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Kristina Stallings

3,365

Bold Points

4x

Nominee

4x

Finalist

2x

Winner

Bio

I am an incoming Ph.D. student in the Immunology Graduate Group at the University of Pennsylvania, eager to begin a rigorous and immersive training experience that will prepare me to become an innovative investigator in immunotherapeutic development. My long-term goal is to lead advancements in the biotechnology industry by designing transformative immune-based therapies that push scientific boundaries and prioritize equity in healthcare. Through optimizing existing treatments and pioneering novel approaches, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the evolving field of immunology—particularly in directing medical innovation toward women’s health and historically marginalized communities. I believe the immune system holds untapped potential to reshape how we treat disease, and I’m committed to ensuring that these breakthroughs reach those who need them most. As a young African American woman and the first in my family to pursue a doctorate in STEM, my path has been shaped by resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to challenge the status quo at the benchside and beyond. Introduced to basic science research during my undergraduate studies at Emory University, I discovered not only a love for immunology but also a calling to use science as a tool for change. My journey has prepared me to be a solution-driven scientist, determined to expand therapeutic possibilities for conditions that still lack effective treatment.

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2025 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
    • Biotechnology
  • Minors:
    • Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
  • GPA:
    3.9

Emory University

Bachelor's degree program
2018 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Minors:
    • Second Language Learning
  • GPA:
    3.7

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Biotechnology

    • Dream career goals:

      Novel drug development is time-consuming and extraordinarly expensive: the average cost to develop one new drug and bring it to market is $2.6 billion dollars with the average timeline of 10-15 years. Because of the extensive resources required, scientific discovery alone is insufficient to make it into an effective treatment. Many potential therapeutics fall through the cracks because scientists are not equipped to implement the business side of science to translate the benchside to market. My mission is to become a key leader in the biotechnology industry, directing profound scientific innovations through the discovery pipeline to cater to unmet healthcare needs in underserved communities. My research journey has prepared me to become an innovative, ambitious scientist committed to advancing therapies for conditions that still lack answers. My long-term goal is to establish a biotechnology consulting firm that can guide start-ups and well-established companies to convert innovative solutions into tangible products serving the broader patient population. Through my efforts and aspirations, I work towards my dream to deliver equity-centered medical advancement.

    • Penn PREP IDEAL Research Scholar

      University of Pennsylvania
      2023 – 20252 years
    • Medical Assistant

      Dermatology Consultants
      2022 – 20231 year

    Sports

    Weightlifting

    2018 – Present8 years

    Research

    • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology

      Emory National Primate Research Center — Undergraduate Research Associate
      2020 – 2022
    • Biotechnology

      Wistar Institute — Biotech Innovation Course Team Member_ Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnostics
      2025 – 2025
    • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology

      University of Pennsylvania — Penn PREP IDEAL Research Scholar
      2023 – 2025
    • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology

      Columbia Unviersity — Summer Reasearch Associate
      2022 – 2022
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

      Oxford College of Emory University — Undergraduate Research Associate
      2020 – 2020

    Arts

    • Grayson Highschool Drama Department

      Theatre
      2017 – 2018

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      BEAT HIV Martin Delaney Collaboratory — Leader in Student Outreach & Secretary
      2023 – Present
    • Advocacy

      Black Graduate Women's Association — Co-President
      2024 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Penn Graduate Women in Science & Engineering — Chair of Outreach
      2024 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Matriculate — Student Mentor Advisor
      2020 – 2022
    • Volunteering

      Grayson High School Women's Organization — Founder, President
      2018 – 2018
    • Volunteering

      College Online HighSchool Gwinnett County — Supportive Mentor
      2023 – 2025
    • Volunteering

      Black Graduate and Professional Student Assembly — VP of Programming
      2024 – 2025

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Kristina Stallings Student Profile | Bold.org