Kathryn (Katie) Kapp, Ph.D.

Tagline:Postdoctoral Scholar at the Canary Center at Stanford specializing in mass spectrometry-based (glyco)proteomics of clinical samples. Applying for faculty positions in Fall 2026!

Stanford, CA, USA

About Me

Hi! My name is Katie, and I am a postdoc at the Canary Center at Stanford. I am passionate about 1) using mass spectrometry to advance our biological understanding of disease, especially related to protein glycosylation, and 2) teaching the power of mass spectrometry and chemistry and mentoring trainees. I will be on the faculty job market in Fall 2026 and am looking for assistant professor positions in analytical or biological chemistry.

Personally, I grew up on my family's farm in western Pennsylvania (see above). You can take me off the farm, but you can't take the farm out of me. I am a first-generation college student. I love traveling, spending time with family and friends, researching family history, reading, and crocheting. My dad and I are also learning German together when he isn't farming.

My dad showing his grandpa's 1954 Farmall Super C at our hometown's 200th anniversary festival. It's still a working tractor (but semi-retired because it's my dad's favorite)

It's no wonder I went from a farm kid watching my dad work on old machinery to being a mass spectrometrist! Please scroll through to learn more about my work. Thank you!

Education

Ph.D.
from: 2018, until: 2023
Field of study:Chemistry (Bioanalytical)School:Vanderbilt UniversityLocation:Nashville, TN
Description
Overview:
· Dissertation: Plasma Proteomic Factors Associated with Sepsis Survival Outcomes (http://hdl.handle.net/1803/18652)
· Vanderbilt Chemistry-Biology Interface Pre-Doctoral Trainee (T32)
· Certificate in College Teaching
· GPA: 3.928/4.000
B.S. (summa cum laude)
from: 2013, until: 2017
Field of study:ChemistrySchool:Gannon UniversityLocation:Erie, PA
Description
· Honors Program Scholar
· GPA: 3.900/4.000

Research Interests

Mass Spectrometry
Liquid Chromatography
Proteomics
Glycosylation
Cancer Detection
Women's Health

Skills

Mass Spectrometry
Liquid Chromatography
Bottom-up Proteomics (Sample Prep, Data Acquisition, Data Analysis)
Glycoproteomics (Sample Prep, Data Acquisition, Data Analysis)
Clinical Sample Preparation for Proteomics (Tissue, Biofluids)
Sample Preparation Automation
ELISAs
Western Blotting
Teaching & Mentoring
Science Communication

Projects

Glycoproteomics for Early Cancer Detection
date: 2023
Organization:Stanford University - Pitteri Lab
Description:
Using mass spectrometry (MS)-based (glyco)proteomics to study protein N-glycosylation in various samples to improve early detection/risk stratification of different cancers (e.g., colon, pancreatic, prostate, kidney) with clinical collaborators

Pitteri Lab
Plasma Proteomic Factors Associated with Sepsis Survival Outcomes
date: 2019
Organization:Vanderbilt University - Robinson Lab
Description:
Explored impact of patients’ racial/ethnic backgrounds and infection source on survival outcomes from sepsis using high resolution LC-MS-based proteomics

Robinson Lab
Small Peptides' Inhibition of Huntingtin Protein Aggregation
date: 2016
Organization:West Virginia University - Legleiter Lab
Description:
·Developed a thioflavin assay to monitor small peptides’ inhibition of huntingtin protein aggregation
·Gained experience with atomic force microscopy (AFM) sample preparation and data acquisition and analysis
Effects of ultrasound on the digestive enzyme pepsin A
date: 2016
Organization:Gannon University Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Description:
Worked with Dr. Keith Michael Krise

