First-generation college student Katrina Ni finds her passion for genetic research at UF

As a first-generation college student and the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Katrina Ni is no stranger to hard work. The University of Florida biology student — who has a passion for molecular genetics and bioengineering — thrives on navigating complex academic challenges. And she looks forward to pursuing a science career that could ultimately change, and even save, people’s lives.

“UF empowers and prepares first-generation students like me, providing guidance and resources that help us thrive in our academic and career journeys. When I arrived here and chose the pre-med path, it was the first time I felt I had a clear roadmap,” said Ni, who plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2026. “I skipped eighth grade and went straight into high school without a clear understanding of the college application process; it felt like I was playing catch up, trying to learn everything on my own. But at UF, I knew exactly what was expected of me — all the steps I needed to reach my goals. There are so many opportunities here.”

One of the most valuable opportunities for Ni was a recent collaboration with Eric Wang, Ph.D., whose work in the Center for NeuroGenetics is driven by a desire to find treatments for muscular dystrophy and other related diseases.

Over the summer, Ni worked in the Wang Lab, conducting research on the molecular mechanisms behind myotonic dystrophy type 1 — a genetic disorder caused by the expansion of cytosine, thymine, and guanine repeats in the dystrophia myotonic protein kinase gene. 

“Working in Dr. Wang's lab has given me invaluable experience in molecular genetics and bioengineering techniques, solidifying my interest in a career that combines research with clinical application,” Ni said. 

Ni is studying how repeat expansions of nucleobases can lead to the formation of abnormal hairpin structures in RNA, which trap specific proteins and form clumps, disrupting normal protein function throughout the body. This can result in symptoms such as muscle weakness, prolonged muscle contractions, cataracts, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiac conduction abnormalities. 

Her work specifically explores how this mutation affects alternative splicing — a crucial RNA processing step that allows a single gene to produce multiple RNA isoforms. Alternative splicing is essential for the complexity of cellular functions, especially in tissues like muscles, the heart, and the central nervous system. 

Ni uses a technology called Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, or CRISPR, which helps research scientists selectively modify the DNA of living organisms. Her goal is to establish a foundational understanding of how the dystrophia myotonic protein kinase gene expansions affect certain proteins. This knowledge could eventually contribute to therapeutic strategies targeting RNA and protein interactions in myotonic dystrophy type 1 and similar genetic disorders.

“Being part of this research has inspired me to pursue a future where I can contribute to developing treatments for genetic disorders and help bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient care,” Ni said.

Staying on the pre-med track, Ni wants to work toward becoming a doctor and continue conducting research. She explains that she doesn’t care to be super well-known, but instead to simply know she has made an impact on someone’s life. 

As Ni put it, “I want a career where I can treat someone and keep up with them and see that they've improved.”