MEET OUR SPRING 2026 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Emalie Mullane
What is your major?
Biology
Minors?
Dance
What year do you graduate?
Spring 2026
Where are you from?
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Are you a first generation student?
No
What motivated you to come to UK?
I decided to come to UK for many reasons. I did not want to stay in-state for college because I wanted to experience living in a different state and push myself out of my comfort zone. Along with this goal, I was not really sure where I wanted to go to college, and when I toured UK I instantly knew I belonged here. While it is a cliché answer, I just got a feeling. Lastly, one of the main reasons I chose UK was because of the vibrant horse community here and the UK Eventing Team. I compete horses in my spare time, so it was important to me to move to a place where this was possible.
To major in biology?
I chose to major in biology because I really enjoyed AP Biology in high school. I felt challenged by the course, but it was really fulfilling when I learned the material. I also thought that being a biology major would be the best decision because I was not sure if I wanted to become a veterinarian, or a physician and the biology major covers the pre-requisites for both. I am so glad I chose to major in biology because I feel very involved in the department and all the professors are so passionate about teaching and research.
Have you had any mentors or professors who have significantly impacted you?
Dr. Santollo and Andrea Edwards have impacted me the most while at UK. Being in Dr. Santollo’s lab, I have gotten to work with the both of them for three years of my college experience. I have learned so much from them and could not imagine undergrad without them. They fostered growth and provided a safe space for learning. I also was influenced by Dr. Cooper when I had him as a professor for Animal Physiology. He was always very passionate in class and made me excited to be there, and it was probably one of my favorite classes that I’ve taken at UK.
Are you involved in research? If so, what does your research entail? What do you hope to gain from it?
Yes, I am in Dr. Santollo’s lab. Our lab looks at the effects of hormones, specifically estradiol, in rat ingestive behaviors. This past summer, I had the opportunity to work in the lab after receiving the CURE fellowship. I was able to perform my own seven-week-long experiment where I looked at the relationship between circadian rhythms and ingestive behaviors in Long Evans rats.
From research I have gained critical thinking skills, determination and knowledge I did not find in lectures. I also gained a personal connection to the biology department through research, and it has made the Biology Department feel like home. Research has affected my time in undergrad the most. Working in the lab has helped me gain confidence, apply concepts I learned in lectures and has showed me how important research is. I hope to continue research in my future career.
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 feel I could have benefited from a way to get connected with upper classmen as an incoming student. I think it would have been nice to have a student mentor because they have been through it already and have good advice. I also think knowing about more careers in the field of biology would be helpful. I have heard this is becoming more of a thing though. Aside from this, I feel that I received a great education in the biology department and had access to all the resources I needed.
Describe your journey so far at UK. What are you most proud or excited about?
I am most excited to be starting medical school in the fall. But with this, I am also very sad to be leaving UK because it has shaped me into the person I am now. I do not think I would be where I am today without UK and the biology department.
How did you overcome challenges that you may have faced?
Through challenges, I relied on my friends here at UK, as well as my family back home. Late night study hours were challenging, especially when I had multiple exams in one week, but having my friends alongside me helped me get through them (and actually made the stressful hours fun). I was lucky enough to have made my closest friends in the bio department, so we were always in the same hard class together.
Describe any highlights or memorable moments here at UK.
Some of my most memorable moments are during reading days. Every semester, my friends and I will hang out all day and it is a nice way to be a responsible student, while also spending time with friends before the break. We always plan to get to the library early in the morning to secure a table. And then we will all go eat together and study together until the evening hours. I look forward to reading days the most each semester.
Have you recently received any awards/accolades/recognitions? If so, please describe what for.
Sophomore year I received the Chellgren Fellowship. This fellowship is for sophomores only and is focused on professional development and research. This program is how I really got my start in research.
This past summer I received the CURE Fellowship. This fellowship paid me $5,000 to perform research over the summer.
Who do you look up to and why?
I look up to my parents the most because they are both very hard-working people. They have showed me what dedication and hard work look like at it inspires me to be like them. They also always have the best advice.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy riding my horse, going on hikes, and going out to eat with my friends.
