Katherine Merkling, MA, MS

About

USC-trained neuroscientist turned business strategist. Precision communicator. For my marketing side, I translate complex innovation into white papers, tech and fintech UGC, and thought leadership that build authority and support growth. I am also a data analyst and statistician by training.

Experience

• Founder/Owner & Principal Consultant · BioKat Consulting LLC05-01-2024

  Behavioral neuroscientist turned technical writer specializing in research-driven white papers and industry reports. I help science and healthcare companies translate complex literature into clear insights for decision-makers.

• Podcast Associate · Biotech Connection Los Angeles (BCLA)2023-10-01 – 2026-02-01

  Support production of the Inside Biotech podcast by conducting guest research and developing background scripts for OTT distribution platforms. Create promotional materials using Canva Pro to advertise episodes across digital platforms. Contribute to program planning and outreach strategies to increase audience engagement and visibility.

• Graduate Research/Project Management · University of Southern California2023-07-01 – 2025-07-01

  Coordinated multi-year neuroscience research projects, including data collection, statistical analysis, and dissemination of findings. Developed project timelines, tracked milestones, and maintained compliance with IACUC and funding requirements. Mentored undergraduate students in data analysis, and research methods.

• Teaching Assistant · University of Southern California2024-08-01 – 2025-05-01

  Assisted in courses on Pharmacology of Performance-Enhancing Drugs and Metabolism, providing instruction to undergraduate students. Delivered guest lectures and facilitated discussions to strengthen student understanding of complex scientific concepts. Developed instructional materials and grading rubrics. Evaluated and graded exams, term papers, and lab assignments, ensuring consistency and academic integrity. Mentored students in scientific writing, research methods, and the process of developing term papers. Shared hands-on research experience, teaching students about experimental design and data interpretation.

• USC JumpStart Mentor · University of Southern California2024-05-01 – 2024-08-01

  As a USC JumpStart mentor, I was assigned a mentee and met with them over the summer, guiding them about graduate school life, and research.

• Brand Ambassador · Proteintech Group2023-10-01 – 2024-08-01

  Promoted company webinars and resources for students and professionals through targeted science communication on social media (Instagram). Distributed promotional materials on campus to increase visibility and participation in company-sponsored educational events. Engaged with academic and professional communities to strengthen awareness of antibody technologies and their applications.

• BRIDGE2AI ENABLE Scholar Program · UCLA2024-01-01 – 2024-05-01

  Developed foundational skills in Python programming, including connecting and integrating public health APIs for data-driven research. Completed coursework on ethnical applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in biomedical contexts, with a focus on responsible data use and equity. Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to explore how emerging technologies can enhance biomedical research and public health outcomes.

• Data Management Assistant · BUILD CSULB2021-12-01 – 2023-06-01

  Managed participant data for a NIH-funded social science program (BUILD). Designed codebooks, cleaned datasets, and prepared compliance reports. Applied advanced Excel and SPSS to track outcomes and evaluate program impact and collaborated with faculty and program directors to streamline data processes, improving reporting efficiency.

• Graduate Research Assistant · CSULB- Treesukosol2022-01-01 – 2022-05-01

  Conducted dissections of rodent models for retrieval of organs and pelvic bones. Trained undergraduates in pelvic bone collection for specimen processing. Organized Excel and SPSS data files for data collection and analysis. Assisted with setting up experiments and giving rodents injections.

• Case Manager · CASA of Stanislaus County2020-09-01 – 2021-12-01

  Supervised and supported volunteers advocating for children in foster care, providing training and guidance on child welfare laws, and courtroom preparation. Reviewed and edited court reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with judicial standards. Represented program in court alongside CASA volunteers to advocate for child well-being.

Education

• Southeastern Oklahoma State UniversityMBA, Entrepreneurship
• University of Southern CaliforniaMasters of Science, Biology/Biological Sciences, General
• California State University, Long BeachMaster of Arts - MA, Experimental Psychology
• California State University, StanislausBachelor of Arts - BA, Psychology, Minor in Biological Sciences
• Modesto Junior CollegeAssociate of Arts - AA, Psychology

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