Katrina Yamazaki received her Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology from UCSD, where she used x-ray imaging and biochemical techniques to study the mechanisms by which abnormal wall motion leads to an upregulation of inflammation in the heart. Following graduate studies, Dr. Yamazaki was awarded the Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA) Fellowship, which provided a mentored postdoctoral research experience in the field of mitochondrial biology at UCSD, as well as an opportunity to develop as an instructor through pedagogical training workshops and a mentored teaching assignment at San Diego State University. After her postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Yamazaki began her academic career at Cal State LA, where she is currently as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.