Graduate Students
Katie Jo Gelasco
After entering Vanderbilt through the QCB program, Katie Jo joined the lab in April 2025, where she studies remodeling of the ribosome under stress conditions. She earned a B.A. in music and B.S. in biochemistry from Florida State University in 2024. Her undergraduate research focused on engineering CRISPR-Cas9 proteins for structural studies in Dr. Hong Li’s lab. When not in the lab, Katie Jo enjoys reading, playing cello, and exploring Nashville with friends.
Undergraduate Students
Sophia Jiang
Undergraduate Student,
Sophia is an undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University (Class of 2028) majoring in Biochemistry. She previously conducted research with Dr. Shenglong Zhang, where she worked on de novo RNA sequencing using mass spectrometry. In the Karbstein lab, she investigates cellular responses to zinc deprivation by studying the role of Rps26 as a potential zinc reservoir. Outside the lab, Sophia is a competitive figure skater and coach, and she enjoys crocheting and giving back through volunteer work.