Some people spend years figuring out what they want to do. For LuHi alumna Lauren Kelly, it took some chemistry classes (and a color changing gel) to set everything in motion.
After graduating from Lutheran High School in 2019, Lauren set her sights on the Colorado School of Mines, and the moment she toured campus, she knew it was the right fit. She got to work on her application early in the fall, which she says made all the difference. "Getting an early start on applications is one of the most important things you can do. This lets you take bite-sized pieces and double-check your work instead of panicking at the last minute."
For students eyeing a competitive school, her advice is equally direct: "Do your homework and tailor your application. Read about what kinds of values a school has and what kinds of students they are looking for. Then write like you're the best possible fit while still making it sound genuine."
At Mines, Lauren started out in chemical engineering before making a pivot after her sophomore year to a major called Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering, a combination of biology and computer science focused on using advances in computation to study living systems. "It was nerve-wracking to switch majors, but well worth it because enjoying what I was learning made it easier to apply myself."
The path toward pharmaceuticals came into focus during her junior year when she joined an undergraduate research lab. Her project? Creating gels that changed color when inflammation-causing molecules made contact with them. "It helped me see how I could use my skills in chemistry and biology to create tangible solutions that address real health problems."
A class called The Chemistry of Pharmaceuticals the following year sealed the deal. "I realized that I could combine my scientific skills with my passion for helping people by designing better drugs and therapeutics." She was drawn specifically to Molecular Pharmaceutics for its focus on highly targeted drug delivery. These types of drugs can keep doses low while maintaining high effectiveness.
She’s working on a handful of projects, but her favorite is designing a new drug for cystic fibrosis.
Lauren is now three years into her PhD at the University of Utah. For those unfamiliar with what a research doctorate actually involves, she breaks it down: "Most PhD programs are 5–7 years long, where your first two years are mostly coursework and your last 3–5 years are research-focused. Most PhD programs are fully funded, meaning you don't have to pay tuition, and you receive a stipend for living expenses." The goal of the whole journey is a thesis, a major research project that addresses an unmet need or solves a real problem.
After earning her degree, Lauren hopes to work in the pharmaceutical industry, designing and testing new drugs. "I chose to pursue a PhD because I enjoy research, and the experience I gain through this program will help me play a more influential role wherever I work."
Reflecting on her time at LuHi, some of Lauren's most treasured memories came from the Track team. Her senior year, the women's team won the state track meet! She ran the 4x800 relay, the 4x400 relay, the 300 hurdles, and even pole vaulted.
"Being involved in both individual events and relays was such a fun experience because I felt camaraderie in two very different ways. The cherry on top was watching all of the pieces fall into place as the team's hard work paid off with a victory that everybody truly contributed to." What a great way to cap off her senior year.
When asked if there was anyone on staff she’d like to give a shoutout, Mr B came immediately to mind. Mr. Blomenberg, who taught her general chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry, gets full credit for lighting the spark. "He was the teacher who gave me the passion for science itself that has turned into the career I am pursuing."
She still carries one of his core lessons with her into the lab every day: Thinkers not pukers.
“Being a thinker who asks 'why' questions is the most important skill I have as a PhD candidate," she shares. Just as meaningful was the way he wove faith into the subject matter. "Mr. B taught science with so much awe and respect for the One who created it. I am so grateful to have been encouraged to pause and admire the perfect complexity of God's creation as I study it in detail."
Thanks for taking the time to share an update, Lauren! Blessings on your remaining time finishing your PhD program.
