Katie McCallum is a PhD candidate at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics program. While at the bench, her research is primarily focused on the basic biology governing host-microbial interactions. Katie's research interests extend far beyond the scope of medical microbiology. Her exposure to the enormity of collaborative effort and innovative research that exists in the Texas Medical Center has fostered her interest in science communication and science outreach.