Kaylie Schroeder - Peer Mentor

As a participant in the Emerging Scholars program, I conduct research in Dr. Unckless’s evolutionary genomics lab. My work focuses on a project related to meiotic drive using the fruit fly, Drosophila affinis, where I primarily gain hands-on experience doing molecular biology bench work. This position has served as an incredible starting point for my research career, helping me shape my broader interest in pursuing molecular biology research within the medical field. For a first-generation, Pell Grant-eligible student like me, the Emerging Scholars program provided a vital foundation by breaking down barriers, offering direct placement into a lab, and compensating me for my time.

For the remainder of my undergraduate career at KU, I plan to continue my research in the Unckless lab while actively exploring other funding and independent research opportunities. After graduation, my goal is to pursue a PhD and transition into industry research, specifically focusing on clinical trials. I chose to become a peer mentor for first-year emerging scholars because of the immense support I received. I wanted the opportunity to share my experience and make the transition to college smoother for others. My own Emerging Scholar peer mentor did an amazing job helping me navigate university life; having another person in STEM to talk to about the challenges of the college transition was incredibly beneficial, and I look forward to providing that same guidance to this year’s Emerging Scholars.

More information about me:

• I spend a lot of my free time watching and rewatching TV shows; some of my favorites include Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Gilmore Girls, and How I Met Your Mother. 
• I have a cat whose first name is Winston (after the New Girl character) and whose middle name is Lucas (after Luke from Gilmore Girls).
• Coming to KU has made me a huge men’s basketball fan, and you can find me camping in Allen Fieldhouse for almost every home game.