What are your plans after graduation? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
After graduation I am attending medical school at Oklahoma State University. In five years, I hope to be completing a pediatric residency. I am not sure what specialty I want to go into yet, however, I definitely want to be a pediatrician. In 10 years, I hope to be done with residency and working as a physician. In whatever specialty I am in, I hope to be able to perform research and facilitate clinical trials. Along with this, I hope to have settled down with a family and live on enough land to have a few horses, dogs, and cats.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is a hard question for me because I am a foodie. But if I had to choose it would probably be cheese because there are lots of varieties so I wouldn’t get bored.
If you could meet one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I think I would want to meet Mother Theresa. She was always very kind to others and I try to meet everyone with kindness.
If you could share one statement about your experience as a UK Biology major so far, what would it be?
My experience as a UK Biology major has been very fulfilling and rewarding, as I have been challenged and experienced growth throughout my time.
Kianna Ginez
What is your major?
Biology
Minors?
No
What year do you graduate?
2028
Where are you from?
Lexington, Kentucky
Are you a first-generation student?
Yes
What motivated you to come to UK?
I kind of already knew for a while that I didn’t want to be too far from home. The summer before my senior year of high school, I was able to shadow in a microbiology lab at UK, and the people there were very passionate, which made me feel excited. I spent a lot of time on campus and met a lot of cool people, so it kind of solidified my choice to stay in Lexington.
To major in biology?
I thought I was bad at biology in high school until I took an anatomy class, which I enjoyed a lot. I took AP Bio the following year and paired with my experience in the microbiology lab, I realized learning about biology was FUN. I found myself getting excited to do gel electrophoresis and learn about different lab techniques/procedures.
Have you had any mentors or professors who have significantly impacted you?
Dr. Seifert and Dr. Osterhage. I’ve known both for quite a while. Dr. Seifert through research and Dr. Osterhage through the S-STEM program. It feels encouraging having people believe in you and want to see you grow.
Are you involved in research? If so, what does your research entail?
Yes.
I do axolotl regeneration research in Dr. Seifert’s lab. My most recent project was focusing on the effects of retinoic acid treatment times to induce proximal-distal duplications. There was lots of scientific photography and skeletal staining.
What do you hope to gain from it?
I like to think that I’m someone who always wants to improve. I want to become a better communicator and be able to confidently present my research. I hope to learn different lab skills that can be transferrable to the field I want to go into.
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 wish BUSA was a bigger thing. I miss the socials they hosted at the BLC, which provided an opportunity to network with faculty of the biology department. I think it’s a good thing to hear from older people in the same field and learn about their experiences.
Describe your journey so far at UK. What are you most proud or excited about? How did you overcome challenges that you may have faced?
I’m most proud of how I’ve grown as a person.
Whenever I’m navigating through a difficult or busy week, I just tell myself, “If I can get through this week, I can get through anything." It’s a nice affirmation and reminder that life goes on and I’m stronger than I think I am.
Describe any highlights or memorable moments here at UK.
During my first finals week, my friends and I spent a night at the library. We booked a study room, but no actual studying was accomplished. I ended up having to leave as soon as the sun rose, because my stomach couldn’t handle the energy drink I had. We all were too tired the next day to study, so it was a big mistake. We still hope to re-create it again one day.
Who do you look up to and why?
I look up to my mom a lot. She’s the strongest person I know. Learning and seeing her go through a lot of challenges inspires me to want to be as mentally strong as her. She’s also fostered such a supportive community for my family which I find admirable.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Sleeping. When I’m not tired, I like to sew. I know how to hand sew well and have made quite a few small felt plushies. I’ve been trying to use my sewing machine more, but it’s an uphill battle trying to make my projects look good. Other times I play video games or watch YouTube videos. If I ever need to relax, I journal/scrapbook.
What are your plans after graduation? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
The goal is to get into Vet school. In 10 years, I’m not too sure. I want to be a veterinary pathologist, but I could always change my mind. Either way I hope to end up in a job that can benefit both animals and humans.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Enchiladas! There are so many varieties, and I love them all equally.
If you could meet one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Suho from EXO. His voice is so lovely, and I want to have the opportunity to invite him to sing at my future wedding.
If you could share one statement about your experience as a UK Biology major so far, what would it be?
Lots of ups, lots of downs, but totally worth the experience.