Katherine Perez, researcher III Our Get to Know series highlights researchers from across the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC), particularly those who manage day-to-day operations in the lab space. This month, we’re spotlighting Katherine Perez, a Researcher III in the Bhatnagar Lab.
Tell us a little bit about you and your role at the UCDC.
I am currently a Researcher III in Dr. Sushant Bhatnagar’s lab studying insulin secretion from β-cells. I have held this position for one year, but I have been a part of this lab for much longer. I am from Elkmont, Alabama, but attended UAB for my bachelor’s degree. I began volunteering in the lab as an undergraduate research assistant in the fall of 2021. I later joined UAB’s accelerated master’s track in Biomedical Sciences and became a graduate research assistant before graduating.
What first got you interested in diabetes research?
I’ve always found the pathology of diabetes interesting. Diabetes is a dynamic disease, and properly understanding the mechanisms of pathogenesis requires thinking of multiple processes occurring in the body. Given that diabetes is so prevalent globally, I believe our research is impactful—and I wanted to be a part of that.
Tell us a little bit about your lab’s research or current projects.
Our lab studies insulin secretion from β-cell. We have a great collaborative environment, so I can contribute to multiple lab projects. Right now, I’m investigating the role of tomosyn-2—a ubiquitous protein and insulin granule exocytosis inhibitor—in neonatal islet development.
What does it mean to be a researcher, and how does it feel contributing to the UCDC’s mission?
Researchers at UAB can be impactful to the research field because we are often the closest to new data that can decide the future of a project. Contributing to the UCDC’s mission of developing novel treatment approaches for diabetes feels very satisfying, and it is important to work to better serve our communities.
What advice would you give a new researcher?
My advice for new researchers is to make sure you enjoy the type of research you decide to put your efforts into and let your curiosity run free!
What do you enjoy or like to do outside of the lab?
Outside of the lab, I enjoy watching soccer games, reading, and plant shopping.