Dr. Kat Milligan-Myhre is the first Inupiaq to earn a Ph.D. in Microbiology, and one of 100 Alaskan Natives with a Ph.D. Her research focuses on determining how the host genetic background contributes to host-microbe interactions. Since starting her lab 5 years ago, she has mentored nearly 40 mentees, from high school students through postdocs and lab technicians. Her side projects include co-organizing an annual free, day-long event with STEM-related hands-on activities for K-12 students, advocating for improving experiences for graduate students in STEM and mentoring minorities as they traverse through academia. She also enjoys beading and running.