Research Alumni Career Panel
Join us for an insightful and inspiring panel discussion with UK alumni as they share their unique research experiences and how those opportunities prepared them for graduation, their current professional endeavors, and future plans. Learn how to leverage your research experience and skills to enhance your resume and set yourself apart on applications and interviews.
Tuesday, Sept. 23 | 5 - 6 PM
Healthy KY Research Building (free parking available in HKRB lot)
Seating is limited, so registration is required
Katie L. Land, B.S.
University of Kentucky, College of Medicine
Ph.D. Candidate | Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
Research Assistant Senior | Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
B.S. in Biology and Pharmacology – UK Undergraduate Class of 2021
Ph.D. in Pharmacology – UKCOM Class of 2028
Katie Land is a Pharmacology Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and a full-time Research Assistant Senior in the Hannon Laboratory within the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She began her research journey at UK as an undergraduate, studying how environmental exposures affect women’s reproductive health, and was one of the university’s first Undergraduate Research Ambassadors. Katie’s work has led to multiple first-author publications recognized internationally with Best Paper, Top Cited Article, and Top Downloaded Article honors from the Society of Toxicology and the Journal of Molecular Reproduction & Development. She has also been invited to present her research at more than twenty-five conferences across the United States, as well as in Italy and Ireland. During her undergraduate years, Katie was actively involved with UK’s Office of Undergraduate Research, Alpha Phi Omega, Phi Sigma Theta, and Alternative Service Breaks. She now extends her professional involvement to international organizations, serving as Trainee Chair for the Women in Reproductive Sciences Committee of the Society for the Study of Reproduction. Looking ahead, Katie plans to pursue a career as an In Vitro Fertilization Clinic Laboratory Director, where she hopes to bridge scientific discovery with clinical and personal impact.
Steven Poore, B.S.
University of Kentucky, Pigman College of Engineering
Ph.D. Candidate | Department of Electrical Engineering 2027
B.S. in Electrical Engineering – UK Undergraduate Class of 2023
Steven Poore is a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Kentucky, Pigman College of Engineering. During his undergraduate career, he was honored as an L. Stanley Pigman Scholar and received the prestigious IEEE PES Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding students in power and energy systems. His leadership abilities shone through as he served as the Chair of the IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) and Industry Applications Society (IAS) Student Chapter at the University of Kentucky. For two years, Steven engaged in undergraduate research focused on electric power systems and renewable energy technologies, showcasing a commitment to advancing knowledge in sustainable energy solutions. He completed a co-op/internship rotation at LG&E and KU, Kentucky’s largest utility provider, where he gained invaluable industry experience. His research efforts culminated in the publication of two conference proceedings papers as the first author, demonstrating his ability to make meaningful contributions to the academic community.
Danica Hak, B.F.A.
Interior Designer at RossTarrant Architects
B.F.A. in Interiors: Planning, Strategy, and Design, Minor in Dance 2024
Danica Hak is a 2024 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Design, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interiors with a minor in Dance. Her leadership qualities were recognized through her selection as a UK Undergraduate Research Ambassador and Gaines Fellow, along with receiving Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships in immersive design. Danica has presented her research at the CURATE symposium and received the UK College of Design’s Research Award for the 2022-2023 academic year. She was featured in the University of Kentucky Dezeen School Show for her work in interior design and scenic projects. Her undergraduate thesis, "RESONANCE: The Interdisciplinary Design Process and Site-Specific Work in an Iterative Lens," showcased her ability to merge various disciplines in design. Currently, she is embarking on her professional journey at RossTarrant Architects, focusing on educational design and cultivating a culture of collaboration and innovation. Currently, Danica is forging her professional path at RossTarrant Architects, where she is dedicated to designing educational environments. In this role, she fosters collaboration and interdisciplinary work, contributing to a culture of innovation and excellence in her exciting career in architecture and design.
Patrick Bidros, B.S.
M.D. Candidate | Class of 2027
B.A. in Biology, Minor in Microbiology 2023
During his time at UK, Patrick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a minor in Microbiology. Patrick joined the Cassis Lab in the College of Medicine and studied the sex differences of selective serotonin receptors and their effect on abdominal aortic aneurysms. His involvement with the OUR included presenting at the Showcase of Undergraduate Research, serving as an Undergraduate Research Ambassador, and placing 3rd at the 5-minute Fast Track Competition in Fall 2023. Patrick is currently further exploring research efforts in the UK College of Medicine as a medical student and plans to graduate in 2027, with an interest in surgery.
Kendra Hargis-Stenzel
Director, Innovation Talent Development
Ph.D. 2016 | M.B.A. 2024
While Kendra Stenzel was in graduate school, she knew that she wouldn't stay in academic research, but she was unsure how to apply her degree outside of academia. During her time as a postdoctoral scholar, Kendra was a fellow in the Office of Technology Commercialization, where she helped assess innovations that came through the office, scouring patent databases and conducting basic market research. Once the fellowship ended, she became an intern with the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship, where she helped to coach teams on creating businesses around their ideas. Those two experiences inspired Kendra to develop programs for the next generation of students, whether they're undergrads, graduate students, or postdocs. In July 2024, she stepped into the role of Innovation Talent Development, where she had the opportunity to develop programs and experiences born out of the opportunities she wished she had. She has currently launched the Innovation Training Micro-Certification for all students and researchers, as well as the Commercialization and Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurial Leadership Programs.
