Kaitlin Williams
I conducted my Ph.D. thesis work in the laboratory of Dr. Luis Garza. I focused on the early molecular changes that occur in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin disease we have very few treatments for. While 5%–10% of HS patients have a mutation [most of those in nicastrin (NCSTN)], most patients have no mutation, and we are unsure how they acquire the disease. Surprisingly, we found even in patients without a NCSTN mutation, they have low NCSTN in their dermal fibroblasts, and that causes a cascade of inflammatory changes that match what we see in HS patients. We also found that plastic-associated endocrine disruptors (p-EDs) are present at much higher quantities in the tissue and cells of HS patients, and critically, that application of these p-EDs to normal cells causes loss of NCSTN and induction of inflammation as in HS cells. This explains the clinical observation that HS patients have diets high in ultra-processed foods, which have high p-ED levels, and demonstrates how environmental exposures to plastics in our diets may be significantly affecting disease processes and development.
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?
When I was choosing an M.D./Ph.D. program, I focused on institutions with excellent clinical education and a solid base in science across many disciplines. I was not sure what I wanted to study when I was applying, so having many potential fields as areas of excellence was very important to me. I will always be grateful to Johns Hopkins for providing such breadth of support and resources.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?
This award was created to recognize excellence in research in honor of a former MSTP student. It is a great honor for the committee to recognize my research as deserving of that honor among so many strong and talented researchers I have met here.
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)
First and foremost, the mentorship of Dr. Garza made this project possible. When choosing a lab to complete my Ph.D. in, my priority was good PI fit, and Dr. Garza has been an example to live by. I will always be thankful and proud to be a Garza Lab alumnus!
Beyond mentorship, I have also been involved with sustainability efforts as the communication intern for the JHU Office of Climate and Sustainability under Dr. Ryan Weeks-Rutan. While not directly contributing to my research effort, this extra interest of mine has synergized incredibly well with my research contributions, and I have had several opportunities to speak to audiences about the intersection of sustainability and human health at conferences, symposiums and even testifying before Maryland Congress.
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?
I think it speaks to an incredible culture at Johns Hopkins of building young researchers up and investing in our careers beyond our time at Johns Hopkins. I am grateful to be part of such a kind and supportive environment.
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?
This is hard to answer as an M.D./Ph.D. student who has spent nearly eight years here. I will simply mention my Ph.D. thesis defense, when my friends and colleagues across many departments and areas of acquaintance and stages of my life came together to support me.
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?
I am currently awaiting the residency match, hoping to become a dermatology resident in a physician-scientist training program.
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?
I have already mentioned my sustainability-related activities. In my personal life, I really enjoy learning about ancient history. The sole podcast I listen to is ancient history, and whenever I travel I look for the oldest historical site in the area to visit.