Email: akroken@luc.edu

BlueSky: @akroken.bsky.social

If you'd like to reach out about volunteering or applying to a program, but aren't quite sure what to say, there are some excellent guides here and here! Please don't feel obligated or pressured to use AI tools to write to me. I'd love to hear about your interests and future goals in your own words. 

Graduate Students: I accept students from several umbrella programs that include 2 or 3 fall semester rotations. This allows you the opportunity to try out different labs that may interest you and find a great fit. Interested gradaute students should apply though these programs: 

Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences PhD program
MD/PhD program
Microbiology and Immunology MS program
Infectious Disease and Immunology Research Institute MS program
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology MS/PhD program

If you find our research interesting, please mention the Kroken lab in your application's personal statement. Often this means I'll be on your schedule when you interview. 

SSOM Medical Students: I can support students through the STAR Program. Please get in touch if you're interested, especially if you're considering ophthalmology!

Postdocs: Currently I don't have any open positions for postdocs, however please feel welcome to email me to connect and discuss future opportunities. 

Employment: No positions currently available.

Volunteering and Internships

High School Volunteers: Sometimes we are able to take local high school students for short summer volunteer opportunities, so feel welcome to reach out. Volunteers under age 18 are not allowed to handle pathogenic bacteria. Unfortunately, this can limit your hands-on experiences in our lab. Generally, you can expect to do some molecular biology and biochemistry projects (cloning, PCR, gels, western blots) but would only be able to observe bacterial infection experiments.

Undergraduate Students: Please reach out about opportunities for summer projects. Generally we try to work within official programs so you'll be able to obtain course credit for your work.