Kara McKinley
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
Asst Prof | Harvard
Freeman Hrabowski Scholar | HHMI
Founder | Leading Edge @leadingedgeprogram.bsky.social
My lab studies menstruation and menstrual disorders.
www.mckinleylab.org
Opinions are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.
Freeman Hrabowski Scholar | HHMI
Founder | Leading Edge @leadingedgeprogram.bsky.social
My lab studies menstruation and menstrual disorders.
www.mckinleylab.org
Opinions are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.
Pinned
Kara McKinley
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
· Oct 10
I’m thrilled to share my postdoc work and the first paper from the McKinley Lab! 🎉
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
We built the first transgenic model of menstruation in mice.
We used it to uncover how the endometrium organizes and sheds during menstruation. 🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
🧵
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
We built the first transgenic model of menstruation in mice.
We used it to uncover how the endometrium organizes and sheds during menstruation. 🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
🧵
Induction of menstruation in mice reveals the regulation of menstrual shedding
During menstruation, an inner layer of the endometrium is selectively shed, while an outer, progenitor-containing layer is preserved to support repeated regeneration. Progress in understanding this co...
www.biorxiv.org
Lab’s 1st preprint!
Menstruation is understudied due to societal taboos + a biological challenge: mice (a key system for research + drug discovery) don’t menstruate.
@cagricevrim.bsky.social made menstruating mice + used them to discover early events in menstruation.
He is on the job market!
Menstruation is understudied due to societal taboos + a biological challenge: mice (a key system for research + drug discovery) don’t menstruate.
@cagricevrim.bsky.social made menstruating mice + used them to discover early events in menstruation.
He is on the job market!
Reposted by Kara McKinley
It’s that time of year for me to dust this thing off and encourage you to apply to be a Leading Edge fellow, this year named in honor of Zara Weinberg
The Leading Edge Fellows gathered this week to celebrate Zara Weinberg, a beloved member of our community. Our 7th cohort of Leading Edge Fellows (2026) will be named in her honor.
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
November 18, 2025 at 9:30 PM
It’s that time of year for me to dust this thing off and encourage you to apply to be a Leading Edge fellow, this year named in honor of Zara Weinberg
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Applications are open for the 2026 Zara Weinberg cohort of Leading Edge, named in honor of the incredible, brilliant, fearless @weinberz.witchlab.org.
The LE community has been truly transformative for my scientific journey and my happiness. Please apply!! www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The LE community has been truly transformative for my scientific journey and my happiness. Please apply!! www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
Apply | leadingedgesymposium
Apply. The 2026 Leading Edge cohort application is now open! This cohort is named the Zara Weinberg Cohort, in honor of 2021 Leading Edge Fellow, Zara Weinberg. Applications are due February 2, 2026.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:23 AM
Applications are open for the 2026 Zara Weinberg cohort of Leading Edge, named in honor of the incredible, brilliant, fearless @weinberz.witchlab.org.
The LE community has been truly transformative for my scientific journey and my happiness. Please apply!! www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The LE community has been truly transformative for my scientific journey and my happiness. Please apply!! www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
Reposted by Kara McKinley
I’d given up on social media, but I was missing too many cool papers. Case in point: this incredible new study from @cagricevrim.bsky.social and @karalmckinley.bsky.social. Simply amazing!
Lab’s 1st preprint!
Menstruation is understudied due to societal taboos + a biological challenge: mice (a key system for research + drug discovery) don’t menstruate.
@cagricevrim.bsky.social made menstruating mice + used them to discover early events in menstruation.
He is on the job market!
Menstruation is understudied due to societal taboos + a biological challenge: mice (a key system for research + drug discovery) don’t menstruate.
@cagricevrim.bsky.social made menstruating mice + used them to discover early events in menstruation.
He is on the job market!
I’m thrilled to share my postdoc work and the first paper from the McKinley Lab! 🎉
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
We built the first transgenic model of menstruation in mice.
