Katie Kwiatkowski

Education

B.S. Chemistry- Saginaw Valley State University, 2018

Ph.D. Organic Chemistry- Michigan State University, 2023

Professional experience

Visiting Lecturer – Calvin University, 2023-present

Biography

Professor Kwiatkowski is a Michigan native, born and raised in Bay City, Michigan. She attended Saginaw Valley State University where she began her research journey. She worked on a variety of research projects, participated in community STEM outreach projects, and mentored high school students. Her undergraduate research journey allowed her to discover her passion for organic chemistry and teaching. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from SVSU in spring 2018 and joined the Draths group at Michigan State University in December 2018 where she worked on developing syntheses for commodity chemicals starting from methane and carbon dioxide, intertwining chemical and enzymatic catalysis. Professor Kwiatkowski taught for twelve semesters at MSU and received an excellence in teaching citation. Having spent all of her chemistry career at public universities, she was so excited to see an opening for a chemistry lecturer at Calvin University. Her faith is of utmost importance to her, and she thanks God for giving her the opportunity to integrate her faith into something that had to be kept separate in all previous academic settings. During her free time, professor Kwiatkowski enjoys spending time with her family and pet bunny, crafting, and thrift shopping.

Academic interests

Biosynthesis of commodity chemicals

Enzyme optimization

NMR reaction monitoring

Awards

Michigan State University Excellence in Teaching Citation- 2023

American Chemical Society Midland Division Poster Presentation Award- 2021

Saginaw Valley State University Outstanding Senior Chemistry Student- 2018