Meet our Fall 2024 Undergraduate Student Spotlights

Hannah Allen

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
    
   1. What is your major? Biology
   2. Minor(s)? Chemistry
   3. What year do you graduate? May 2025
   4. Where are you from? Greenup, KY
       
2. What motivated you to come to UK? 
   I was motivated to come to the University of Kentucky because it has always felt like home. My family attended UK, and I grew up surrounded by the campus and its community. This connection made it a natural choice and inspired me to pursue my education here.
   1. To major in biology? I chose to major in biology because of my deep interest in understanding the mechanisms of life, particularly how the human body functions and interacts with its environment. This passion was further fueled by my desire to pursue a career in medicine and address healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Biology provided the perfect foundation to explore these interests while preparing for medical school.
   2. Have you had any mentors or professors who have significantly impacted you? Yes, Dr. David Weisrock, my research mentor, has significantly impacted me. His guidance and expertise have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of microbiomics and developing my research skills. Dr. Weisrock’s mentorship has inspired me to approach science with curiosity and rigor, which will undoubtedly influence my future career in medicine.
       
3. Are you involved in research? Yes
   1. If so, what does your research entail? Your research explores gut microbiome diversity across three rodent species, focusing on how species, sex, and age influence microbiota. It highlights unique microbial patterns in African spiny mice linked to their regenerative abilities, aiming to inform regenerative medicine and personalized healthcare.
   2. What could you have benefitted from in the department of biology, that you feel you were missing? For example, If the department of biology could provide you with an additional resource toward your training, what would it be? One resource that could enhance training in the Department of Biology is increased access to hands-on workshops or courses focused on advanced research techniques, such as bioinformatics or high-throughput sequencing analysis. While I gained valuable experience with microbiome profiling, a structured program offering in-depth training on data analysis software and programming languages (e.g., Python or R) specific to biological datasets would have been immensely beneficial. This could better prepare students to independently analyze complex datasets and strengthen their competitiveness for graduate programs or research positions.
       
4. Describe your journey so far at UK. 
   My journey at the University of Kentucky has been transformative. Coming from a small Appalachian town, I pursued opportunities in research, leadership, and healthcare to address the challenges rural communities face. Under Dr. David Weisrock’s mentorship, I conducted gut microbiome research, while leadership roles in tutoring, the podcast team, and the student research journal honed my collaboration and leadership skills. Shadowing healthcare professionals reinforced my commitment to bringing quality care to underserved communities, making my time at UK a foundation for achieving my goals.
   1. What are you most proud or excited about? I am most proud of my research in gut microbiome diversity and its potential implications for regenerative medicine, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. David Weisrock. Additionally, I’ve cherished opportunities to mentor and support peers through tutoring and my roles with the undergraduate podcast team and research journal. These experiences have allowed me to contribute to the university community while honing my leadership and collaboration skills.
   2. How did you overcome challenges that you may have faced? A significant challenge I faced was managing my autoimmune disease while pursuing my academic and extracurricular goals. Overcoming this required resilience, time management, and a commitment to self-care. I learned to advocate for my needs, maintain open communication with professors and mentors, and find a balance that allowed me to succeed academically while prioritizing my health. This experience has made me stronger and more determined to help others facing similar struggles.
       
5. Describe any highlights or memorable moments here at UK. 
   Some of my most memorable moments at the University of Kentucky include sledding down the hills on lawn chairs at the William T. Young Library during the winter, which brought so much fun and camaraderie with friends. Another unforgettable experience was when UK beat Florida my freshman year. Rushing the field and joining the celebration on State Street, where couches were burned in true Wildcat tradition, was an incredible display of school spirit and unity that I’ll never forget. These moments truly highlight the unique and vibrant culture at UK.
    
6. Have you recently received any awards/accolades/recognitions? If so, please describe what for. 
   I received the Ribble Award, am the Co-Chair of Aperture’s Publication and Production Committee, received the Kentucky Alumni Association Scholarship, and am a research ambassador.
    