We used it to uncover how the endometrium organizes and sheds during menstruation. 🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
🧵
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
We built the first transgenic model of menstruation in mice.
We used it to uncover how the endometrium organizes and sheds during menstruation. 🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
🧵
November 12, 2025 at 6:29 PM
I’d given up on social media, but I was missing too many cool papers. Case in point: this incredible new study from @cagricevrim.bsky.social and @karalmckinley.bsky.social. Simply amazing!
Reposted by Kara McKinley
The Sosa Lab is going to #SfN25 and actively recruiting ✨postdocs✨ with systems neuroscience experience! We study both fundamental memory processes and how memory changes during pregnancy and postpartum.
If you are interested in meeting at SfN, please email me! www.sosaneurolab.com/join/postdoc...
If you are interested in meeting at SfN, please email me! www.sosaneurolab.com/join/postdoc...
Sosa Lab - Postdoctoral Researchers
We are seeking postdocs to start in 2026!
www.sosaneurolab.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The Sosa Lab is going to #SfN25 and actively recruiting ✨postdocs✨ with systems neuroscience experience! We study both fundamental memory processes and how memory changes during pregnancy and postpartum.
If you are interested in meeting at SfN, please email me! www.sosaneurolab.com/join/postdoc...
If you are interested in meeting at SfN, please email me! www.sosaneurolab.com/join/postdoc...
Reposted by Kara McKinley
The Leading Edge community has been a life-line as I navigate *points to everything*.
Zara was such a shining light of wisdom and warmth. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue in everyone who had the utmost privilege to interact with her.
Apply, apply, apply!!!!
Zara was such a shining light of wisdom and warmth. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue in everyone who had the utmost privilege to interact with her.
Apply, apply, apply!!!!
The Leading Edge Fellows gathered this week to celebrate Zara Weinberg, a beloved member of our community. Our 7th cohort of Leading Edge Fellows (2026) will be named in her honor.
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
November 6, 2025 at 1:46 AM
The Leading Edge community has been a life-line as I navigate *points to everything*.
Zara was such a shining light of wisdom and warmth. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue in everyone who had the utmost privilege to interact with her.
Apply, apply, apply!!!!
Zara was such a shining light of wisdom and warmth. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue in everyone who had the utmost privilege to interact with her.
Apply, apply, apply!!!!
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Thrilled to start my Group Leader adventure with these and other great scientists!
We are excited to welcome @fueyoraquel.bsky.social, @sedonamurphy.bsky.social, and @jmstein.bsky.social as new group leaders at our institute!
Read more about their work:
--> www.molgen.mpg.de/2025-10-31-n...
All three are recruiting in the IMPRS PhD Call!
--> www.molgen.mpg.de/IMPRSPhDproj...
Read more about their work:
--> www.molgen.mpg.de/2025-10-31-n...
All three are recruiting in the IMPRS PhD Call!
--> www.molgen.mpg.de/IMPRSPhDproj...
Three new research groups joining the MPIMG
www.molgen.mpg.de
November 6, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Thrilled to start my Group Leader adventure with these and other great scientists!
Reposted by Kara McKinley
This program changed my life. Apply!
The Leading Edge Fellows gathered this week to celebrate Zara Weinberg, a beloved member of our community. Our 7th cohort of Leading Edge Fellows (2026) will be named in her honor.
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
November 6, 2025 at 2:05 PM
This program changed my life. Apply!
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Zara was a star, a cherished friend, and an untiring advocate. I wish she had the chance to stay here with us and help create a brighter future, but she already gave us so much in her time here. I'm glad she will be honored in the next cohort of LE fellows ❤️
The Leading Edge Fellows gathered this week to celebrate Zara Weinberg, a beloved member of our community. Our 7th cohort of Leading Edge Fellows (2026) will be named in her honor.
