Kathryn Blek (she/her) is a 2025 SPUR participant and a rising senior at Middlebury College, where she is double majoring in Neuroscience and Biochemistry. In the Garcia-Keller Lab, she is investigating the effects of the psychedelic compound DOI on microglial morphology in rodent models. Kathryn is focused on building the expertise necessary to pursue a PhD and is particularly interested in contributing to the development of psychedelic-based treatments for psychiatric disorders. Outside the lab, she enjoys backpacking with friends and family or crocheting in her free time.
Inside the Minds of our Team
What animal would you be?
A raccoon!
What superpower would you have?
Photographic memory! I’d love to be able to hold onto all of my favorite memories (and it would help cut down on study time)
What would your alternative career be?
I would love to be a backpacking guide and help others uncover a love for nature and exploring.