LEXI NOLLETTI NCUR 2022 Spotlight

Lexi Nolletti

Honors Junior, Neuroscience major and Biology and Spanish minor

Research Mentor: Dr. David Rodgers

I enjoy research because.... "I love understanding the science behind real-life phenomena and developing solutions to biological abnormalities."

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

"I've known that I wanted to do research since high school, but my first introduction to all the possibilities at UK was when my roommate and I attended the Five Minute Fast Track Finals my freshman year. The speakers were brilliant and their discoveries were incredible. I couldn't wait to get involved in projects like theirs."

How long have you been engaged in undergraduate research?

"Four semesters"

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

"I love that moment when all of our data clicks together. It's not very often, but when we realize that all of our observations are connected, and find the support our hypothesis needs, it's magical."

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

"Just go for it! A lot of professors or their projects can seem intimidating, but they get so excited when an undergraduate reaches out and is interested in their work. Worst case scenario, there won't be room in their lab at that time, but that just opens up more opportunities to investigate other projects and labs."