Health Professions

Why did you choose to attend Lake Forest College?

I have always been into science. I studied biology at the College of Lake County, and my favorite subject was chemistry 1 and 2; I was really good at it. After getting my associate’s degree, I looked at a number of colleges. I really liked Lake Forest College for a number of reasons. The science programs are really good. I also liked that it is close by since I was uncomfortable being far away. Having a close, nice school was really helpful. I liked that it was a private university with a small class size. I felt like I was a unique student instead of being at a large public school. The faculty is exceptional.

Has Lake Forest College lived up to your expectations?

Definitely. Actually, I feel like it exceeded my expectations. Advisors and professors drive you to do your best. They have prepared me to communicate effectively and not be afraid to try new things. I was nervous about doing a research proposal, but thanks to the help and advising of Dr. DebBurman, I was able to do the grant application and present my work. 

What does winning the Nh Rou Si grant mean for your future? 

I am very happy about, and proud of, winning the grant. For my future, I know it will help make my PhD application stronger. It will show that I know what it is like to do research. I know if I become a scientist in a PhD program, I will have to apply for grants. This will be a big help to set my application apart. Personally, it gave me more confidence to pursue my future as a PhD student.  

What made you want to pursue a PhD?

I have actually wanted to become a scientist since I was 8 years old. I have always really loved science. As I was going through high school, I started to look at medicine. That continued to be my goal through CLC. When I got to Lake Forest, however, I decided to major in biochemistry and molecular biology. Dr. DebBurhman offered me position to work in lab in the summer, so I had a wonderful mentor and my own little project. I started to realize that research was actually fun and maybe I do not want to do medicine. I like answering scientific questions. I find it very interesting and fascinating. After attending Lake Forest College and working in the D-Lab, I decided I wanted to try to go for my PhD. 

Because I have been working in the lab for some time, especially with the pandemic, I am able to experience what it is like to go through an actual PhD program. I know that it will be challenging. I know that there will be times I will fail; my research will not necessarily work all the time. I have already experienced that. I have experienced writing a grant proposal and getting funded. I also have experience answering specific questions. I really do have a good idea of what it is like to be in a PhD program. Despite some of the drawbacks and challenges that will happen in the program, I am more than excited to try.

Do you think these same opportunities would be accessible at a big university?

I really do not think I would have gotten this opportunity at a big university. The class sizes are humongous. I came from CLC as a transfer living in Waukegan, my family is not fortunate. I needed a very good educational environment to know I can succeed here. I will be known to my professors. In a smaller environment that is more concentrated, I knew I would be able to excel more and be more comfortable. That is exactly what Lake Forest provided.

What advice would you give to a student considering transferring to Lake Forest College?

I recommend transferring to Lake Forest College, especially from CLC because It is a guaranteed transfer. It is easy to get adjusted. The campus is so beautiful, and everybody is so nice. Class sizes are small and cozy as well, it is just wonderful. I recommend joining Phi Beta Kappa as well. The work at Lake Forest is more accelerated and challenging, but it is doable. Professors and other students help you. Applying was a pretty easy process, once you read over what is required from transfer students. 

-Katy Knuckles '21