McKenna Clinch NCUR 2023 Spotlight

McKenna Clinch

Junior, Chemical Engineering major, Mathematics minor, and Biopharmaceutical Engineering Certificate

Research Mentor: Dr. Bryan Beckingham

I enjoy research because.... "It gives me the freedom to try different things and work towards a solution independently"

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

"I started research at UK as a senior in high school thanks to the Lafayette Pre-Engineering Program. I really enjoyed the research I was doing and the environment of my lab, so I continued in college."

How long have you been engaged in undergraduate research?

"Since my senior year of high school. I am going on my fourth year in lab."

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

"The most exciting aspect of research for me has been the freedom to design and conduct experiments all on my own for my most recent project."

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

"Just look into it! Starting the search doesn’t commit you to anything, but as you look at projects/mentors it’s likely you’ll find something that interests you!"