Laurie Kostecka (Ph.D.)

Laurie Kostecka (Ph.D.) has a diverse work experience in the field of biomedical cancer research and scientific research. Laurie currently works as a Scientist at miRecule, Inc. since June 2023. Prior to this, they completed their Ph.D. at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where they worked as a PHD Student from August 2018 to June 2023. Laurie also worked as a Graduate Research Intern at miRecule, Inc. from September 2022 to December 2022.

Before pursuing their Ph.D., Laurie served as a Research Assistant at the University of Tampa from August 2015 to May 2018. During this time, they contributed to research on Mantis shrimp morphology, which resulted in a publication in the Journal of Crustacean Biology. Laurie also took on the role of an Academic Tutor at the university from September 2015 to May 2017.

Laurie has had multiple summer internships at the National Institutes of Health. In 2017, they interned for 10 weeks in a biomedical cancer research lab, focusing on the conditional expression of endogenous HRAS and KRAS alleles in primary keratinocytes and their role in tumor formation. In 2016, they interned for 8 weeks, conducting research on the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A and its relation to cancer. Their research on the gene CLIC4 and its relation to cancer was also conducted during an 8-week internship in 2015. During these internships, they actively participated in lab meetings and presented in journal clubs.

In addition to their research experience, Laurie also worked as an Educational Intern at Rocky Hill Middle School from August 2013 to May 2014.

Laurie Kostecka (Ph.D.) pursued their education in a chronological order. Laurie started their academic journey at the University of Tampa where they completed a Bachelor's degree, double majoring in Biology and Marine Science. Laurie also obtained minors in Chemistry and Environmental Science during their time there. After completing their undergraduate studies in 2018, they went on to pursue a Ph.D. at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Their Ph.D. program focuses on Cellular and Molecular Medicine, which is the field of study they are currently specializing in. In addition to their formal education, they hold a certification as a PADI Open Water Diver.