Welcome in! I'm a scientist-learner-maker-breaker-daughter-sister-friend.
I'm a molecular biologist experienced in the genetic engineering of classical and non-model microbes for industrial bioproduction. I love funky secondary metabolites, biopolymers (building AND degrading), using clever little tricks to make recalitrant organisms tractable, and then trying something new when the organisms inevitably outsmart me. I think "why" is the least interesting question in experimental biology ("how" is much more compelling).
I am steadfast about conducting science collaboratively. Since the very beginning of my scientific training I have aimed to do work which crosses disciplines to bring scholars together to solve hard problems they might not otherwise engage with. I find great reward in organizing and motivating my peers to show up, learn from, and influence each other to do science which is greater than the sum of its parts.
Clear and compassionate science communication is also a core tenet of my work. I enjoy teaching and mentoring young scientists through hands-on training in contemporary molecular biology skills. I aim to give students a soft place to land in their learning so they can develop the confidence to take on the ups-and-downs of conducting original research.
You can learn more about my scientific experience in the menu on the left.
Contact:
kristine.reads.emails(at)gmail.com
Note: this website is my sandbox. It is pretty much always under construction. Proceed with caution (and an open mind).