Kaitlyn Savoy

Kaitlyn Savoy is a 2025-2029 Self Graduate Fellow from Olathe, KS, pursuing a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. They are also a Goldwater Scholar, KU BioScholar, ΦΒΚ member, and ASGSR student member. Savoy earned a B.A. in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Theatre from the University of Kansas in 2025, graduating with both Departmental and University Honors. During their undergraduate studies, they served as a peer mentor, laboratory teaching assistant, and student researcher. In these roles, they gained experience in DNA sequencing, field sampling, bioinformatics, experimental design, and scientific communication, exploring the dynamics of soil microbial communities with a focus on fungi. Savoy is particularly interested in the behavior of microbes in extraterrestrial environments, the use of static electricity to influence the distribution of microbes, and the use of microbes to support life beyond Earth. They plan to explore these topics in their graduate studies and beyond as a principal investigator at a university or space agency. In this position, they aspire to foster a community of passion, curiosity, and acceptance that inspires and prepares young scientists for a lifetime of exploration.  

Mentor: Dr. Benjamin Sikes, Senior Scientist and Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology