Katie Faris

Katie Faris is a Translational Biomedicine PhD student in Dr. Richard Kibbey's Lab at Yale University. Originally from Chicago, she earned her B.S. in Biochemistry and minor in Biology from the University of Oregon. As an undergraduate, she investigated the molecular basis of how PIP5K’s two motifs contribute to its product recognition, PI(4,5)P2. Following graduation, she worked as a research technologist in Dr. SeungHye Han's Lab at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, where she investigated the role of the mitochondrial integrated stress response in alveolar epithelial progenitor cells, with a focus on how ATF4-mediated integrated stress response activation regulates lung epithelial stem cell fate.

Katie's current research in the Kibbey Lab focuses on metabolic regulation in pancreatic β-cells, with a particular interest in pyruvate kinase activation, serine metabolism, and the mechanisms governing insulin secretion and cell growth. She is passionate about understanding how cellular metabolism contributes to metabolic disease and hopes to translate fundamental discoveries into new therapeutic strategies for diabetes.

Outside of the laboratory, Katie enjoys cross stitching and needlepointing, competitive sailing, traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with friends and family.