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Kara Stark
kara.stark@duke.edu
I am a developmental biologist in the lab Dr. Blanche Capel at Duke University Medical Center. I am interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms driving cell fate decisions in the embryo. The cells that are most interesting to me are germ cells, or the precursor cells to egg and sperm. Currently, my research focuses on understanding how a subset of male germ cells are selected to become spermatogional stem cell, and how the non-selected cells are cleared from the developing gonad. Outside of research, I am passionate about science education, outreach, and mentorship.
Germ cells, the precursor cells to egg and sperm, are perhaps the most important cells in the body as they are responsible for passing on their DNA to the next generation. I am fascinated in understanding how germ cells overcome unique developmental hurdles. I hope that, through studying early germ cell development, we may gain insight as to the causes of infertility.
While students may go on to diverse careers, they will all benefit from learning to design testable questions and draw evidence-based conclusions. Using an experiential learning approach, I hope to assist students in developing these skill sets.
To promote inclusivity and accessibility in research, I have participated in a number of science outreach initiatives. Seeing the next generation of scientists get excited about careers in STEM has been highly rewarding and caused outreach to become central part of how I approach science education.
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