معرفی
Katelyn Mika serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Science at the University of Tulsa, where her research investigates the molecular evolution and development of novel traits in marine organisms. She employs cutting-edge genomic techniques on both model and non-model species to uncover genetic mechanisms driving adaptation in ocean environments.
Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Molecular Evolution of Pregnancy from the University of Chicago and dual Bachelor's degrees (B.S. and B.A.) from Indiana University. This foundation supports her interdisciplinary approach to evolutionary questions.
Dr. Mika's work spans molecular evolution, evolutionary developmental biology (EvoDevo), and marine genomics, with specific focus on marine appendage formation (e.g., zebrafish pectoral fins and skate wings), depth adaptation across aquatic ecosystems, and host-microbiome interactions in vertebrates. Her lab pioneers single cell transcriptomics applications in non-model marine organisms to reveal both conserved and novel molecular pathways underlying phenotypic innovation.
Analysis of her publication record reveals strong methodological consistency in evolutionary transcriptomics applied to reproductive biology and marine adaptation, with increasing emphasis on non-model systems since 2020. The work bridges comparative genomics with functional validation to address fundamental questions about evolutionary innovation.
Her significant recognitions include:
- National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) Worldwide Dr. Charlie Brown Memorial Award (2022)
- University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division Postdoc Trainee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award (2021)
- Women Divers Hall of Fame Instructor Advanced Education Grant (2020)
- The Microbiome Center Pilot Award (2019)
Dr. Mika leads an active research laboratory funded by competitive grants including the Microbiome Center Pilot Award. Her mentorship extends to graduate students in biological sciences, with research collaborations spanning marine genomics and evolutionary developmental biology.
Based in Oliphant Hall, the Mika Lab maintains specialized facilities for marine organism handling and genomic analysis. Current projects focus on comparative studies of marine appendage development and host-microbiome coevolution, with future work expanding into environmental adaptation mechanisms in changing ocean ecosystems.