7. Who do you look up to and why? 
   I look up to my parents because of their unwavering support, resilience, and the values they’ve instilled in me. They’ve shown me the importance of hard work, compassion, and dedication to helping others, which have shaped my aspirations and commitment to making a positive impact in my community. Their guidance and example continue to inspire me every day.
    
8. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? What are your plans after graduation? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 
   I am attending Marshall University Medical School in Fall 2025 to pursue Radiology. In 5 years, I see myself completing a radiology residency, building expertise in diagnostic imaging, and contributing to research that addresses healthcare disparities. In 10 years, I aim to be a practicing radiologist, leading initiatives like telemedicine or mobile imaging to expand diagnostic services in rural communities while mentoring future healthcare professionals.
    
9. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
   Chicken and/or fruit

  10. If you could meet one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why? 
If I could meet one famous person, it would be Marie Curie. Her groundbreaking work in radioactivity not only revolutionized science but also laid the foundation for many medical advancements, including imaging techniques like X-rays, which are central to my interest in radiology. I admire her perseverance in overcoming significant barriers as a woman in science, and I would love to learn about her thought process, challenges, and vision for the future of medicine and research.

Elleena Depenbrock

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
   
   a. What is your major? Biology
   b. Minor(s)? Chemistry
   c. What year do you graduate? Spring 2025
   d. Where are you from? Hebron, KY
    
2. What motivated you to come to UK? My mom and grandparents attended UK
   1. To major in biology? I had a biology professor in high school that piqued my interests in biology and chemistry, so I decided to pursue it myself!
       
3. Have you had any mentors or professors who have significantly impacted you? Dr. O and Dr. McLetchie have made a significant impact in my undergraduate career inside and outside of the classroom. 
    
4. Are you involved in research? Yes!
   1. If so, what does your research entail? Quantifying Fungal Associations in Marchantia inflexa in Dr. McLetchie’s laboratory with Kristen Hillegass
   2. What do you hope to gain from it? A greater understanding of plant ecology and its real-world applications
       
5. What could you have benefitted from in the department of biology, that you feel you were missing? For example, If the department of biology could provide you with an additional resource toward your training, what would it be? I do wish the biology department advertised some courses such as BIO 395, and had people to assist in the process of finding a lab to do research in. I remember it being a slightly overwhelming process because I wasn’t entirely sure how to go about it. I ended up having a friend who had been in BIO 395 help me with getting involved.
    
6. Describe your journey so far at UK. 
   1. What are you most proud or excited about? I am graduating very soon, so this last semester here at UK I am very excited about. I’ll be graduating a year early, so I view that as a very big achievement! 
   2. How did you overcome challenges that you may have faced? I’ve been able to face challenges as an opportunity to learn and grow. Challenges should be seen as a way to develop as a person, obtaining valuable lessons from the hardships endured.
       
7. Describe any highlights or memorable moments here at UK. A memorable moment I have at UK is the pizza party that we had in lab! Me and Callie, the other undergraduate in the lab, walked to Ethereal Pizza and picked up pizza for the whole lab. It was a blast. The people that I have been able to work with in my research lab have also made a lasting impact on my experience at UK. I know when I look back on my undergraduate career, I will think of all of them very fondly.
    
8. Have you recently received any awards/accolades/recognitions? If so, please describe what for. If available, please provide a link. In my time at UK, I have been able to make the Dean’s list every year. I have been a Residential Advisor for the past three semesters and have earned the Emerging Leader Award this past semester in that role. In my research, I was awarded the Gertrude Ribble Undergraduate Scholarship for my past two semesters of research in Dr. McLetchie’s laboratory.
    
9. Who do you look up to and why? Martha Beck is a big inspiration of mine. She has written many books on finding your true self and enhancing the quality of one’s own life. She attended Harvard for her Ph.D. and has three degrees in social sciences. Many of her books intertwine scientific research into everyday life for longevity and quality of life. She is a very energetic and lively person, and I hope to carry that kind of energy through life, along with impacting those I encounter like she does with her work.
    
10. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I enjoy running and lifting. I try to play volleyball any chance that I get, along with going hiking and camping. I LOVE music and dabble in just about every genre. I also tend to my collection of 20+ plants that I have collected from local shops and places I’ve visited throughout the years.
     