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
November 6, 2025 at 4:03 AM
Zara was a star, a cherished friend, and an untiring advocate. I wish she had the chance to stay here with us and help create a brighter future, but she already gave us so much in her time here. I'm glad she will be honored in the next cohort of LE fellows ❤️
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Being a leading edge fellow has been the single best thing for my scientific career.
Zara’s voice and vision was no small part in that.
Apply. Apply. Apply.
Zara’s voice and vision was no small part in that.
Apply. Apply. Apply.
The Leading Edge Fellows gathered this week to celebrate Zara Weinberg, a beloved member of our community. Our 7th cohort of Leading Edge Fellows (2026) will be named in her honor.
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
November 5, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Being a leading edge fellow has been the single best thing for my scientific career.
Zara’s voice and vision was no small part in that.
Apply. Apply. Apply.
Zara’s voice and vision was no small part in that.
Apply. Apply. Apply.
Reposted by Kara McKinley
The Leading Edge Fellows gathered this week to celebrate Zara Weinberg, a beloved member of our community. Our 7th cohort of Leading Edge Fellows (2026) will be named in her honor.
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
November 5, 2025 at 5:48 PM
The Leading Edge Fellows gathered this week to celebrate Zara Weinberg, a beloved member of our community. Our 7th cohort of Leading Edge Fellows (2026) will be named in her honor.
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Zara was an incredibly inspiring scientist, activist, and leader within our community of Leading Edge Fellows. She will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of interacting with her.
Zara Weinberg passed away earlier this week. She joined my lab earlier this year when her postdoc lab formally closed.
She was a brilliant scientist, supportive mentor, dear friend, avid music fan, rabid believer in public transit, open science champion, and above all just an amazing human.
She was a brilliant scientist, supportive mentor, dear friend, avid music fan, rabid believer in public transit, open science champion, and above all just an amazing human.
November 1, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Zara was an incredibly inspiring scientist, activist, and leader within our community of Leading Edge Fellows. She will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of interacting with her.
Reposted by Kara McKinley
We are all better because of the energy, inspiration, brilliance, and tenacity that Zara was. A bright light, role model, advocate & snarky tweeter... everything I needed in a person when I was navigating dark times when we met in 2021. You will be missed deeply, Zara, but never forgotten ❤️
Zara Weinberg passed away earlier this week. She joined my lab earlier this year when her postdoc lab formally closed.
She was a brilliant scientist, supportive mentor, dear friend, avid music fan, rabid believer in public transit, open science champion, and above all just an amazing human.
She was a brilliant scientist, supportive mentor, dear friend, avid music fan, rabid believer in public transit, open science champion, and above all just an amazing human.
October 31, 2025 at 5:20 PM
We are all better because of the energy, inspiration, brilliance, and tenacity that Zara was. A bright light, role model, advocate & snarky tweeter... everything I needed in a person when I was navigating dark times when we met in 2021. You will be missed deeply, Zara, but never forgotten ❤️
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Zara was an inspiration. We never met in person but became friends through Leading Edge. She zealously advocated for her ideals, but was also passionate about helping others realize why they should too. Her loss is gutting & the world is the worse for it. RIP, I'll do my best to continue the fight.
Zara Weinberg passed away earlier this week. She joined my lab earlier this year when her postdoc lab formally closed.
She was a brilliant scientist, supportive mentor, dear friend, avid music fan, rabid believer in public transit, open science champion, and above all just an amazing human.
She was a brilliant scientist, supportive mentor, dear friend, avid music fan, rabid believer in public transit, open science champion, and above all just an amazing human.
October 31, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Zara was an inspiration. We never met in person but became friends through Leading Edge. She zealously advocated for her ideals, but was also passionate about helping others realize why they should too. Her loss is gutting & the world is the worse for it. RIP, I'll do my best to continue the fight.
Reposted by Kara McKinley
In my lab, she brought such fire to the science and inspiration. She kept doing lab work til she lost mobility due to her love for science and being around the lab. She was a dedicated mentor with sharp wit and bright ideas. She contributed foundational to all our projects and training everyone.
