Hello! My name is Kaitlyn Cherie Miller Grando, PhD (she/they). I am a postdoctoral fellow currently splitting my time between research and teaching with the Center for Microbiology and Immunology and the Department of Biomedical Education and Data Science at Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine.
My research is on the contribution of genetics and high-cholesterol diet in the development or flare up of autoimmunity after exposure to Salmonella Typhimurium or E. coli biofilms in the lab of Çagla Tükel, PhD. This has given me a solid background in both bacteriology and immunology to be able to teach both of these subjects.
I was featured in the Katz Student Spotlight in 2025, if you are interested:
Kaitlyn Grando’s Groundbreaking Work in Biofilm Research
I am also the Treasurer for the Eastern PA branch of the American Society for Microbiology (EPA-ASM) and have been involved with them since 2020, and as a member of the student Board. EPA-ASM Website
When I’m not working, I’m into arts and crafts – particularly I like finding fun new microbiology or immunology themed gifts for birthdays or holiday ornament sets. (And some non-science art for gifts as well.)
(and Miso photobomB)
And of course, I have to acknowledge my assistant, Miso.
