IPIBS - Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences

In less than one week, I-65 access to UofL's campuses will be closed from June 1 through July 31 for bridge replacement.

The Belknap and Health Sciences Center campuses will remain open and conduct business as usual per normal operating hours. Visitors should allow extra travel time, check traffic updates and use alternate routes.

For more information, visit the University of Louisville Parking and Transportation website: https://uofl.me/4dOPCGa

We are thrilled to announce that Katelyn Sheneman is the Spring 2026 recipient of the Guy Stevenson Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies. This award recognizes excellence in both scholarship and leadership, and it comes with the distinct honor of carrying our banner and delivering the student speech during commencement.

Katelyn will graduate with a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from University of Louisville School of Medicine, where she has studied under Dr. Matthew Lawrenz. She has had a truly impressive graduate research career, including successfully competing for a prestigious NSRA F31 fellowship to support her research on how Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes the plague, evades clearance by the human immune system. Her work has uncovered novel discoveries and led to 4 publications, 4 publications in progress, and 8 invitations to present at scientific conferences.

Beyond the research lab, Katelyn has been a force for good in the University of Louisville community, serving in multiple mentorship and leadership roles. Most notably, she has led the Louisville Science Pathways Program since 2023, which connects local high school students with paid science internships at the university. Under Katelyn’s leadership, the program saw a 55% increase in student applications, an increase in student population diversity, and an expansion of program funding and mentor support.

After graduation, Katelyn will begin postdoctoral research at Washington University in St. Louis. She has truly made an impact on our university and our local community – congratulations on your remarkable achievements, Katelyn!

Read her full story here: uofl.me/guy-stevenson-award

We are excited to share that Catherine Kaiser has been selected to receive the John M. Houchens Prize for Outstanding Dissertation this spring. This award is given to a doctoral student whose dissertation shows the greatest potential for significant impact in their field.

Catherine will graduate with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from University of Louisville School of Medicine, where she trained in the lab of Dr. Melissa Smith. Her research has focused on characterizing the integration patterns of gene therapy vectors and assessing whether therapeutic constructs were delivered intact. Her work is shedding light on scientific unknowns and leading to insights that can be leveraged to engineer more stable CAR expressing T cells for enhanced clinical benefit.

Catherine's research has also led to in four publications and multiple recognitions, including awards at the Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Departmental Retreat and Kentucky IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence Conference.

Following graduation, Catherine plans to pursue a career in the biotechnology industry, applying her expertise in genomics and gene therapy to develop innovative therapeutics that improve patient outcomes. Congratulations on your impactful work, Catherine!

Read her full story here: uofl.me/houchens-prize

Join us on Tuesday March 10th at 9am!

Join us Thursday January 15th for the next CRAFT Seminar!

Join Us next Thursday for the CRAFT Seminar Series!

New semester, new momentum. Have a great first day, !

Are you a doctoral student ready to share your research? CardTalk applications are open! Practice your presenting skills, get feedback and connect across disciplines. Apply today: https://bit.ly/3Y1blUf

Join us next week!!