Caitlyn B. Smith

  • PhD Candidate in Pharmacology - Starr Lab

  • NIH/NIDDK DOYEN T32 Trainee

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Contact

csm277@uky.edu
HKRB 251

Units

About Caitlyn B. Smith

Research

            I am currently a PhD Candidate in the laboratory of Dr. Marlene Starr. The focus of the Starr Lab is adipose tissue dysfunction, particularly related to obesity and aging. My project is focused on investigating the mechanisms of  γδ T cells  in metabolic dysfunction, cellular senescence and insulin resistance within the adipose tissue, in the context of aging. From previous publications from the lab, as well as pivotal preliminary data including single-cell RNA sequencing, I have been able to devise a project looking into the molecular communications of γδ T cells to adipose tissue as individuals age. I will be further investigating how these cellular communications play a role in increased insulin resistance and cellular senescence of visceral adipose tissue, both common maladies that occur with age and drive the incidence of other age-related disorders.

           Beyond my current scientific, academic and educational initiatives, I strive to serve in opportunities across UK's College of Medicine (COM) that influence the betterment of the training of new researchers, much like myself. In this, I have already taken opportunities in teaching, mentoring and leading, including becoming a teaching assistant, mentoring near-peers, involving myself in Academia-based internships and leadership development workshops. As I progress through my career, I am intent on continuing opportunities to continue and to become a driven, well-versed scholar. 
Publications

Education

Education

  • 2020 --- Graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a B.S. in Biochemistry, and a minor in Biology 
  • 2018 --- Graduated from City Colleges of Chicago with an A.S. in Biochemistry

Experience and Organizations

  • NIH/NIDDK DOYEN T32 Trainee, Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center (BBDC), University of Kentucky College of Medicine, since 2026
  • Presidential Scholar - Graduate Student - Merit Finalist Award, Society of Leukocyte Biology (SLB), 59th Annual SLB Meeting, 2026
    • Was one of ten graduate students to receive a merit finalist award at the Annual SLB Conference 2026.
  • Recipient of the Walter R. Nicolai Award, American Aging Association (AGE), 54th Annual AGE Meeting, 2026
    • The Walter R. Nicolai Award is presented to the most Meritorious Research by a Predoctoral Candidate in Biomedical Gerontology, to which only one is awarded each year. 
  • Invited Speaker at the UK Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series, 2026
  • Earned 3rd Place Outstanding Graduate Student Poster Presentation, UK's 17th Annual TRAC Day, 2026
  • Awarded an OBE Graduate Student Dissertation/Thesis Research Grant, 2026
  • Markey Cancer Center (MCC) ACTION Program Mentor, 2025-2026
  • Recipient of the MCC Trainee MOMENTUM Mentorship Award, 2024
  • MCC STRONG Scholar Program Lecturer, 2023-2025
  • CRLA Certified Level 1 Peer Mentor, since 2022
  • Elected Board Member, American Society of Microbiology, UK Student Chapter
    • Secretary, 2023-2025
    • Public Relations Officer, 2022-2023
    • Member, since 2021
  • UK SURES/SURF Near-Peer Mentor, 2021-2022
  • Founder and Primary Coordinator - UK's Biomedical Sciences Trainee Club
    • Started November 2021
  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Member, since Dec 2017