About Cailin

Cailin is currently pursuing a joint Ph.D./MBA program in the Immunology Theme at UAB. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her academic pursuits are centered around immunological-based interventions and the mechanisms of inflammatory damage. Cailin brings a multidisciplinary and translational approach to her scientific endeavors, seamlessly integrating her interests across the bench, bedside, and business.

As an Innovate Fellow with the Bill L. Harbert Institute, overseeing the latest campus inventions, Cailin actively contributes to the cutting edge of innovation.

During her graduate studies, Cailin has received prestigious awards, including a T32 and F31 from the National Institutes of Health. A dedicated member of the American Physiology Society (APS), she serves as a Graduate Student Ambassador and plays a key role in the Water and Electrolyte Steering Committee.

Cailin has showcased her research on various international platforms and earned accolades such as the Water & Electrolyte Homeostasis Research Recognition Award at Experimental Biology 2022. Beyond her academic pursuits, she finds joy in hiking with her dog, FrootLoop, reading, and social Salsa dancing.

Early Life Stress (ELS)

Early Life Stress encompasses adverse experiences before the age of eighteen, such as physical harm or persistent verbal abuse, and it is heartbreakingly common, affecting half of the U.S. population.

People who are exposed to ELS have increased risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Autoimmune Diseases

Research focus

Cailin’s research focuses on the impact of ELS on the development of heart disease and autoimmune disease, specifically Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Understanding its potential long-term health consequences, particularly its link to an increased risk of heart disease and autoimmune conditions, is crucial.

Her research not only marks a pioneering effort to model ELS in a mouse model of SLE but also holds promise for shedding light on ways to mitigate the lasting impacts of early life stress on heart health and inflammatory conditions in humans.

Areas of expertise

  • Effects of Early Life Stress on Immune phenotypes and disease risk

  • Immunology in cardiovascular and renal disease

Research methods

  • Flow cytometry

  • Telemetry and wire/pressure myography

  • Cell culture

  • Basic biochemical and molecular techniques (ELISA, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, PCR, protein purification, etc)

Research