Kate Tisdale is a biomedical researcher driven by a fascination with hematopoiesis and the origins of blood cancers like leukemia. She earned her B.A. in Biology from Meredith College, graduating summa cum laude. She continued her training with an M.S. in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where her research focused on the genetic underpinnings of infant leukemia.
Tisdale’s scientific interests center on identifying the molecular factors that drive hematological disorders and investigating hematopoietic stem cell biology. During her master’s, she studied the ability of certain compounds to cause chromosomal translocations to the MLL gene, which are often observed in infant leukemias. As a participant in the 2024 Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) Program at St. Jude, Tisdale worked in the McKinney-Freeman Lab to explore the binding partners of GPRASP2, a novel regulator of hematopoietic stem cell transplants. The goal of this work was to further elucidate GPRASP2’s function and mechanism within the hematopoietic system.
Beyond the bench, Tisdale developed a strong passion for mentorship while working as a teaching assistant during her master’s studies. This experience reinforced her love of biology and her desire to help others discover their own path in science.
Tisdale chose the St. Jude Graduate School for its mission-driven culture, cutting-edge science, and deeply supportive environment. She looks forward to continuing her development as an independent scientist while contributing to discoveries that improve outcomes for children with catastrophic diseases.
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Education:
2025 - MS, Biology – University of North Carolina
2021 - BA, Biology – Meredith College
Awards/Honors/Scholarships:
2021 - Summa Cum Laude – Meredith College
2020 - Kappa Nu Sigma Honors Society – Meredith College
2020 - Tri Beta Honors Society – Meredith College
2019 - Outstanding Rising Junior in Biology – Meredith College
2017-2021 - Dean’s List – Meredith College