Dr. Kathy N.

Dr. Nowak began her academic journey at North Carolina State University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a BS in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. She was a member of the University Honors Program, served as a tutor in the University Tutorial Center, and was actively involved in undergraduate research. Her early achievements were recognized with the People Helping People Scholarship from the State Employees’ Credit Union.

Throughout her research training, Dr. Nowak has developed strong expertise in preclinical cancer models, immunofluorescence imaging, flow cytometry, and quantitative image analysis. She has led projects investigating T cell distribution and activation within brain tumors, evaluated immune responses in murine models, and contributed to studies aimed at improving immunotherapeutic strategies. Her doctoral work focused on tumor immunology, immune cell dynamics, and advancing focused ultrasound technologies for brain tumor research.

Dr. Nowak’s work has resulted in presentations at national scientific meetings and peer-reviewed publications, including Neuro-Oncology Advances, Cancer Letters, and Cell Reports. Alongside her laboratory work, Dr. Nowak has built a strong foundation in scientific communication through her doctoral training, a competitive science writing internship at Virginia Commonwealth University, volunteer work with the Pet Cancer Foundation, and service as a copyeditor for the Journal of Emerging Investigators. These experiences strengthened her ability to translate complex scientific findings into clear, compelling narratives for both scientific and public audiences.

Dr. Nowak has mentored undergraduate and graduate trainees in experimental design, technical skill development, data analysis, and scientific writing. She has guided students through every stage of the research process—from developing a compelling research question and conducting thorough literature reviews to analyzing data and preparing abstracts, posters, and manuscripts. As a biomedical scientist and mentor with extensive training in translational research, she has supported students conducting research in cancer biology, tumor biology, immunology, and molecular biology. 

As a research mentor, Dr. Nowak is known for her structured and personalized approach. She believes that strong research training begins with intellectual curiosity and is strengthened by organization, critical thinking, and communication. Her greatest strengths include breaking down complex scientific concepts into understandable components, helping students refine their academic writing, and teaching them how to think strategically about research impact. She emphasizes technical rigor, resilience, time management, and professionalism. Students frequently describe her as patient, detail-oriented, and deeply invested in their growth as independent thinkers.