HANNAH CLEARY NCUR 2022 Spotlight

Hannah Cleary

Honors Senior, Agriculture and Medical Biotechnology major and Biology minor

Research Mentor: Carol Street

I enjoy research because.... "research can be like setting sail on an adventure without an obvious destination. The conclusions of our research may be a mystery or they may be predictable, but the journey to reaching them is always insightful."

How did you first get interested in undergraduate research at UK?

"There was never a question in my mind as to if I would be doing undergraduate research at the University of Kentucky. The question was what kind of research would I be doing at University of Kentucky. I have always sought after answers with a genuine curiosity, and research is the perfect place for such a task."

How long have you been engaged in undergraduate research?

"I have been engaged in undergraduate research for around two and a half years."

What has been the most exciting aspect of your research so far?

"The most exciting aspect of research is the moment where everything clicks - what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how the outcome makes sense. It's the moment when you realize that every little step served a greater purpose that got you to where you are today."

What advice would you give to other UK students thinking about doing research?

"There are so many opportunities for research at the University of Kentucky - there are dry labs, wet labs, and positions for clinical research. I know they say that there is something for everyone here, and I can confirm that that could not be more true. If you are thinking about doing research, then you should. There is nothing to lose and so much to gain!"