BS Genetics, Iowa State University 

PhD Genetics, Stonybrook University (Sirotkin Lab)

Research Associate (2016-present), University of Wisconsin – Madison

Dr. Cara Moravec is a senior postdoctoral research associate with a background in neurodevelopmental genetics and extensive gene editing experience. In addition to leading mutagenesis efforts in the lab, Cara is working on characterizing maternally-inherited components of the chromosomal passenger complex. She is primarily interested in uncovering novel roles of these components during early development.

Cara is a co-instructor for Dr. Pelegri’s CURE (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience) classes and enjoys mentoring and teaching undergraduate students. She also regularly provides training and resources for other scientists who want to learn more about gene editing in fish species.

In 2021, Cara won an Excellence in Mentoring Award from the UW–Madison Postdoctoral Association. In 2022, she was awarded a K99 grant from the NICHD for her research proposal “Identification of regulators in the vertebrate egg-to-embryo transition.”