We are thrilled to introduce you to Charlotte “Lotte” Kearns! She is a 2nd year PhD candidate in the Simon and Mulder Lab.

Lotte recently proposed her thesis and became a PhD Candidate!

Q: What is your name, your title and where are you from?
A: Lotte Kearns, Second year PhD candidate, From Castleton, Vermont.

Q: What did you study for undergrad?
A: Biology Major at the college of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Q: Cats or Dogs or Other?
A: I grew up mostly with dogs but learning to love cats, so both!

Q: What sparked your interest in virology research or led you to join the Simon and Mulder Lab?
A: I always had an interest in science, especially growing up outdoors. This curiosity led me to study biology in college. During undergrad I worked at a lab that specialized in HIV. After undergrad, I did a post-bacc at Upenn studying under Dr. Una O'Doherty, who specializes in HIV-1 reservoir dynamics. After that I became a PhD student at Mount Sinai and wanted to rotate in a lab that studied HIV, which is when I found the Simon and Mulder Lab. I think virology is a very interesting field within science that combines both political and sociological issues.

Q: What is the most interesting part of your job?
A: The most interesting part about my job is the people I meet. Science is often thought of as a solo mission, but it is quite the opposite; it ends up being very interactive with clinicians and other researchers in whatever field you study.

Q: What is your favorite spot in all of New York?
A: Donovan's in Woodside! It is one of the oldest pubs in the city with a great atmosphere and food.

Q: How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact your position on research and virology?
A: The pandemic really showed me firsthand what role the government plays in science. It can have a massive impact in either ignoring what is happening or taking a good stance and acting quickly under the direction of good science.

Q: What does a day in the lab look like?
A: A typical day in the lab usually starts with a 9:40am lab huddle where all the people who work in the lab say what is on the agenda for them today. After that, I get started on whatever experiments I have for that day. I take breaks from the bench to read, write in my lab notebook, and also to eat and drink coffee.

Q: Aside from being a great scientist, what would you describe to be your personal superpower?
A: People have said I am a very good cook. I am a vegetarian, and many people say that I make a mean crispy tofu.

Q: If you could share one piece of advice with people interested in research, what would it be?
A: I would say reading! Reading is a big part of research but also learning and keeping an open mind; science is an always changing field and everyday something new pops up, so I would say reading and remaining open to learning new ideas.