Publications

Quantifying Protein Temporal Changes with Mass Spectrometry in Plasma Samples from Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of the American Society for Mass SpectrometryDate:2026
Authors:
Kathryn L KappCatherine C GoingFernando J Garcia-MarquesKe LeowAlisha MaltosAbel BermudezMarta VilaltaMarjan RafatMelissa JenkinsJie Jane Chenothers
Erratum to “Establishing and characterizing the molecular profiles, cellular features, and clinical utility of a patient-derived xenograft model using benign prostatic tissues”(Lab Invest 2024 Oct; 104 (10): 102129)
Journal ArticlePublisher:Laboratory InvestigationDate:2026
Authors:
Alexandra Lapat PolaskoDalin ZhangAvanti RamrajChun-Lung ChiuFernando J Garcia-MarquesAbel BermudezKathryn KappEric PetersonZhengyuan QiuAnna S Pollackothers
Intact glycopeptide analysis of human prostate tissue reveals site-specific heterogeneity of protein glycosylation in prostate cancer
Journal ArticlePublisher:GlycobiologyDate:2025
Authors:
Kathryn L KappFernando Garcia-MarquesSarah M TottenAbel BermudezCheylene TanimotoJames D BrooksSharon J Pitteri
Establishing and characterizing the molecular profiles, cellular features, and clinical utility of a patient-derived xenograft model using benign prostatic tissues
Journal ArticlePublisher:Laboratory InvestigationDate:2024
Authors:
Alexandra Lapat PolaskoDalin ZhangAvanti RamrajChun-Lung ChiuFernando J Garcia-MarquesAbel BermudezKathryn KappEric PetersonZhengyuan QiuAnna S Pollackothers
Pathways Associated with Positive Sepsis Survival Outcomes in African American/Black and Non-Hispanic White UTI Patients
Journal ArticlePublisher:Shock (Augusta, Ga.)Date:2023
Authors:
Kathryn L KappMin Ji ChoiKun BaiLiping DuSachin YendeJohn A KellumDerek C AngusOctavia M Peck-PalmerRenã AS Robinson
Plasma Proteomic Factors Associated With Sepsis Survival Outcomes
ThesisPublisher:Vanderbilt UniversityDate:2023
Authors:
Kathryn Lynn Kapp
Charge within Nt17 peptides modulates huntingtin aggregation and initial lipid binding events
Journal ArticlePublisher:Biophysical chemistryDate:2023
Authors:
Alyssa R StonebrakerRachel HankinKathryn L KappPeng LiStephen J ValentineJustin Legleiter
A prospective cohort protocol for the remnant investigation in sepsis study
Journal ArticlePublisher:Critical Care ExplorationsDate:2023
Authors:
Christopher W SeymourKelly Lynn UrbanekAnna NakayamaJason N KennedyRachel PowellRenã AS RobinsonKathryn L KappTimothy R BilliarYoram VodovotzStacy L Gelhausothers
Incorporation of a Virtual Proteomics Module into the Undergraduate Analytical Curriculum
Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of Chemical EducationDate:2023
Authors:
Kathryn L KappRenã AS RobinsonSusan Verberne-SuttonKaitlyn E Stepler
Proteomic changes associated with racial background and sepsis survival outcomes
Journal ArticlePublisher:Molecular OmicsDate:2022
Authors:
Kathryn L KappAlbert B ArulKevin C ZhangLiping DuSachin YendeJohn A KellumDerek C AngusOctavia M Peck-PalmerRenã AS Robinson

Presentations

High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Enables Comparison of Protein Glycosylation Heterogeneity in Patient-Matched Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum
Date: Jun 2026
Event name: American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) 2026 Conference .Location: San Diego, CA .
Description:
Poster
Analysis of Protein Glycosylation Heterogeneity in Complex Clinical Samples by High Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Date: May 2026
Event name: Thermo Fisher Scientific's Users' Meeting at the ASMS 2026 Conference .Location: San Diego, CA .
Description:
Oral
Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Protein Glycosylation Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Cyst Fluid
Date: May 2026
Event name: Stanford Cancer Imaging Training Program Quarterly Seminar .Location: Stanford, CA .
Description:
Oral
Site-Specific Heterogeneity of Protein Glycosylation in Patient-Matched Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum
Date: May 2026
Event name: Cancer Glyco-X Symposium .Location: Grand Rapids, MI .
Description:
Poster & Highlight Talk
Site-Specific Heterogeneity of Protein Glycosylation in Patient-Matched Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum
Date: Apr 2026
Event name: Canary Center Symposium .Location: Stanford, CA .
Description:
Poster
Site-Specific Heterogeneity of Protein Glycosylation in Patient-Matched Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum
Date: Feb 2026
Event name: US Human Proteome Organization (US HUPO) 2026 Conference .Location: St. Louis, MO .
Description:
Poster & Lightning Talk
High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Enables Characterization of Protein Glycosylation Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Cyst Fluid
Date: Jun 2025
Event name: ASMS 2025 Conference .Location: Baltimore, MD .
Description:
Oral
Proteomic and Glycoproteomic Changes in Pancreatic Cyst Fluid for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
Date: Nov 2024
Event name: Stanford Radiology Department-Wide Research Retreat .Location: Stanford, CA .
Description:
Oral
Country strong: How a farm kid became a chemist
Date: Nov 2024
Event name: Gannon University Chemistry Club Seminar .Location: Erie, PA .
Description:
Oral
Proteomic and Glycoproteomic Changes in Pancreatic Cyst Fluid for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
Date: Oct 2024
Event name: The Early Detection of Cancer Conference .Location: San Francisco, CA .
Description:
Poster

