Kara McKinley, PhD
Assistant Professor in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University
2022 NYSCF – Robertson Stem Cell Investigator
PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Postdoctoral Training, University of California, San Francisco
Bio
Dr. McKinley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University. Her lab studies how the lining of the uterus regenerates each month after menstruation. Using ex vivo cultures (human endometrial organoids) and in vivo imaging of the only known menstruating rodent, the African spiny mouse, she aims to unravel the mechanisms of endometrial remodeling, and identify the cells that replenish the uterine lining in humans. Gaining insights into endometrial regeneration is critical to address the longstanding unmet needs of patients with infertility, endometriosis, and adenomyosis, as well as the growing incidence of endometrial cancers. She is also the founder of Leading Edge, an initiative to improve the gender diversity of faculty in the biomedical sciences. Dr. McKinley received her PhD from MIT and completed her postdoctoral training at UCSF.