October 31, 2025 at 1:18 PM
In my lab, she brought such fire to the science and inspiration. She kept doing lab work til she lost mobility due to her love for science and being around the lab. She was a dedicated mentor with sharp wit and bright ideas. She contributed foundational to all our projects and training everyone.
Reposted by Kara McKinley
There are no sufficient words for how profound an impact she had on the Leading Edge community. I'm so sorry for your and all of our loss. We will miss you terribly, Zara
October 31, 2025 at 4:11 PM
There are no sufficient words for how profound an impact she had on the Leading Edge community. I'm so sorry for your and all of our loss. We will miss you terribly, Zara
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Zara Weinberg passed away earlier this week. She joined my lab earlier this year when her postdoc lab formally closed.
She was a brilliant scientist, supportive mentor, dear friend, avid music fan, rabid believer in public transit, open science champion, and above all just an amazing human.
She was a brilliant scientist, supportive mentor, dear friend, avid music fan, rabid believer in public transit, open science champion, and above all just an amazing human.
October 31, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Zara Weinberg passed away earlier this week. She joined my lab earlier this year when her postdoc lab formally closed.
She was a brilliant scientist, supportive mentor, dear friend, avid music fan, rabid believer in public transit, open science champion, and above all just an amazing human.
She was a brilliant scientist, supportive mentor, dear friend, avid music fan, rabid believer in public transit, open science champion, and above all just an amazing human.
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Zara Weinberg was a brilliant, loving, and beautiful woman. She inspired everyone who she interacted with, and always strived to make the world a better place for everyone. Tho the world is a little less bright today without her, her memory will always be a blessing.
She was truly one of the best.
She was truly one of the best.
October 30, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Zara Weinberg was a brilliant, loving, and beautiful woman. She inspired everyone who she interacted with, and always strived to make the world a better place for everyone. Tho the world is a little less bright today without her, her memory will always be a blessing.
She was truly one of the best.
She was truly one of the best.
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Zara Weinberg was a brilliant light both in and out of science. She changed the lives of everyone she interacted and loved for the better. Her legacy will live on through all of us and we will fight for a better world on behalf of her memory.
October 30, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Zara Weinberg was a brilliant light both in and out of science. She changed the lives of everyone she interacted and loved for the better. Her legacy will live on through all of us and we will fight for a better world on behalf of her memory.
Reposted by Kara McKinley
The mice could be used to better understand and treat heavy menstrual bleeding, and study reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis. https://scim.ag/473mwRw
Lab mice can now have periods like humans
Studies of rodents with a menstrual on/off switch could help people with endometriosis and other disorders
scim.ag
October 22, 2025 at 10:30 PM
The mice could be used to better understand and treat heavy menstrual bleeding, and study reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis. https://scim.ag/473mwRw
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Beautiful research from the lab of HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar @karalmckinley.bsky.social
The mice could be used to better understand and treat heavy menstrual bleeding, and study reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis. https://scim.ag/473mwRw
Lab mice can now have periods like humans
Studies of rodents with a menstrual on/off switch could help people with endometriosis and other disorders
scim.ag
October 22, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Beautiful research from the lab of HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar @karalmckinley.bsky.social
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Thrilled to see our preprint featured in Science News! 🩸
Big thanks to Holly Barker for writing such a thoughtful piece about our work. So exciting to see broader attention to menstruation research and new model systems!
www.science.org/content/arti...
Big thanks to Holly Barker for writing such a thoughtful piece about our work. So exciting to see broader attention to menstruation research and new model systems!
www.science.org/content/arti...
Lab mice can now have periods like humans
Studies of rodents with a menstrual on/off switch could help people with endometriosis and other disorders
www.science.org
October 20, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Thrilled to see our preprint featured in Science News! 🩸
Big thanks to Holly Barker for writing such a thoughtful piece about our work. So exciting to see broader attention to menstruation research and new model systems!
www.science.org/content/arti...
