Undergraduate Research
University of Wisconsin – Madison Department of Chemistry

Lily Holden

Address:
"If you think you might be interested in a project on campus, be persistent and get involved. College is one of the few times in your life where your whole day is dedicated to learning."

Headshot of Lily Holden, Undergraduate researcher

Hometown: Edina, MN

Major(s): Marketing and Biology

Current Research Group: Gellman

 

What are your plans after graduation?

I hope to continue my work within STEM as a sales representative in science and technology. I want to be able to utilize innovation to impact. My business experience will be helpful for me post-graduation, but my STEM courses have taught me to question, analyze, and innovate.

Why did you get involved in research?

I wanted to get involved in research because college is about discovering your passions. It is very easy to get stuck in your major requirements and not explore- but pursuing multiple subjects makes you more adaptable and introduces you to people from so many different backgrounds.

Briefly describe your favorite part about research

My favorite part about research is how applicable it is to what is occurring in our world. The pandemic has altered our economy, our social lives, and political environment. Research challenges you to approach problems from thousands of angles. I remember Russ told me that in research you often don’t even know what question you should be asking. I am currently reading publications on potential COVID vaccines and am learning how various labs are attempting to outsmart and understand this microscopic virus that has come to dominate our world.