Katie Halwachs

Are you performing any research in a lab?
Yes, in Pratim Biswas' lab. Last semester, I worked on nanfertilizer, and this semester, I am synthesizing nanoparticles and making lithium-ion batteries out of them.

Why did you pick WashU?
I picked WashU because of the collaborative, welcoming environment, the beautiful campus, the endless opportunities and the rigorous education that it provides.

What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite course in the Engineering school was Engineering Math A, and my favorite course outside the Engineering school was The Cultural Lives of Things in the American Culture Studies program.

Engineering Math A was my favorite class because it tied together all of the previous math classes I had taken and applied them to tangible engineering problems, and The Cultural Lives of Things was my favorite because it was different from any other class I have taken both in structure and topics. The content was very intriguing, and it was nice break from an otherwise STEM-heavy load.

Who is your favorite instructor and why?
Janie Brennan is my favorite instructor because, not only is she a phenomenal instructor, but she also takes a deep interest in every individual student. She knows exactly how to challenge students to become better problem solvers, gives students the tools for success both inside and outside of the classroom, and takes time out of her busy schedule to help students, even if she is not their adviser.

What advice would you give to a new student?
I would advise new students to take advantage of the plethora of resources WashU provides, to go to office hours frequently and form good relationships with their professors, get involved in aspects of campus outside of the classroom, and to make friends with others in their major.

What is your favorite thing about St. Louis?
My favorite thing about St. Louis is all of the unique, hidden-gem restaurants that serve delectable food and that can't be found anywhere else.

What campus activities or groups would you recommend to a new student?
I would recommend the American Institute of Chemical Engineering, Spoon University, the Society of Women in Engineering, and a social sorority or fraternity.

Do you have any work history?
Yes. Last summer I was an oncology research and discovery intern for AbbVie Pharmaceuticals. In this internship I mastered techniques including sterile technique, cell passaging, 2-D culture, spheroid-based 3-D culture, and xenosphere fabrication and culture; played an integral role in the development of two cell viability assays for 3-D cultures, one utilizing luciferase detection and another involving brightfield microscopy; designed and ran proof of concept experiments on using viability assays designed for 2-D cultures on 3-D tumor models; independently designed and carried out more than ten experiments; analyzed experimental data; presented experimental data to superiors in a group setting; and was trained to independently use the Allevi 2 3-D bioprinter.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to go to graduate school and get my PhD in chemical engineering or biochemical engineering, and eventually work in industry in research and development.