Splash Biography



CATHERINE STARK, ESP Teacher




Major: Biomedical Engineering

College/Employer: Yale

Year of Graduation: 2016

Picture of Catherine Stark

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I'm a biomedical engineering major! I really like organic chemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology though. I'm currently working in the Simon Lab on a protein engineering project.

Being a Splash teacher is definitely a highlight of my semester. When I'm not doing science-y things, I play flute in the marching band, fix computers, climb and run.

I'm from Woods Hole, Massachusetts. In my free time (ha), I love to read and folk dance.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

S1798: Chemical Biology in Splash Fall 15 (Nov. 14, 2015)
Organic chemistry. Biochemistry. Chemical biology. Are these synonyms? They sure sound the same! Come learn about how biology and chemistry can be combined in interesting ways to explore fascinating biological systems. We will focus on chemical biology, specifically bioorthogonal chemistry, protein bioconjugation, as well as protein engineering. This class is geared towards anyone with an interest in biology and chemistry. No previous experience necessary.


S1550: Mind Control Mice: Optogenetics as a Tool in Splash Spring 15 (Apr. 04, 2015)
Optogenetics involves the genetic engineering of cells to respond to different wavelengths of light. It has been used as a tool in the biological sciences to trace nervous pathways, affect change in the behavior of organisms, and even mind control mice. We'll provide a review of the 2010 scientific "Method of the Year" starting from the molecular level upwards, and talk about some of the incredible discoveries that have been made using this fabulous tool.


S1287: Enzymes in Splash Fall 14 (Nov. 08, 2014)
Wanna get SWOLE? Love the chalky taste of protein shakes? Do amino acids excite you? What about alpha helices and beta sheets? Cellular metabolism? Molecular interactions? If you're looking to get ripped, this class probably won't help you. But we promise to strengthen your mind, if not your biceps. Come learn about proteins and how incredibly important they are in the cell. We will take an in depth look at how enzymes work and some of the theory behind modeling complex systems such as cellular signaling networks.


S1014: Intro to Cell Biology in Splash Spring 14 (Mar. 29, 2014)
Sound boring? This class will be anything but. Prepare yourself. You are about to undertake a guided tour of the anatomy and physiology of the cell. You will even be introduced to one of the greatest ongoing conundrums in cell biology. DUN DUN DUN! But wait! You might be wondering what the big deal is. What exactly IS cell biology? This class aims to not only introduce you to the intricate mechanisms inside the cell but introduce you to cell biology in a general sense. We hope to help you decide if cell biology is for you.


S1016: Intro to Biochemistry in Splash Spring 14 (Mar. 29, 2014)
So... what is the difference between organic chemistry and biochemistry? ...Stumped? Come check this class out. We will explore the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and some fun examples. Come see if biochemistry is worth further pursuing. This will be an interactive class, come prepared to participate!


S699: An Introduction to Cell Biology in Splash Fall 13 (Nov. 09, 2013)
Sound boring? This class will be anything but. Prepare yourself. You are about to undertake a guided tour of the anatomy and physiology of the cell. You will learn the ins and the outs of phagocytosis, down to the most intricate mechanisms. You will even be introduced to one of the greatest ongoing conundrums in cell biology. DUN DUN DUN! But wait! You might be wondering what the big deal is. What exactly IS cell biology? This class aims to not only show you the intricate mechanism behind phagocytosis but introduce you to cell biology in a general sense. We hope to help you decide if cell biology is for you.