For this Faculty Feature, we spoke with Kilannin Krysiak PhD, Assistant Professor, Pathology & Immunology in Genomic & Molecular Pathology.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up, and when did you first become interested in science and medicine?
I was born and raised in Lanark IL, a town of 1600 people. Despite having a very small high school, we had some really great programs, particularly in chemistry and biological science. While I was always interested in science, I give a lot of credit to my high school teachers Mr. Freidhof and Mr. Weber for really engaging me in scientific discovery. I was so engaged by scientific experimentation in Mr. Freidhof’s physics and chemistry classes and fell in love with genetics my sophomore year in Mr. Weber’s class.
What is your career path?
My undergraduate degree was at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and spent 2 years after graduating as a technician in Dr. Eric Oldfield’s lab. I came to WashU for my PhD and have been here ever since. I have had multiple roles, affiliations, and email domains in that time and am now proud to be clinical-track faculty in the department as a PhD board-certified in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics.
What are your favorite parts of your current role?
I really love being able to directly impact and improve patient care. Whether I’m providing a rapid or complex diagnosis or optimizing routine care paths, I find immense satisfaction in knowing I can impact patient’s lives. I also feel very passionately about sharing what I’ve learned more broadly and doing what I can to improve the knowledge and access to my field.
What is a memorable moment you’ve had while working in the department?
When our colleague Meagan received the Shining Star award, we came prepared with carboard cutouts on sticks to cheer her on. She had no idea and the delighted surprise on her face when she saw her cheer section was priceless.
What special skills or talents do you have that people may not know about?
I like to make homemade beef jerky and see what kind of unique flavor profiles I can pull off.
What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities?
Traveling is a big one. You can tell me where and I’ll just have to figure out when. I love movies of all sorts and collect them (physical, not digital, whenever possible). I also love movie scores and classical music, so I really enjoy attending the St Louis Symphony Orchestra.
What is your advice to aspiring people in your field?
Don’t be afraid to ask for things you want and explore the opportunities around you. Surrounding yourself with people you can be honest with and who will not only support you but challenge you in ways that help you learn and grow.
