Karen Ann Subin (she/her) is a junior We CU Community Engaged Scholar majoring in molecular and cellular biology and psychology. Her research interests include women’s healthcare and how genetic, environmental, and systemic factors contribute to disparities in diagnosis and treatment response in marginalized communities. At Illinois, Karen conducts research in the
Antonson Developmental Neuroimmunology Lab studying how influenza infection during pregnancy may influence fetal brain development and postnatal behavioral outcomes through maternal immune activation. Outside the lab, she serves as a volunteering chair for the
Illini Medical Screening Society (IMSS), helping support community health screenings and developing volunteer initiatives for the uninsured and underinsured population, while also creating health education presentations for kids across the Champaign-Urbana community. At Mayo Clinic, Karen will work with Dr. Verline Justilien to study the genetic and molecular mechanisms that drive lung cancer development and progression to support more effective therapeutic strategies as she prepares for a future career as a physician-scientist. As a South Asian student who has seen countless members of her community struggle to access healthcare due to financial, transportation, and other socioeconomic barriers, she’s passionate about improving health equity and incorporating culturally competent care. Through the SURF program, she hopes to expand her experience in translational cancer research while understanding how molecular discoveries can contribute to early detection, therapeutic development, and long-term patient outcomes.