Hometown: Seongnam, South Korea
Major: Biology
Why did you choose Iowa State University?
ISU is famous for agricultural study and has cheaper tuition than private universities. Also, quiet and peaceful living condition fits my personality.
How did you become interested in your major?
My family members got cancer and suffered from surgical/chemical treatments. Watching them suffer encouraged me to find a new therapy in the biology field, not a medical one.
What are your current goals following graduation?
I was interested in cancer and human genetics until my sophomore year. However, I experienced extreme weather and grocery inflation after two years of military service, I changed my interest in plant genetics.
Campus Activities: I joined Alpha Lambda Delta and did some volunteer activities for kids and college students. We tied blankets to donate them to kids and handed out candies and chocolates for students studying in the library in the finals week.
Research experience: My research topic is figuring out the function of one transcription factor (Hypocotyl5) in Arabidopsis Thaliana. I am working with Dr. Michelle Guo, who is a good instructor. I enjoy research when I get evidence that denies or supports my hypothesis. I could decide if I am the right person to apply to graduate school through my undergraduate research experience. Also, nine hours a week in the lab is a short time compared to the real scientists, but it is enough for students to practice lab techniques.
What are a few things you love about your major and department?
Many professors are good at teaching, and many labs where students can learn research are the merit of a biology major at Iowa State.
How would you fill in the blank for high school students interested in your field?
“You’re going to love studying the sciences at Iowa State because ….”
...professors and students are passionate. Some lab classes that take 3 hours might be annoying, but you can contact the professor of interest to join his/her lab and enjoy undergrad research.
Do you have an example of how a professor or staff member has supported you at Iowa State?
Dr. James T Colbert has already retired but was an instructor of my first biology class at Iowa State. He counseled freshmen individually and asked us if we needed help taking lectures.
Dr. Norah Warchola taught me how to find and prepare for graduate school. She kept advising me a year after I took her class.
Dr. Michelle Guo accepted me in her lab and taught me much about research. I have done undergrad research in her lab for over a year and decided to apply for grad school.
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) has always helped international students. I especially thank Gene Manhattan for advising me since I joined Iowa State in 2018.
Last comments:
My most memorable ISU experience so far...The most memorable ISU experience was international cuisine events held by ISSO. Students made meals and sold them on MU's 2nd floor. Enjoying various foods from different cultures and meeting international friends was fun.
My best advice for new students is... to make new friends in different majors.