KATHRYN FIXEN

Assistant Professor
Department of Plant and Microbial Biology

PhD, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 2009

kfixen@umn.edu
cbs.umn.edu/contacts/kathryn-fixen
fixenlab.com

Research Interests

Redox regulation of metabolism in an anoxygenic phototroph; mechanisms by which redox status can modulate central metabolism and product formation without the complication of reactive oxygen species.

Bio

In her work, Katie Fixen aims to find a reliable source of alternative energy that could reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Her lab’s research focuses on Rhodopseudomonas palustris (R. pal), a metabolically-versatile photosynthetic bacterium, hoping to develop a more efficient way to extract energy from the sun and convert it into biofuel energy. Beyond her research, Katie seeks to cultivate interest in science with preteens, especially girls and minorities, ultimately hoping to improve young people’s engagement with and understanding of science.