Lab Members | Mysite

Katie Basham, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

kaitlin.basham@hci.utah.edu

Katie grew up in Idaho and obtained her B.S. in biology from Saint Mary's College of California in 2008. She completed her Ph.D. in 2014 at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, where she trained with Dr. Bryan Welm. Her graduate thesis focused on mechanisms of normal mammary gland development and how these same pathways become deregulated during breast cancer initiation and progression. For her postdoctoral fellowship, Katie moved to the University of Michigan to train with Dr. Gary Hammer. There, Katie's work focused on understanding normal development and cancer in the adrenal gland, which is an essential endocrine organ responsible for steroid hormone production. Katie joined the faculty at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in January 2021. Outside the lab, Katie loves to ski, mountain bike, and explore new places.

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Kate Warde, Ph.D.

American Cancer Society

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

kate.warde@hci.utah.edu

Kate is from Co. Mayo, Ireland and obtained her B.Sc. in Biomedical Science (Pharmacology) from the National University of Ireland, Galway in 2016. Following this, she stayed at NUIG to complete a Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the Lambe Institute under the supervision of Dr. Conall Dennedy. Her doctoral research focused on understanding cholesterol and lipid handling in Adrenocortical Carcinoma and how this plays a role in mediating mitotane therapy. Alongside her research, Kate led an initiative to reduce the environmental impact of laboratory practices. These efforts resulted in “My Green Lab” certification for the Lambe Institute and was one of the first in Europe. Kate joined the Basham Lab in May 2021 as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. When not in the lab, Kate enjoys keeping fit, audiobooks, and good coffee.

Lorenzo Smith, B.S.

Graduate Student

lorenzo.smith@hci.utah.edu

Lorenzo grew up in Wisconsin and obtained his B.S. in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. As an undergraduate, he conducted a spectrum of research at his home institution as well as at NC State University and the University of South Dakota through NSF funded summer REU opportunities. Outside of the lab, Lorenzo enjoys hiking in the mountains, camping, fly fishing, bird watching, and seeing live music with his friends. He especially enjoys going to concerts put on by his favorite band: the Avett Brothers.

Yemi Imodoye, M.S.

Graduate Student

yemi.imodoye@hci.utah.edu

Yemi grew up in Ikirun, Osun State, Nigeria. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria in 2015. Thereafter, he obtained his master's degree in Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis from the University of Lagos, earning the highest CGPA in the process. His master's thesis was focused on understanding the influence of polycystic ovary syndrome on thyroid homeostasis under the mentorship of Prof. Akinloye. Outside the lab, Yemi enjoys watching soccer and adventuring, and is looking forward to exploring hiking and skiing.

Katie Orr, B.S.

Graduate Student

kathleen.orr@hci.utah.edu

Katie grew up in Maryland and obtained her B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering, with minors in Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2024. As an undergraduate, she conducted research in tumor immunology in the Allen Laboratory, working with both large and small animal models of pancreatic cancer. Now at HCI, she is excited to build on previous lab findings to advance therapeutic development for adrenal cancer. Outside of the lab, Katie enjoys heading to Idaho to whitewater kayak and exploring the Wasatch Mountains through skiing, mountain biking, and trail running. She also enjoys live music and reading a good book in Sugar House Park.

Kai Bunker, B.S.

American Cancer Society Post-Bacc Scholar

kai.bunker@hci.utah.edu

Kai grew up in Laguna Niguel, California. In 2025, Kai obtained his B.S. in Biochemistry from Brigham Young University (BYU). At BYU, Kai designed 3D printed droplet-based microfluidic devices that would be used to quickly detect antimicrobial resistance in infections. Currently, Kai is a post-baccalaureate student in the Basham Lab, where he will be studying adrenal cancer pathways that are hijacked to maintain tumor existence in order to uncover potential therapeutic targets. Kai hopes to go on to obtain a Ph.D. to continue performing cancer research in a lab of his own. Outside of research, Kai enjoys guitar, listening to music, skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing.