Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
@napaaqtuk.bsky.social
Inupiaq, scientist of host-microbe interactions, mom, runner, news junkie, not necessarily in that order. I speak for myself. She/her. Only reskeets posts with alt text. Unapologetically typo prone, doesn't use AI.
Pinned
Hi folks! I am an assistant professor in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut. In this thread for #YoungScientistNetworking (invited by @quantumtessera.bsky.social ), I will tell you a little bit about my career path.
But first, my Inupiaq introduction: 1/n
But first, my Inupiaq introduction: 1/n
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Hi, I’m my own heart.
Hi, I’m my own heart.
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
January 6, 2026 at 12:14 AM
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Hi, I’m my own heart.
Hi, I’m my own heart.
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you
I’m the rattlesnake that bit Larry when he was 13 yo. He didn’t dare tell his mother, so he & his friend Mike got the World Book Encyclopedia, looked up treating snake bite, used his father’s razor & removed the venom - most of it, but missed a bit.
I’m the rattlesnake that bit Larry when he was 13 yo. He didn’t dare tell his mother, so he & his friend Mike got the World Book Encyclopedia, looked up treating snake bite, used his father’s razor & removed the venom - most of it, but missed a bit.
a man in a hospital gown is smiling with the words i 've made a huge mistake behind him
ALT: a man in a hospital gown is smiling with the words i 've made a huge mistake behind him
media.tenor.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:53 AM
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you
I’m the rattlesnake that bit Larry when he was 13 yo. He didn’t dare tell his mother, so he & his friend Mike got the World Book Encyclopedia, looked up treating snake bite, used his father’s razor & removed the venom - most of it, but missed a bit.
I’m the rattlesnake that bit Larry when he was 13 yo. He didn’t dare tell his mother, so he & his friend Mike got the World Book Encyclopedia, looked up treating snake bite, used his father’s razor & removed the venom - most of it, but missed a bit.
Dear shoulders: I know you had a 2 week reprieve from my work desk, but can you please stop protesting this much?? I swear I'll stretch tomorrow
Dear stomach: I know you spent the last 2 weeks with free access to cookies & other treats during waking hours. I swear you are not starving just because I'm back to eating regular meals. Please calm down!
January 5, 2026 at 10:58 PM
Dear shoulders: I know you had a 2 week reprieve from my work desk, but can you please stop protesting this much?? I swear I'll stretch tomorrow
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Bookmarking
In 1983, 60 Minutes ran a story about a recently uncovered event that happened decades prior.
In 1982, a reporter named Gary Moore went around asking questions to Black Floridians.
"What exactly happened in 1923?"
It's the 103nd anniversary of Rosewood
youtu.be/cUfhfpuI2i0?...
In 1982, a reporter named Gary Moore went around asking questions to Black Floridians.
"What exactly happened in 1923?"
It's the 103nd anniversary of Rosewood
youtu.be/cUfhfpuI2i0?...
Rosewood Massacre Survivors and Eye-witness Testimonies (1983)
YouTube video by I Love Ancestry
youtu.be
January 5, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Bookmarking
I listened to the @npr.org description of the research they did about Jan 6 & it sounds both important and thorough. Posting this so I remember to watch this when I'm not at work.
January 5, 2026 at 7:36 PM
I listened to the @npr.org description of the research they did about Jan 6 & it sounds both important and thorough. Posting this so I remember to watch this when I'm not at work.
Dear stomach: I know you spent the last 2 weeks with free access to cookies & other treats during waking hours. I swear you are not starving just because I'm back to eating regular meals. Please calm down!
January 5, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Dear stomach: I know you spent the last 2 weeks with free access to cookies & other treats during waking hours. I swear you are not starving just because I'm back to eating regular meals. Please calm down!
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
If you find any gen A.I. images in academic journals that are not in my collection yet, you can report them at this form:
bit.ly/JournalSlop
bit.ly/JournalSlop
Slop graphics in academic journals
Use this form to share graphics (e.g., figures, covers, graphical abstracts) made using generative A.I. that have appeared in academic journals.
Please check this list to see if the image is alread...
bit.ly
January 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM
If you find any gen A.I. images in academic journals that are not in my collection yet, you can report them at this form:
bit.ly/JournalSlop
bit.ly/JournalSlop
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Do you have a Library Card?
If the answer is YES! Please read on.
Could you please request that your local library add my children's books to their collection?
Available in paperback and hardcover, English and Espanol.
Two new books coming early 2026!
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-stem-k...
If the answer is YES! Please read on.
Could you please request that your local library add my children's books to their collection?
Available in paperback and hardcover, English and Espanol.
Two new books coming early 2026!
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-stem-k...
January 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Do you have a Library Card?
If the answer is YES! Please read on.
Could you please request that your local library add my children's books to their collection?
Available in paperback and hardcover, English and Espanol.