Teachings

BIOS 227: Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics: Opening the Black Box
From: 2024, Until: present
Organization:Stanford UniversityField:Biosciences (BIOS 227)
Description:
Graduate-level, 2-week intensive course on mass spectrometry and proteomics. Open to graduate students for credit and postdocs/faculty/staff for auditing.

Winter 2027 Course Listing

Mentees

QN
Qunyh Nguyen
Shotgun Proteomics Data Analysis of Pancreatic Cyst Fluid
date: 2026 - 2026
Degree: Other .University: San Jose State University .Department: Chemistry .
Description:
Mentored Quynh Nguyen (Biochemistry Major) for a ten-week summer program, Canary CREST
WP
William Pham
Shotgun Proteomics Data Analysis of Metastatic Melanoma Cell Lines
date: 2025 - 2025
Degree: Other .University: San Jose State University .Department: Chemistry .
Description:
Mentored William Pham (Biochemistry Major) for a ten-week summer program, Canary CREST
AD
Audrey DaDamio
Shotgun Proteomics Data Analysis of Human Colon Cancer Tissue
date: 2025 - 2025
Degree: Other .University: Stanford University .Department: Biology .
Description:
Mentored Audrey DaDamio (Biology Major) for an undergraduate research project during the spring quarter; will be included in an upcoming publication
CL
Claudia Leonard
Intact Glycoproteomics of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) to Study Brain Metastases
date: 2024 - present
Degree: Other .University: Stanford University .Department: Cancer Biology .
Description:
Mentored Claudia Leonard (Cancer Biology Graduate Student) for a ten-week rotation and continue to provide advice and support for her projects in the Pitteri Lab
NS
Nikhiya Shamsher
Intact Urine Glycoproteomics to Study Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
date: 2024 - present
Degree: Other .University: Stanford University .Department: Computer Science .
Description:
Mentored Nikhiya Shamsher (Computer Science Bachelor’s Student/Biomedical Data Science co-terminal Master’s Student) throughout her time in the Pitteri Lab
MP
Melissa Parra
Proteomic and Glycoproteomic Changes in Human Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum
date: 2024 - 2024
Degree: Other .University: University of California, Los Angeles .Department: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology .
Description:
Mentored Quynh Nguyen (MCDB Major) for a ten-week summer program, Canary CREST; won runner-up at the CREST poster symposium; will be included in an upcoming publication
RA
Rowan Atwood
Fruit Fly Proteomics to Study Sex Disparities in Aging
date: 2023 - 2023
Degree: Other .University: Vanderbilt University .Department: Psychology/Spanish .
Description:
Mentored a team of two Vanderbilt undergraduate researchers for an undergraduate research project during the spring semester
KK
Kaitlyn Kim
Fruit Fly Proteomics to Study Sex Disparities in Aging
date: 2023 - 2023
Degree: Other .University: Vanderbilt University .Department: Chemistry .
Description:
Mentored a team of two Vanderbilt undergraduate researchers for an undergraduate research project during the spring semester

Fellowships, Honors, & Awards

Stanford Cancer Imaging Training Program (SCIT) T-32 Fellow
date: 2025-09-16
Issuer:National Institutes of Health (NIH) - National Cancer Institute (NCI)
SCIT Program
Stanford.Berkeley.UCSF Next Generation Faculty Symposium Honorable Mention
date: 2025-09-10
Issuer:Stanford, Berkeley, & UCSF
Next Gen Symposium
ASMS Postdoctoral Career Development Award
date: 2025-06-04
Issuer:ASMS
Description:
$5,000 for professional development

ASMS Postdoc Award
Stanford Propel Postdoctoral Scholar
date: 2023-09-15
Issuer:Stanford School of Medicine
Propel Program
Stanford Postdoctoral Recruitment Initiative in Science and Medicine (PRISM) Baker Fellowship
date: 2023-09-15
Issuer:Stanford Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Description:
Declined

