Katie Gross
Research Associate, RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMASS Chan Medical School

Biography

Katie Gross is a Research Associate in the laboratory of Dr. Julia Alterman and Dr. Anastasia Khvorova in the RNA Therapeutics Institute at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. She began her research career in 2018 at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in California under the mentorship of Dr. Eric Verdin, where she studied the impact of metabolic health on immune responses during aging. After relocating to Massachusetts in 2018, Katherine joined Dr. Craig Mello’s laboratory in the RNA Therapeutics Institute. There, she studied the role of piRNAs in epigenetic inheritance while pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Clark University. In her current role at the Alterman/Khvorova Lab, Katherine leads a project focused on developing a combinatorial siRNA therapy for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 1 million individuals. FOP is characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification of connective tissues, leading to debilitating pain, loss of mobility, and reduced quality of life. Katherine has collaborated with the International FOP Association (IFOPA) for over a year, contributing to therapeutic development efforts. Recently, she was invited to Stockholm, Sweden, to present her findings and engage with patients and families affected by FOP. Additionally, Katherine has helped organize site visits to the labs for affected families, facilitating direct interactions with patients and addressing their inquiries.