Ben Haase 2026 5-Minute Fast Track Finalist

Ben Haase

Neuroscience junior

Research Mentor: Michael Bardo

I enjoy research because…“I love being able to ask and answer complex questions, and produce discoveries that could potentially impact the lives of a large number of people."

How long have you been engaged in undergraduate research? “4 years”

What has been the most exciting aspect of your research so far? “The most exciting part of my research has been doing surgeries and other hands-on work with animal models.”

How has undergraduate research impacted your college experience at the University of Kentucky? “Undergraduate research has made me realize that the coursework I do actually matters, and provides a strong background knowledge that makes it easier to ask complex questions.”

Has research changed your career or educational goals? Please explain. “Yes. As I've pursued research, it has made me realize that I really enjoy the scientific process and the development of models to explain complex conditions. It has also reinforced my pursuit of an MD/PhD, which would blend a direct clinical application with the formation of novel models for complex problems.”

What advice would you give to other UK students thinking about doing research? “Reach out to PIs and see what works, and if something doesn't feel like it's working for you, don't feel bad about looking around for a lab that's a better fit. There's a ton of labs at UK that have different cultures, workflows, and experiences, and you can find one that fits for you!”