Katerina Ragkousi

Katerina Ragkousi is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Amherst College, specializing in developmental cell biology. She holds a PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, with postdoctoral training at Harvard University, the University of Arizona, and the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. Her research investigates how cells assemble and maintain polarized monolayers during animal development, using live sea anemone embryos (Nematostella vectensis) as a model. Key interests include coupling cell cycle machinery to polarity and adhesion to achieve tissue homeostasis.

Education: B.Sc. Molecular Cell Biology (Royal Holloway, University of London), M.Sc. Applied Molecular Microbiology (University of Nottingham), Ph.D. Genetics (University of Connecticut).

Research focuses on cell polarization dynamics, epithelial integrity, and developmental mechanisms. Recent work highlights lateral cell polarization’s role in organizing embryonic epithelia. She has mentored numerous undergraduate researchers, many of whom have pursued advanced studies in biology and medicine. Publications span developmental cell biology, genetics, and microbiology.

Labs and teams: Active in Amherst College’s Biology Department, leading a lab exploring cell polarity and embryonic development. Collaborates with institutions like the Marine Biological Laboratory and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.