Katelyn Dahlke

Meet our Students

Katelyn Dahlke, Graduate Student

Entered Fall 2014.

Where are you from? What was your undergraduate degree and from which university?

I’m from Kearney, Nebraska and got my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University.

Why did you choose the University of Illinois and the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department?
UIUC has all-around strong science and engineering programs, which provides a lot of collaboration opportunities. I had the opportunity to participate in the Chemical-Biology Interface Training Program, which facilitates interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry and biology. The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department has a broad spectrum of research, and faculty who are friendly and involved in more than just research.

Tell us about your research interests. What lab do you work in and what is your role in the lab?
I do theory and computation of polymer physics in the Sing group. I study the cooperative behavior of DNA and protein interactions specific to prokaryotic cells, and eventually would like to use the methods I develop to simulate an entire nucleoid.

What are your plans after you receive your Ph.D.?
I think that there are a lot of opportunities for computation to advance biological research, so I plan on pursuing a career in research and teaching as a professor.

What’s your favorite thing to do around campus or in Champaign-Urbana? (Favorite restaurant, favorite way or place to unwind?)
I love eating at Destihl in downtown Champaign!