PRISM Baker Fellowship
Stanford Postdoctoral Recruitment Initiative in Science and Medicine (PRISM)
date: 2023-05-01
Issuer:Stanford Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
PRISM Program
World HUPO Congress 2022 Travel Award
date: 2022-11-01
Issuer:US HUPO
Travel Grant to Present Research
date: 2022-11-01
Issuer:Vanderbilt University Graduate School
US HUPO 2022 Travel Award
date: 2022-02-01
Issuer:US HUPO
Vanderbilt Chemistry-Biology Interface T-32 Scholar
date: 2019-06-01
Issuer:National Institutes of Health (NIH)
V-CBI Program

Leadership & Service

Member, US HUPO Education and Outreach Committee
- Collaborating with another committee member to create a “proteomics communications toolkit” for the community to use
- https://us-hupo.org/Proteomics-Toolkit
Pop Up Chemistry Volunteer, Silicon Valley ACS Local Section
Pen Pal, Stanford Science Pen Pals (Recruitment Officer)
Pod Coordinator, FeMS Mentoring Committee
Pen Pal with a Purpose, Vanderbilt University Graduate Student Council
Invited Panelist, Presenting & Publishing Your Research, Gannon University Writing & Research Center Experience Panel
Member, Vanderbilt University Beckman Scholars Program Selection Committee
Membership Vice-President, White Rose Alumni Chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma
National Service Sorority (GSS)
Alumni Member of Strategic Planning & Evaluation Committee, GSS
Judge, Vanderbilt University Summer Science Academy Undergraduate Symposium
Vice-President, GWIS Nashville Chapter
Invited Panelist, Presenting & Publishing Your Research, Gannon University Writing & Research Center Experience Panel
Invited Panelist, Graduate School for First-Generation Students, Gannon University Writing & Research Center Experience Panel
Event Planner, GWIS Nashville Chapter
Secretary, White Rose Alumni Chapter of GSS
Outreach Chair, VU-WiSE
Nationals Representative, Eta Pi Chapter of GSS
Secretary, Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society
Service Vice-President, Eta Pi Chapter of GSS
Service Auditor, Eta Pi Chapter of GSS
Alternative Break Service Trip Student Leader to Mérida, Yucatán, México,
Gannon University Center for Social Concerns
Gannon University Ambassador
President, Alpha Sigma Honor Chapter of Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society
ServeMore Sophomore, Gannon University Center for Social Concerns

Licenses & Certifications

CPR/AED/First Aid
Issue date: Sep 2025,
Expires date: Sep 2027,
Issued by: American Heart Association .
Reviewer Lab Completion
Issue date: Jul 2025,
Issued by: American Chemical Society .
Description:
Overview of how to review papers for peer-reviewed journals
Postdoctoral Mentoring Certificate
Issue date: May 2025,
Issued by: Stanford Office of Postdoctoral Affairs .
Description:
· Completed “Tier 1: Learn” section of the Certificate program
o Attended one two-day workshop and four lunchtime workshops on fundamental topics of mentoring
 Topics included: Effective Communication, Aligning Expectations, Assessing Understanding, Addressing Equity and Inclusion, Fostering Independence, and Promoting Professional Development
 Brainstormed mentoring best practices and solutions to common problems with other postdoctoral scholars
· Completed “Tier 2: Practice” section of the Certificate program
o Served as a mentor for a quarter (to Melissa Parra in CREST program below)
 Developed a mentoring compact in collaboration with Melissa
 Held and recorded weekly check-ins and reflections
 Met with a peer mentoring coach to discuss successes and strategies for improvement
o Attended an additional four lunchtime workshops on fundamental topics of mentoring
o Developed a mentoring portfolio featuring my mentoring compact, performance, and philosophy

Mentoring Certificate Details
Group 7: IRB BioMed/GCP Research (All Medical Investigators and Staff)
Issue date: Oct 2023,
Expires date: Oct 2026,
Issued by: CITI .
Description:
Credential ID 59246403
Certificate in College Teaching
Issue date: Oct 2021,
Issued by: Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching .
Description:
· Studied different styles of pedagogy, assessment, and diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies for the college classroom, with an emphasis on backward design
· Re-designed a general chemistry unit on stoichiometry using backward design and active learning
· Guest-lectured on fundamentals of mass spectrometry and was observed with an excellent peer-review

Conference Contributions

American Society for Mass Spectrometry Undergraduate Poster Competition
From: 2025
Judge
The Early Detection of Cancer Conference
From: 2024
Abstract Reviewer
EDx 2024 Program
ComSciCon Atlanta 2021
From: 2020
To: 2021
Co-Organizer/Application Reviewer

Journal Contributions

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Reviews on Cancer
From: 2025
Reviewer

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Download

Contact

klkapp@stanford.edu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-kapp/

Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=k3jq3ZUAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1468-8569

contents:

Kathryn (Katie) Kapp, Ph.D.