Two new books coming early 2026!
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-stem-k...
If the answer is YES! Please read on.
Could you please request that your local library add my children's books to their collection?
Available in paperback and hardcover, English and Espanol.
Two new books coming early 2026!
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-stem-k...
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm a strain of typhus that was making its way around Vienna when Ludwig van Beethoven was in his 20s. Didn't kill him, for which the music world should be thankful. Maybe caused the hearing loss...which the music world should also be thankful for...?
I'm a strain of typhus that was making its way around Vienna when Ludwig van Beethoven was in his 20s. Didn't kill him, for which the music world should be thankful. Maybe caused the hearing loss...which the music world should also be thankful for...?
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
January 5, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm a strain of typhus that was making its way around Vienna when Ludwig van Beethoven was in his 20s. Didn't kill him, for which the music world should be thankful. Maybe caused the hearing loss...which the music world should also be thankful for...?
I'm a strain of typhus that was making its way around Vienna when Ludwig van Beethoven was in his 20s. Didn't kill him, for which the music world should be thankful. Maybe caused the hearing loss...which the music world should also be thankful for...?
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm a placenta.
I'm a placenta.
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
January 5, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm a placenta.
I'm a placenta.
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Fun to see @boston.gov using Bluesky’s beta LIVE feature to broadcast Mayor Wu’s inauguration via Bluesky this morning!
Four years ago, we began our work to make Boston a home for everyone. That mission continues today in our second term. Please join us live.
The Inauguration of Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston City Council - January 5, 2026
YouTube video by Boston City TV
www.youtube.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Fun to see @boston.gov using Bluesky’s beta LIVE feature to broadcast Mayor Wu’s inauguration via Bluesky this morning!
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I’m the horseshoe one of the uncles threw on July 4 when Kim was 3yo and ran through the game to catch a kitten. It crushed part of Kim’s skull which required a metal plate. …long, wild story filled with weird details… Kim turned out OK.
I’m the horseshoe one of the uncles threw on July 4 when Kim was 3yo and ran through the game to catch a kitten. It crushed part of Kim’s skull which required a metal plate. …long, wild story filled with weird details… Kim turned out OK.
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
January 5, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I’m the horseshoe one of the uncles threw on July 4 when Kim was 3yo and ran through the game to catch a kitten. It crushed part of Kim’s skull which required a metal plate. …long, wild story filled with weird details… Kim turned out OK.
I’m the horseshoe one of the uncles threw on July 4 when Kim was 3yo and ran through the game to catch a kitten. It crushed part of Kim’s skull which required a metal plate. …long, wild story filled with weird details… Kim turned out OK.
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Hi, I'm an icicle the size of a human leg that fell off a skyscraper in Minneapolis about a meter behind Jeff while he was walking through the city. Missed him by one second.
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
January 4, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Hi, I'm an icicle the size of a human leg that fell off a skyscraper in Minneapolis about a meter behind Jeff while he was walking through the city. Missed him by one second.
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
✨Please share! My mega newsletter is out in 2 parts.✨
📈Part I: Current Data on COVID, record high Influenza, RSV, and Measles buff.ly/m7IL9GK
🔎Part II: Latest Research on COVID & on Health buff.ly/RVIwpuN
#medsky #pedsky 🛟😷🧪
📈Part I: Current Data on COVID, record high Influenza, RSV, and Measles buff.ly/m7IL9GK
🔎Part II: Latest Research on COVID & on Health buff.ly/RVIwpuN
#medsky #pedsky 🛟😷🧪
January 5, 2026 at 7:07 AM
✨Please share! My mega newsletter is out in 2 parts.✨
📈Part I: Current Data on COVID, record high Influenza, RSV, and Measles buff.ly/m7IL9GK
🔎Part II: Latest Research on COVID & on Health buff.ly/RVIwpuN
#medsky #pedsky 🛟😷🧪
📈Part I: Current Data on COVID, record high Influenza, RSV, and Measles buff.ly/m7IL9GK
🔎Part II: Latest Research on COVID & on Health buff.ly/RVIwpuN
#medsky #pedsky 🛟😷🧪
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
One of the Trump regime's arguments for Greenland is that they don't manage their resources properly and so we should do that.
Colonization is the term for this.
Colonization is the term for this.
January 4, 2026 at 7:02 PM
One of the Trump regime's arguments for Greenland is that they don't manage their resources properly and so we should do that.
Colonization is the term for this.
Colonization is the term for this.
