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Kaitlyn Petros '08

A Confessed Bio Geek

If you happened to eavesdrop on a conversation with Kaitlin Petros ’08, you might hear references to instruments and heavy metal. Don’t get the wrong impression. She’s talking about biochemistry research on “fisher cats,” not her next Metallica concert. (In fact, her mp3 player more likely has Dave Matthews, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan.)

“I’ve been working as an undergraduate research assistant with Sue Sutheimer (chemistry professor) on a project looking at mercury and other heavy metal levels in Vermont’s population of fisher cats. Biochemistry is my absolute favorite subject. It’s about so many things that happen in your body that you just don’t think about.”

One of the instruments Kait refers to is the atomic absorption spectrometer, which enables the researchers to test for heavy metal content. Quite a mouthful, but the sophisticated equipment provides Kait and her fellow undergraduates with excellent training, whether they plan to go on to graduate school or to begin professional lab work. “Undergraduates don’t normally have the great access and time with the equipment that our students get here,” says biology professor Natalie Coe, whose own research explores genetic resistance to various tree diseases. “It’s a real advantage 
for them.”

A biology major/chemistry minor from the Boston area, Kait has set her sights on medical school, a goal she has had since age six. “I’ve always known I wanted to be a doctor, and I’m really interested in pediatrics,” she says. “My sister is a nurse, and I joke with her that some day she’ll come work for me.”

A look at Kait’s schedule makes you wonder how she has enough hours in the day. She is in the honors program, works as a tutor and research assistant, plays on the softball team, and will be assisting one of her professors in a biochemistry practicum this fall. Heading into her senior year, she is studying for her medical school exams and trying to find a few moments to relax. Kait doesn’t bat an eye when you ask her how she does it all. “I guess I just love learning new things so it’s all work that I really love!”