About Me

Education

Ph.D.

B.S. (summa cum laude)

Research Interests

Skills

Projects

Glycoproteomics for Early Cancer Detection

Plasma Proteomic Factors Associated with Sepsis Survival Outcomes

Small Peptides' Inhibition of Huntingtin Protein Aggregation

Effects of ultrasound on the digestive enzyme pepsin A

Publications

Quantifying Protein Temporal Changes with Mass Spectrometry in Plasma Samples from Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

Erratum to “Establishing and characterizing the molecular profiles, cellular features, and clinical utility of a patient-derived xenograft model using benign prostatic tissues”(Lab Invest 2024 Oct; 104 (10): 102129)

Intact glycopeptide analysis of human prostate tissue reveals site-specific heterogeneity of protein glycosylation in prostate cancer

Establishing and characterizing the molecular profiles, cellular features, and clinical utility of a patient-derived xenograft model using benign prostatic tissues

Pathways Associated with Positive Sepsis Survival Outcomes in African American/Black and Non-Hispanic White UTI Patients

Plasma Proteomic Factors Associated With Sepsis Survival Outcomes

Charge within Nt17 peptides modulates huntingtin aggregation and initial lipid binding events

A prospective cohort protocol for the remnant investigation in sepsis study

Incorporation of a Virtual Proteomics Module into the Undergraduate Analytical Curriculum

Proteomic changes associated with racial background and sepsis survival outcomes

Presentations

High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Enables Comparison of Protein Glycosylation Heterogeneity in Patient-Matched Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum

Analysis of Protein Glycosylation Heterogeneity in Complex Clinical Samples by High Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Protein Glycosylation Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Cyst Fluid

Site-Specific Heterogeneity of Protein Glycosylation in Patient-Matched Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum

Site-Specific Heterogeneity of Protein Glycosylation in Patient-Matched Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum

Site-Specific Heterogeneity of Protein Glycosylation in Patient-Matched Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum

High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Enables Characterization of Protein Glycosylation Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Cyst Fluid

Proteomic and Glycoproteomic Changes in Pancreatic Cyst Fluid for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

Country strong: How a farm kid became a chemist

Proteomic and Glycoproteomic Changes in Pancreatic Cyst Fluid for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

Teachings

BIOS 227: Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics: Opening the Black Box

Mentees

Shotgun Proteomics Data Analysis of Pancreatic Cyst Fluid

Shotgun Proteomics Data Analysis of Metastatic Melanoma Cell Lines

Shotgun Proteomics Data Analysis of Human Colon Cancer Tissue

Intact Glycoproteomics of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) to Study Brain Metastases

Intact Urine Glycoproteomics to Study Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Proteomic and Glycoproteomic Changes in Human Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum

Fruit Fly Proteomics to Study Sex Disparities in Aging

Fruit Fly Proteomics to Study Sex Disparities in Aging

Fellowships, Honors, & Awards

Stanford Cancer Imaging Training Program (SCIT) T-32 Fellow

Stanford.Berkeley.UCSF Next Generation Faculty Symposium Honorable Mention

ASMS Postdoctoral Career Development Award

Stanford Propel Postdoctoral Scholar

Stanford Postdoctoral Recruitment Initiative in Science and Medicine (PRISM) Baker Fellowship

Stanford Postdoctoral Recruitment Initiative in Science and Medicine (PRISM)

World HUPO Congress 2022 Travel Award

Travel Grant to Present Research

US HUPO 2022 Travel Award

Vanderbilt Chemistry-Biology Interface T-32 Scholar

Leadership & Service

Licenses & Certifications

CPR/AED/First Aid

Reviewer Lab Completion

Postdoctoral Mentoring Certificate

Group 7: IRB BioMed/GCP Research (All Medical Investigators and Staff)

Certificate in College Teaching

Conference Contributions

American Society for Mass Spectrometry Undergraduate Poster Competition

The Early Detection of Cancer Conference

ComSciCon Atlanta 2021

Journal Contributions

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Reviews on Cancer

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Contact