Kathryn Hixson
About Kathryn Hixson
Kathryn Hixson is a Scientist II specializing in Therapeutic Gene Editing at Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. She has extensive experience in gene therapy applications, drug discovery, and neurological research, with a PhD in Neuroscience from Boston University.
Current Role at Asklepios BioPharmaceutical
Kathryn Hixson serves as Scientist II in Therapeutic Gene Editing focused on Central Nervous System (CNS) applications at Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) since 2022. In this role, she applies her expertise in gene therapy and AAV cassette design to develop innovative therapeutic solutions. Her work contributes to advancing the field of gene editing, particularly in addressing CNS-related conditions.
Previous Experience in Drug Discovery
Prior to her current position, Hixson gained valuable experience in drug discovery and development. She worked at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) for a month in 2018, focusing on drug discovery simulations. She also held a role at StrideBio, Inc. as Scientist in CNS Early Discovery from 2021 to 2022, where she contributed to early-stage research initiatives. Additionally, she was involved in FDA regulation overview at MassBio in 2017.
Educational Background in Neuroscience
Hixson earned her PhD in Neuroscience from Boston University School of Medicine, completing her studies from 2013 to 2018. Her doctoral research focused on pharmacology, enhancing her understanding of drug interactions and neurological mechanisms. Earlier, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Brigham Young University from 2006 to 2011, laying the foundation for her scientific career.
Research and Technical Skills
Kathryn Hixson possesses a strong skill set in various research methodologies. She specializes in designing AAV cassettes for gene therapy and is proficient in CRISPR gene editing, DNA cloning, and lentiviral stable cell line generation. Her expertise extends to identifying biologically relevant targets using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and proteomics. Hixson has experience with both in vitro and in vivo models of neurological disorders, as well as immunofluorescence techniques.
Community Engagement and Personal Interests
Hixson actively supports initiatives aimed at encouraging girls and women to pursue careers in science. Outside of her professional commitments, she participates in triathlons and enjoys cake decorating and playing the piano. These personal interests reflect her commitment to a balanced lifestyle while engaging in community and recreational activities.