Holly received her PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Washington in December 2022. As a graduate student, she explored the formation and structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. In addition to developing a novel method for metabolically labeling the biofilm matrix polysaccharide alginate, she also characterized a unique avenue of biofilm development reliant upon calcium cross-linked alginate. Prior to working in a microbiology lab for her thesis research, Holly spent two years in an immunology lab at Seattle Children’s Research Institute studying B cells in autoimmune diseases.

Her love of studying complex matrix-embedded cellular systems led her to join the MiKTMC as part of the kidney organoid group in June 2024. She’s excited to continue her growth as a scientist while contributing to a better understanding of the molecular basis for nephrotic kidney disease, with the goal of identifying targets for more personalized therapeutics.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi, cross-stitching, snuggling with her two cats, and playing cozy video games.

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