Evan Neary 2026 5-Minute Fast Track Finalist

Evan Neary

Neuroscience and psychology junior

Research Mentor: Shannon Macauley

I enjoy research because... "whether it be 10, 100, 1000, or however many years in the future, when Alzheimer’s and other diseases are better treated or maybe even cured, I know that my work now will have been a small, but important step in the scaffolding towards those treatments."

How long have you been engaged in undergraduate research? "1.5 years"

What has been the most exciting aspect of your research so far? "Every bit of data I collect and examine either reinforces or changes my understanding of Alzheimer’s (my project’s main focus) in some way. I think even when I get data I didn’t expect, I find it so exciting how it all tells some larger story that I can’t yet see." 

How has undergraduate research impacted your college experience at the University of Kentucky? “The OUR has shown me lots of resources on how to present and communicate my research.”

Has research changed your career or educational goals? Please explain. “Yes and no. I still, above all else, want to become a medical doctor. However, I now want research to be a more important aspect of my career as a physician.”

What advice would you give to other UK students thinking about doing research? “If you’re thinking about it, just give it a try! You may find that it’s not your thing, or you may find that you want research to be something incorporated into your career. Office of Undergraduate Research has lots of resources for UKY students on how to get involved.”