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.