Big thanks to Holly Barker for writing such a thoughtful piece about our work. So exciting to see broader attention to menstruation research and new model systems!
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Kara McKinley
Whoa, this is big…
Lab’s 1st preprint!
Menstruation is understudied due to societal taboos + a biological challenge: mice (a key system for research + drug discovery) don’t menstruate.
@cagricevrim.bsky.social made menstruating mice + used them to discover early events in menstruation.
He is on the job market!
Menstruation is understudied due to societal taboos + a biological challenge: mice (a key system for research + drug discovery) don’t menstruate.
@cagricevrim.bsky.social made menstruating mice + used them to discover early events in menstruation.
He is on the job market!
I’m thrilled to share my postdoc work and the first paper from the McKinley Lab! 🎉
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
We built the first transgenic model of menstruation in mice.
We used it to uncover how the endometrium organizes and sheds during menstruation. 🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
🧵
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
We built the first transgenic model of menstruation in mice.
We used it to uncover how the endometrium organizes and sheds during menstruation. 🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
🧵
October 16, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Whoa, this is big…
Reposted by Kara McKinley
The Zwick Lab website is live! 🔬🌀🌈
Check out our research and team at www.zwicklab.org
Home - Zwick Lab
Our organs don’t just grow once – they grow with us. While some are more adaptable than others, many remodel throughout life to meet the body’s changing needs, from daily challenges to the extraordina...
www.zwicklab.org
October 16, 2025 at 8:27 PM
The Zwick Lab website is live! 🔬🌀🌈
Check out our research and team at www.zwicklab.org
Reposted by Kara McKinley
This is an amazing story and important breakthrough! Awesome stuff from @karalmckinley.bsky.social and @cagricevrim.bsky.social
Lab’s 1st preprint!
Menstruation is understudied due to societal taboos + a biological challenge: mice (a key system for research + drug discovery) don’t menstruate.
@cagricevrim.bsky.social made menstruating mice + used them to discover early events in menstruation.
He is on the job market!
Menstruation is understudied due to societal taboos + a biological challenge: mice (a key system for research + drug discovery) don’t menstruate.
@cagricevrim.bsky.social made menstruating mice + used them to discover early events in menstruation.
He is on the job market!
I’m thrilled to share my postdoc work and the first paper from the McKinley Lab! 🎉
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
We built the first transgenic model of menstruation in mice.
We used it to uncover how the endometrium organizes and sheds during menstruation. 🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
🧵
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
We built the first transgenic model of menstruation in mice.
We used it to uncover how the endometrium organizes and sheds during menstruation. 🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
🧵
October 16, 2025 at 12:22 AM
This is an amazing story and important breakthrough! Awesome stuff from @karalmckinley.bsky.social and @cagricevrim.bsky.social
Reposted by Kara McKinley
The kind of surprise that keeps me on social media.
Another preprint to check out.
Another preprint to check out.
Lab’s 1st preprint!
Menstruation is understudied due to societal taboos + a biological challenge: mice (a key system for research + drug discovery) don’t menstruate.
@cagricevrim.bsky.social made menstruating mice + used them to discover early events in menstruation.
He is on the job market!
Menstruation is understudied due to societal taboos + a biological challenge: mice (a key system for research + drug discovery) don’t menstruate.
@cagricevrim.bsky.social made menstruating mice + used them to discover early events in menstruation.
He is on the job market!
I’m thrilled to share my postdoc work and the first paper from the McKinley Lab! 🎉
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
We built the first transgenic model of menstruation in mice.
We used it to uncover how the endometrium organizes and sheds during menstruation. 🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
🧵
@karalmckinley.bsky.social
We built the first transgenic model of menstruation in mice.
We used it to uncover how the endometrium organizes and sheds during menstruation. 🧪
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
🧵
October 11, 2025 at 8:13 PM
The kind of surprise that keeps me on social media.
Another preprint to check out.
Another preprint to check out.