Isabella Soon 2026 5-Minute Fast Track Finalist

Isabella Soon

Biochemistry senior

Research Mentor: Yosra Helmy

I enjoy research because... "It allows me to explore the different paths that allow life to function."

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

What has been the most exciting aspect of your research so far? "The people I have had the opportunity to meet and work with, along with the insight they can provide to not only our research but our lives as well." 

How has undergraduate research impacted your college experience at the University of Kentucky? “I feel more confident in understanding how meaningful research is conducted and how to navigate both the successes and failures we can deal with in the lab.”

Has research changed your career or educational goals? Please explain. “Yes and no, I have also wanted to do my PhD to research on equine health, and before I thought that a PhD in chem would be the best way, but I have discovered that the research in different departments is multidisciplinary from the research I’ve done, and so now I will be getting my PhD in clinical vet sciences.”

What advice would you give to other UK students thinking about doing research? “Just reach out, find a mentor, and get started. There is never really a right time to start research, and you're never going to get comfortable doing an independent project if you never even give yourself the opportunity to try.”