Get to know PETAL Consortium’s External Communications Specialist, Katrina Fu!
Get to know PETAL Consortium’s External Communications Specialist, Katrina Fu!
By Katrina Fu
By Katrina Fu
Katrina Fu, MS
Katrina Fu, MS
Hi, I’m Katrina Fu, PETAL Consortium’s External Communications Specialist!I earned my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). After graduating, I worked as a research assistant in a biological chemistry lab and as a medical writer. I later completed a master’s degree in health communication from Boston University, with a concentration in digital andvisual health communication. During my master’s program, I interned for the Maryland Department of Health, Office of MaineCare Services, and Mass General Brigham.
Hi, I’m Katrina Fu, PETAL Consortium’s External Communications Specialist! I earned my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). After graduating, I worked as a research assistant in a biological chemistry lab and as a medical writer. I later completed a master’s degree in health communication from Boston University, with a concentration in digital and visual health communication. During my master’s program, I interned for the Maryland Department of Health, Office of MaineCare Services, and Mass General Brigham.
Hi, I’m Katrina Fu, PETAL Consortium’s External Communications Specialist!I earned my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). After graduating, I worked as a research assistant in a biological chemistry lab and as a medical writer. I later completed a master’s degree in health communication from Boston University, with a concentration in digital andvisual health communication. During my master’s program, I interned for the Maryland Department of Health, Office of MaineCare Services, and Mass General Brigham.
In this Q&A, meet Katrina Fu, PETAL Consortium’s External Communications Specialist!
In this Q&A, meet Katrina Fu, PETAL Consortium’s External Communications Specialist!
Why did I choose to study biochemistry in college?
Why did I choose to study biochemistry in college?
Truthfully, when I was at UCLA, I had no idea what I wanted to do after college. I chose to major in biochemistry because I was considering a wide range of paths—pharmacy, pharmaceutical/medical research, optometry, nutrition/dietetics, and food science. I was a bit all over the place, and biochemistry felt like the best choice for an undergraduate degree to keep my options open for the future.
Truthfully, when I was at UCLA, I had no idea what I wanted to do after college. I chose to major in biochemistry because I was considering a wide range of paths—pharmacy, pharmaceutical/medical research, optometry, nutrition/dietetics, and food science. I was a bit all over the place, and biochemistry felt like the best choice for an undergraduate degree to keep my options open for the future.
Why did I transition from biochemistry to health communications?
Why did I transition from biochemistry to health communications?
The COVID-19 pandemic made me realize how dangerous health misinformation can be. I watched people make harmful choices based on misleading posts shared by non-experts online. With my background in biochemistry, I wanted to bridge that gap by translating complex scientific ideas into information people could easily understand. Since so much of this communication now happens online, I chose to focus my master’s degree on digital health communications.
The COVID-19 pandemic made me realize how dangerous health misinformation can be. I watched people make harmful choices based on misleading posts shared by non-experts online. With my background in biochemistry, I wanted to bridge that gap by translating complex scientific ideas into information people could easily understand. Since so much of this communication now happens online, I chose to focus my master’s degree on digital health communications.
What does a day-in-my-life at PETAL Consortium look like?
What does a day-in-my-life at PETAL Consortium look like?
I manage all of PETAL’s digital communications across our website and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X). Basically, anything that is published on PETAL’s website or social media was either written or reviewed/edited by me.
I collaborate closely with Dr. Salvia Jain, PETAL Consortium’s principal investigator, to plan and develop our overall communications strategy and content. So that means that some days, I’m interviewing researchers or patients; other days, I’m focused on writing/editing articles or designing social media graphics. I also occasionally assist with video editing and other communication projects.
I manage all of PETAL’s digital communications across our website and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X). Basically, anything that is published on PETAL’s website or social media was either written or reviewed/edited by me.
I collaborate closely with Dr. Salvia Jain, PETAL Consortium’s principal investigator, to plan and develop our overall communications strategy and content. So that means that some days, I’m interviewing researchers or patients; other days, I’m focused on writing/editing articles or designing social media graphics. I also occasionally assist with video editing and other communication projects.
Any interests/hobbies?
Any interests/hobbies?
I love watching musicals and ballets (I used to dance back in high school so this just might be me living vicariously). Recently, I went to New York and saw four Broadway shows!
I love watching musicals and ballets (I used to dance back in high school so this just might be me living vicariously). Recently, I went to New York and saw four Broadway shows!
What’s your perfect meal?
What’s your perfect meal?
Peking duck with lotus leaf bread and hoisin sauce!
Peking duck with lotus leaf bread and hoisin sauce!
Favorite TV show/movie?
Favorite TV show/movie?
For TV, I’m a big fan of Stranger Things and Taskmaster. For movies, I love anything from Ratatouille to Marvel movies to horror films.
For TV, I’m a big fan of Stranger Things and Taskmaster. For movies, I love anything from Ratatouille to Marvel movies to horror films.
Any pets ?
I have a rescue hound/shepherd mix named Pudding (pictured right). He’s my everything!
Any pets ?
I have a rescue hound/shepherd mix named Pudding (pictured right). He’s my everything!
Dream vacation destination?
Dream vacation destination?
Lately, I’ve been wanting to visit London and Paris to see the West End and the Moulin Rouge.
Lately, I’ve been wanting to visit London and Paris to see the West End and the Moulin Rouge.
Favorite flower?
Favorite flower?
I love Hawaiian flowers like plumeria and orchids, but my favorite is red hibiscus flowers 🌺
I love Hawaiian flowers like plumeria and orchids, but my favorite is red hibiscus flowers 🌺
@2025 PETAL Consortium • All rights reserved
@2025 PETAL Consortium • All rights reserved
@2025 PETAL Consortium • All rights reserved