Luke McKinney NCUR 2023 Spotlight

Luke McKinney 

Senior, Biology major, Pharmacology minor

Research Mentor: Dr. Jamie Sturgill

I enjoy research because.... "I enjoy research because I get to apply what I learn in the classroom. I get to learn in classes, and then return to the lab and apply that newly learned information."

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

"I first got into research through a professor. I was in a physiology exam review with my professor, where I expressed interest in a particular body system. The professor sent me the name and contact information of one of their colleagues. I was in their colleague’s lab for a year, after which I moved to the pulmonology research lab where I am now."

How long have you been engaged in undergraduate research?

"I have been a part of a research lab for three years. have been a part of a research lab for three years."

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

"The most exciting aspect is the collaboration. The research that I am in is more patient focused in the hospital, so I get to work with doctors, surgeons, other researchers, and nurses. Seeing the entire healthcare team work together is the most interesting part of the research experience."

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

"I would say try it. See if there is anything that your professors talk about that you find it interesting, read some of their publications, talk to them about their research, and see if they would let you into their lab."