Kaylee Zilinger grew up in Chicago and is driven by equity in science and medicine, shaped by early family challenges and her experience as a first-generation, low-income student. Mentorship guided her into STEM and her commitment to supporting underrepresented students.
She graduated from Northwestern University in 2024 and now works as an American Cancer Society Post-Baccalaureate Fellow at Yale. Her research focuses on cancer metabolism and neurological cancer, and she is preparing for an MD-PhD path as an oncologist-scientist.
Leadership Experience
- Co-Director, Yale VIBES (supporting underrepresented undergraduates in STEM)
- Patient Navigator, HAVEN Free Clinic (health equity advocacy)
- Founder/Leader, college mentorship program in New Haven
- Collaborated on community-based cancer disparity interventions
- Mentored undergraduate researchers in laboratory and research settings
- Advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion in scientific research and healthcare
