Babcock ice cream is Union Utopia!