11. What are your plans after graduation? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? I’ll be taking a gap year to work after graduation and apply to graduate schools to obtain my Ph.D. on the West Coast in the meantime. I hope to continue doing research as a career in the future, with an interest in Biochemistry. 
     
12. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? I could survive on peanut butter (lol)
     
13. If you could meet one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why? I would meet Helen Keller and ask her how she flew a plane. A translator will have to be present.
     
14. If you could share one statement about your experience as a UK Biology major so far, what would it be? The Biology Department has treated me very well and has offered many opportunities that have developed my appreciation for biology and research. I am very grateful to be involved in the department and for the wonderful people that make it possible for undergraduates to pursue their passions.
     
15. Is there another question we could be asking in an interview like this? I can’t seem to think of any other question😊

Jaesylin Stephens

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
   a. What is your major? Biology
   b. Minor(s)? Neuroscience, Microbiology
   c. What year do you graduate? 2026
   d. Where are you from? Louisville, KY
    
2. What motivated you to come to UK?
   a. To major in biology? I chose UK because it is an R1 institution, and I was interested in undergraduate research coming into college. Biology was a natural choice of major because I have always been most passionate and curious about the natural world.
    
3. Have you had any mentors or professors who have significantly impacted you? I credit Dr. Mariah Donohue, a previous PhD candidate in the department, with starting my research journey. I began studying lemur gut microbiomes with her in the Weisrock lab my freshman year, and since then Dr. Dave Weisrock has been an incredible mentor for me as a growing researcher. I also conduct research with Dr. Morris, who taught me Introductory Genetics my sophomore year. She made this course so interesting that I decided to join her lab to study genetic disorders and development.
    
4. Are you involved in research?
   1. If so, what does your research entail? 
      1. My work in the Weisrock lab investigates how ecology shapes the gut microbiome. I use 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics to reveal the effects of ecological factors like season, host diet, and habitat disturbance on gut microbial communities that reside in wild lemurs, Madagascar’s endemic primates.
      2. My work in the Morris lab investigates the function of the CHD7 gene during retinal development. I use fluorescent “staining” to visualize gene expression in the eyes of chd7 mutant zebrafish embryos.
   2. What do you hope to gain from it?
      1. I have already enjoyed exploring my many interests in these labs. I hope these experiences will train me to be a competent scientist and prepare me for graduate school so I may pursue a career in research.
          
5. What could you have benefitted from in the department of biology, that you feel you were missing? For example, If the department of biology could provide you with an additional resource toward your training, what would it be? 
   1. More opportunities for career exploration (seminars, guest speakers, etc.) so students can learn about the wide range of jobs you can have with a Biology degree outside the traditional paths.
       
6. Describe your journey so far at UK. 
   1. What are you most proud or excited about? 
      1. I’m most excited about presenting the results of my independent research and potentially studying abroad next year.
   2. How did you overcome challenges that you may have faced?
          i. Keeping it in perspective and reminding myself that you often learn more from challenges than immediate successes.
       
7. Have you recently received any awards/accolades/recognitions? If so, please describe what for. If available, please provide a link.
   1. Summer NSF REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) with Duke’s PreMiEr Research Center (https://premier-microbiome.org/ )
   2. UK Biology Ribble Award (2024)
       
8. Who do you look up to and why? 
   1. It’s a cliché but my parents. They both fostered my love for learning from a young age and continue to show me that curiosity is the spice of life.
       
9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 
   1. I love to try new hobbies and always have many side-projects going on at once. I love anything art-related (especially crochet, sculpting, and photography), playing piano and violin, and of course spending time in nature.
       
10. What are your plans after graduation? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
     a. I plan to attend graduate school and earn a PhD. I’m not exactly sure where my research career will take me, but I could see myself staying in academia and becoming a professor.
     
11. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
    1. mango
        
12. If you could meet one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why? 
    1. Not sure!
        
13. If you could share one statement about your experience as a UK Biology major so far, what would it be?
    1. I love that the Biology major, between the department’s many niches of research and the broad range of electives offered, has given me so much flexibility to tailor my degree to my interests without confining me to one specific discipline.