Posted on February 21, 2025 by College of Sciences
#AwesomeAlum
Krista Berlin
By Ryan Schoensee
From initially struggling with chemistry in college to later earning a Ph.D. and pioneering research utilizing analytical chemistry techniques to profile neuroinflammation, Krista's journey is one of passion and perseverance
Meet Krista Berlin, an alumna who graduated with a B.S. in Biology and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from UTSA.
Krista was born in Silvis, Illinois, but spent her elementary school years in Denver, Colorado, before moving to San Antonio in middle school. She graduated from Churchill High School in 2001 before becoming a proud Roadrunner at UTSA, where she earned her B.S. in Biology in 2005.
Following graduation, Krista spent five and a half years in the biotech industry, two years in San Diego, California, and another two and a half years back in San Antonio before beginning her career as a high school science teacher in the North East Independent School District (NEISD) in San Antonio. Her first teaching role was in freshman biology at Roosevelt High School. However, a pivotal moment came when her dean offered her the opportunity to teach chemistry and AP chemistry after a year and a half of teaching biology.
"Chemistry was my nemesis in undergrad, but I was young and eager to take on the challenge and prove myself. I had no idea what I was getting myself into," said Krista. "Nor did I think that decision would change the focus of my passion for science in such a dramatic way."
Krista embraced the challenge and spent the next five years teaching chemistry before deciding to take her passion for science further. Inspired by her teaching experiences, Krista returned to UTSA to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry.
Throughout Krista’s graduate journey, she continuously battled with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts the nervous system, leading to irreversible neurodegeneration. Krista was diagnosed with MS in September 2013. Managing her health undoubtedly presented a significant challenge in her Ph.D. pursuits and had a multi-faceted impact on her academic journey. Krista’s MS diagnosis was a key influence on the cross-curriculum research collaboration she seeded.
Krista is currently in the process of transitioning into a postdoctoral position in the lab of Thomas Forsthuber, professor and endowed chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Her research focuses on using mass spectrometry imaging to profile brain inflammation, an essential step toward better understanding neurological diseases.
"The UTSA College of Sciences community is wonderfully collaborative and welcomes cross-translational research," said Krista. "My project bridges mass spectrometry imaging, an analytical chemistry application, and neuroimmunology. And the UTSA College of Sciences provided a supportive community for my idea to come to fruition."
During her time as a graduate student, Krista participated in UTSA's former RISE (Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement) program, a federally funded initiative aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented students in biomedical research. The program, which was sunset in 2023 due to UTSA's R1 research classification, played a crucial role in Krista's academic and professional development.
"The RISE program was truly an impactful experience in my graduate journey," said Krista. "RISE provided me with a lot of professional development and networking opportunities. Dr. Taylor is such a great mentor and an awesome resource for grants and fellowships. From an educator's perspective, Dr. Cassill's teaching approach and style are truly one to learn from. And most of all, Diane Elizondo, the program's logistical coordinator, is a truly amazing person who overflows with kindness."
In place of RISE PhD, UTSA introduced IMSD (Initiative for Maximizing Student Development) at UTSA. IMSD at UTSA is a three-year research professional development program that supports bioscience doctoral students from diverse backgrounds as they work to advance their scientific careers. IMSD Programs are active at many of the top schools in the nation.
In the next few years, Krista envisions a future in academia, ideally teaching as an adjunct professor at a public or private university in the northern United States. She might even return to Colorado, where she holds fond childhood memories.
Wherever life takes her, Krista will never forget her Roadrunner roots.
"The UTSA College of Sciences and its Tier One research community are unique because they are working to make world-class research opportunities more inclusive for all. And I, for one, am honored and proud to be a part of it."
— College of Sciences
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