Kailey Worner

Meet Kailey Worner, a dedicated researcher currently pursuing her studies through the Graduate Research Education Program at the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota (USA). Kailey is passionate about the mechanisms of translation and is excited about "applying my experience in molecular biology to the field of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine", as an incoming PhD student at Stanford University.

Kailey's decision to join the Mayo Clinic was influenced by her desire to engage in leading-edge translational research while staying close to her support system in Minnesota, where she grew up. She joined Dr. Wenqian Hu’s lab, which focuses on RNA-binding proteins and post-transcriptional regulation in stem cell disease and development. Dr. Hu’s history of providing outstanding mentorship as indicated by the testimonies of his current and past students as well as the Outstanding Mentoring award he earned during his time at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, played a significant role in Kailey's choice to join his lab in May 2022 after earning her bachelor's degree.

Kailey’s early interest in biomedical research was sparked by personal experiences with family health issues, driving her to pursue a career dedicated to making a difference in the field. "From a family member’s diagnosis of a rare heart disease to losing someone to terminal cancer, I felt compelled in my early life to pursue a career in biomedical research." Her first exposure to research was in Dr. Karen Denzler’s lab at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, where, during her undergraduate studies, she studied desert plant extracts and their antimicrobial properties, identifying three novel botanical sources of antibacterial compounds. This formative experience under Dr. Denzler’s mentorship solidified her passion for scientific research.

"From a family member’s diagnosis of a rare heart disease to losing someone to terminal cancer, I felt compelled in my early life to pursue a career in biomedical research."

Beyond her research, Kailey is committed to mentoring the next generation of RNA researchers. She advises undergraduate students to find "a great lab where you can thrive—a place where you can lead your own project while being able to count on guidance from colleagues—as well as an outstanding mentor who can help you become a better scientist and navigate preparation for graduate school." Her own journey started at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, where she took college courses during high school through the Postsecondary Enrollment Option program, earning an associate degree alongside her high school diploma. She acknowledges the challenges she faced growing up in a rural area with limited educational opportunities, which she overcame through determination and hard work, including working as a server to fund her education.

Kailey draws inspiration from her current mentor, Dr. Wenqian Hu, who has taught her "how to look at biology from a mechanistic perspective," building a solid foundation in molecular biology that will help her "overcome the obstacles I will face in graduate school." Her involvement in the Mayo Clinic’s Hospice program and as a certified birth doula at Mayo Clinic’s Family Birth Center reflects her dedication to patient care and community service.

Kailey played a role in a recent publication from her lab, but she’s particularly proud of leading a project titled "Identification of RNA-binding proteins' direct effects on gene expression via the degradation tag system”, which she considers her favorite RNA Journal article.

Although Kailey has not attended an RNA Society Annual Meeting, she has presented twice at the Annual Rustbelt RNA Meeting, which sponsored in part by the RNA Society. The Rustbelt meeting has been a gathering place for RNA researchers in the Mid-West region of the USA for 25 years. She was honored to present her lab’s work in a poster in 2022 and give a talk in 2023.

As Kailey continues her research journey, she is excited to start her PhD in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford University this Fall. Ultimately, her goal is to make impactful contributions to biomedical research.

Outside of academia, Kailey enjoys watching TV series and has recently discovered a passion for weightlifting. You can contact Kailey through her LinkedIn profile.