Charlotte “Lotte” Kearns, B.A.
Lotte joined the Simon Lab in 2024. She completed her B.A. in Biology from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. She is very interested in the interplay between the human immune response to viruses like HIV, and how they have coevolved. Currently, she is studying HIV latency establishment and the role of HIV accessory proteins and innate restriction factors in CD4 T cells. After graduation, Lotte would like to pursue a career in academia and teach and train the next generation of scientists.
Outside of the lab you can spot Lotte enjoying the outdoors, dancing, and making and eating good food. Check out her Simon Lab Spotlight Q&A below!
Simon Lab Spotlight! Lotte Kearns
Lotte Kearns, Ph.D. Candidate (2nd Year), from Castleton, Vermont
B.A. in Biology from 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.