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
My dear friend @tallcuppajoe.bsky.social founder of @binningsingletons.com
unexpectedly lost his wife on Christmas. If he touched your life, please consider contributing to his children’s education as a tribute to his wife and a show of support. 🧪🧫🦠 gofund.me/65e0c557e
unexpectedly lost his wife on Christmas. If he touched your life, please consider contributing to his children’s education as a tribute to his wife and a show of support. 🧪🧫🦠 gofund.me/65e0c557e
January 1, 2026 at 8:44 PM
My dear friend @tallcuppajoe.bsky.social founder of @binningsingletons.com
unexpectedly lost his wife on Christmas. If he touched your life, please consider contributing to his children’s education as a tribute to his wife and a show of support. 🧪🧫🦠 gofund.me/65e0c557e
unexpectedly lost his wife on Christmas. If he touched your life, please consider contributing to his children’s education as a tribute to his wife and a show of support. 🧪🧫🦠 gofund.me/65e0c557e
I don't know how to meet people outside of work as an adult so I'm signing up for the town rec intro to karate, am I doing this right?
January 4, 2026 at 5:08 PM
I don't know how to meet people outside of work as an adult so I'm signing up for the town rec intro to karate, am I doing this right?
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Mastodons (and a mammoth) at @tarpits.org & Western Science Center, CA. Belated #FossilFriday.
#proboscideans 🦣🐘
#proboscideans 🦣🐘
January 4, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Mastodons (and a mammoth) at @tarpits.org & Western Science Center, CA. Belated #FossilFriday.
#proboscideans 🦣🐘
#proboscideans 🦣🐘
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Looking back on some of my favourite moments of 2025. These 8-month-old cubs coming to check out the tundra buggy was definitely one of those unforgettable encounters. #mammals 🌿
January 4, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Looking back on some of my favourite moments of 2025. These 8-month-old cubs coming to check out the tundra buggy was definitely one of those unforgettable encounters. #mammals 🌿
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
oh shit tomorrow is circle back day already
January 4, 2026 at 4:12 PM
oh shit tomorrow is circle back day already
What I'm getting from these replies is that it's a gosh dang miracle that most of us are here. Also, automobiles are the worst and childbirth is still dangerous.
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
January 4, 2026 at 3:34 PM
What I'm getting from these replies is that it's a gosh dang miracle that most of us are here. Also, automobiles are the worst and childbirth is still dangerous.
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Hello, I'm Thor the god of storms! When Zen was a kid he went camping in the woods for wilderness survival training. I saw a big old cottonwood his shelter was under and blew it to pieces.
Hello, I'm Thor the god of storms! When Zen was a kid he went camping in the woods for wilderness survival training. I saw a big old cottonwood his shelter was under and blew it to pieces.
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
January 4, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Hello, I'm Thor the god of storms! When Zen was a kid he went camping in the woods for wilderness survival training. I saw a big old cottonwood his shelter was under and blew it to pieces.
Hello, I'm Thor the god of storms! When Zen was a kid he went camping in the woods for wilderness survival training. I saw a big old cottonwood his shelter was under and blew it to pieces.
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Hi, I'm the tide in the Bay of Fundy, crashing waves upon the rocky shore where two young vacationing boys are playing, completely unaware of how powerful I am, and how they will soon be clinging to the rocks for dear life.
Hi, I'm the tide in the Bay of Fundy, crashing waves upon the rocky shore where two young vacationing boys are playing, completely unaware of how powerful I am, and how they will soon be clinging to the rocks for dear life.
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
January 4, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Hi, I'm the tide in the Bay of Fundy, crashing waves upon the rocky shore where two young vacationing boys are playing, completely unaware of how powerful I am, and how they will soon be clinging to the rocks for dear life.
Hi, I'm the tide in the Bay of Fundy, crashing waves upon the rocky shore where two young vacationing boys are playing, completely unaware of how powerful I am, and how they will soon be clinging to the rocks for dear life.
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
I'm the driver who saw the light turn red and decided to speed right on through anyway. Didn't see that lady slowly biking through the crosswalk till her head destroyed my windshield...
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
I'm the rabid dog that ran into the playground when Dr. Kat was a kid who was pissed out of my fricking mind when all the kids were run into the school I couldn't get into
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
Sigh....
Sadly I'm deathly allergic! If I'm around one it's only a matter of time before I go into anaphylactic shock. I do love the videos though!
January 4, 2026 at 3:26 PM
I'm the driver who saw the light turn red and decided to speed right on through anyway. Didn't see that lady slowly biking through the crosswalk till her head destroyed my windshield...
Reposted by Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️
The book gods have determined that THE STAIRCASE IN THE WOODS is a mere $1.99 on your favorite electromagnetic reading platform if you’d like an easy entry point to friendship breakups, broken people, creepy interstitial terrain, and a haunted house that is a house that haunts. Tell your friends!
January 4, 2026 at 2:53 PM
The book gods have determined that THE STAIRCASE IN THE WOODS is a mere $1.99 on your favorite electromagnetic reading platform if you’d like an easy entry point to friendship breakups, broken people, creepy interstitial terrain, and a haunted house that is a house that haunts. Tell your friends!