I completed my PhD in the Perivascular Research Group at the University of Tasmania in 2022, where I investigated pericyte, vascular and microglial changes in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and neuroinflammation. During my PhD I also characterized how microglia interact with pericytes along the vasculature in the brain and how this interaction is reduced in Alzheimer’s disease.

As a post-doctoral fellow in the Shih Lab, I am investigating the mechanisms of pericyte contractility and how these mechanisms may be altered in Alzheimer’s disease, using in vivo multi-photon imaging techniques. I am interested in finding out whether alterations to pericyte contractility may affect the surrounding vascular network and whether these alterations could exacerbate or alleviate the development of Alzheimer’s disease pathology. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy spending time reading, exploring nature and playing board games.

Catherine.Foster@SeattleChildrens.org