Hi! My name is Katie Dietrich (no, sadly I am not related to Kenneth P. Dietrich), and I am a rising junior Honors College student at the University of Pittsburgh. I major in Neuroscience, with minors in chemistry and Classics, specifically classical civilizations. This summer I am studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark through DIS. I will be in the Microbrains: Modeling Neurodegeneration Lab course, where I will be learning about many amazing lab techniques. The main focus of this course is to get hands-on experience with genetic modifications. I will be utilizing genetic techniques, like CRISPR-Cas9, to genetically modify stem cells to make a cerebral organoid, pretty much a man-made brain!

I have always wanted to go into the field of neuroscience, but my passion for studying neurodegeneration began when my great-aunt was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I have now been fully immersed in the world of neuroscience, and I love it! This lab course will not only give me beneficial knowledge on lab techniques, but it will also be my first experience with true Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative research!

My current academic plan is to go onto get my master’s degree after undergrad, and then eventually get my doctorate. I want to pursue a career in research, specifically, one researching possible cures, treatments, and approaches to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. The end goal for me is to be a professor and teach students all while continuing my own research.

I am very excited about this opportunity, especially because it is in Copenhagen! Scandinavian countries have always intrigued me, and I look forward to spending two months in Denmark during the best time of the year learning about their culture. I am excited to take weekend trips to many European countries, like Norway, Sweden, and Germany. I can’t wait to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Pitt community!