Balancing Books and Biology: How One Student Aims to Bridge Both Worlds Through Double Degree
Isabel Kapustka Interview Heading link
Name: Isabel Kapustka
Major: Biology and Economics
Year in school: Senior
How did you choose your major/minor?
When I started at UIC I knew that I was pre-med and liked biology, so choosing a biology major seemed like the perfect fit. I also intended on minoring in economics because I enjoyed it in high school, but after taking a health policy seminar and my first few economics courses at UIC, I found that I liked economics even more than I realized. With the future goal of working on health policy and healthcare administration, I switched to a double degree in biology and economics to build a stronger foundation for my ultimate aspirations.
Can you talk about your participation in the LASURI (Liberal Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Initiative) program? What are you researching?
I’m currently doing research at the Alsberg lab which focuses on biomedical engineering. The lab’s work centers on tissue engineering and 3D printing, and my research, along with several graduate students, centers on creating vasculature (blood vessels). My project looks at the expression of crucial proteins in vascular constructs and aims to identify how that expression can be modified.
Has anything surprised you in your research?
I was surprised to learn the difference between an experimental hypothesis and an engineering hypothesis. As I progressed in my research, I began to understand and appreciate the approach taken in engineering as it challenges me to think in different ways and be more creative!
You currently serve as the President of the UIC Speech and Debate team and were part of the group that won the national title. Can you discuss this achievement and its significance for you both personally and professionally?
My experience with the UIC Speech and Debate team has been one of the highlights of my time at UIC. The team has given me so much – from friendships to invaluable public speaking and writing skills – it is truly an honor to compete with such a great group of people. Winning the National Speech Championship felt like the culmination of so much hard work, both from our current members and coaches but also all those that helped build our foundation, but I believe it also ignited our energy to keep working and improving. I’m excited to see what the team will do this year and I’m looking forward to my final season of learning, competing, and growing along with them.
How has your student group engagement impacted your experience at UIC?
In addition to the speech team, I also compete for the travel club tennis team and have led the organization Kids Are Scientists Too (KAST). In these spaces, I’ve developed a great appreciation for teamwork and collaboration as well as had the opportunity to grow as a leader in a variety of leadership roles. These experiences have all helped shape my approach to working with others and through them I’ve learned valuable skills that I’ve found applicable to research settings, work experiences, and many other spaces.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice during your freshman year, what would it be?
To say yes to new opportunities and really go for it! You never know what path or experiences are right for you unless you try, and some of those unexpected opportunities become such integral parts of your UIC experience. Overtime, you’ll find what is or isn’t for you, but I’m grateful for every experience I had, both those that were positive and those that didn’t work out as they shaped who I am.
What are your aspirations after graduation?
I plan on attending medical school and hope to be in a combined MD/MBA program!