Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, minor in Biochemistry, University of Arizona (2020)
Bachelor of Science in Physiology, Honors Distinction, University of Arizona (2020)
Master of Science in Human Physiology, Boston University (2022)
As a first-generation college student, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with a minor in Biochemistry, as well as my Bachelor of Science in Physiology with Honors distinction from the University of Arizona in 2020. I went on to earn my Master of Science at Boston University in 2022. I matriculated into the MD-PhD program in 2022, and am currently a second year graduate student (GS2) in Biomedical Engineering (BME).
My research investigates the consequences of excessive mechanical stress in the lung in the context of progressive, irreversible airway diseases such as asthma and COPD under the mentorship of Dr. Julie Ledford.
I recently received a Graduate Certification in Health Law for Health Professionals through the James E. Rogers College of Law and a Certification for the Eureka International Translational Medicine Course in Utrecht, Netherlands during my PhD training. I'm also apart of the Executive Committee and Admissions Committee for our MD-PhD program.
Outside of medical school, I enjoy spending time in the gym, trail running, or visiting San Diego where my husband is stationed as a Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot!
2025 Predoctoral T32 Fellowship Interdisciplinary Training in Cardiovascular Research (CVR) (HL007249-48)
2025 Certification, Eureka International Summer Course on Translational Medicine, Utrecht, Netherlands
2025 Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Phoenix Chapter Scholar
2024, 2025 University of Arizona Travel Grants (UA COM-T, CMM, BME Departments)
2022, 2023 University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Medical Award of Excellence
2020 Tri-Alpha Honors Society for First Generation College Graduate Students Inductee
2020 University of Arizona Honors College Outstanding Senior of the Year Nominee
2020 University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Senior of the Year Nominee
2019, 2020 University of Arizona Academic Achievement Award
2018, 2019, 2020 University of Arizona Dean’s List
2018 Margaret Bilson Microbiology Scholarship
2017 University of Arizona Honors College Outstanding Freshman of the Year Nominee
2016 Ronald McDonald House Charity Scholar awarded for 500+ hours of community service
2016 Burger King Scholar awarded for outstanding community service
Publications:
a. Berthiaume Fox, K. A., Galvin, E. A., Kness-Knezinskis, E., Hostler, A., Chen, K., Gurtner, G. C. Decoding Wound Healing: Cellular Insights and Technological Advances. NPJ Biomedical Innovations. 2025. In press, 2025.
b. Berthiaume Fox, K. A., Hellinger, R., Ledford, J. G. “Pulmonary Barriers to Targeted Delivery” in Harnessing Endogenous Mechanism for Targeted Drug Delivery. Elsevier. In press, 2025. [Book Chapter]
c. Werder RB, Berthiaume, K. A., Merritt C, Gallagher M, Villacorta-Martin C, Wang F, Bawa P, Malik V, Lyons SM, Basil MC, Morrisey EE, Kotton DN, Zhou X, Cho MH, Wilson AA. The COPD GWAS gene ADGRG6 instructs function and injury response in human iPSC-derived type II alveolar epithelial cells. American Journal of Human Genetics. 2023 Oct 5;110(10):1735-1749. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.08.017. Epub 2023 Sep 20. PMID: 37734371; PMCID: PMC10577075.
d. Roewe J, Walachowski S, Sharma A, Berthiaume, K. A., Reinhardt C, Bosmann M. Bacterial Polyphosphates Induce CXCL4 and Synergize with Complement Anaphylatoxin C5a in Lung Injury. Frontiers in Immunology, 2022 Nov 3;13:980733. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.980733. PMID: 36405694; PMCID: PMC9669059
e. Werder RB, Huang J, Abo KM, Hix OT, Minakin K, Alysandratos KD, Merritt C, Berthiaume, K., Alber AB, Burgess CL, Kotton DN, Wilson AA. Generating 3D Spheres and 2D Air-Liquid Interface Cultures of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Type 2 Alveolar Epithelial Cells, Journal of Visualized Experiments. 2022 Apr 15; (182). doi: 10.3791/63875. PMID: 35499347.
f. Berthiaume, K. A. (2022). Functional characterization of ADGRG6 in induced human AT2s. Sargent College of Boston University Repository, Boston, MA. [Master’s Thesis]
g. Berthiaume, K. A. (2020). The Role of Prebiotics on Nutrient Sensing and Metabolic Homeostasis in the Small Intestine. University of Arizona Honors College Repository, Tucson, AZ [Honors Thesis]
Presentations:
a. Berthiaume Fox, K. A. et al. (2025) Asthmatic Bronchoconstriction Impacts Cell Metabolism. University of Arizona College of Medicine Research Day. Tucson, AZ. [Poster, Oral Presentation]
b. Berthiaume Fox, K. A. et al. (2025) Bronchoconstriction Modulates CC16 Levels and Subsequent Dysregulation of Epithelial Cells in Asthma. Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA. [Oral Presentation]
c. Berthiaume Fox, K. A. et al. (2025). Optimizing a Mechanical Stress System to Investigate the Role of CC16 in Airway Remodeling and Cell Metabolism in Asthma. University of Arizona Biomedical Engineering Day, Tucson, AZ. [Poster]
d. Berthiaume Fox, K. A. et al. (2024). Cosmetic Gluteal Augmentation Causes Multi-Organ Failure, Severe Hemolysis, and Death. Society for Critical Care Medicine, Critical Care Congress. Phoenix, AZ. [Oral Presentation]
e. Berthiaume, K. A. (2022). The Functional Characterization of ADGRG6 in Induced Type 2 Alveolar Epithelial Cells. Creminar, Boston University Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM). Boston, MA. [Oral Presentation]