Health Sciences Major Receives Inaugural Student Research Award

Before even arriving on campus, Alice Yi ’22 was already planning how she would make the most of her time as a student at the University of New Haven – and beyond. Leading up to the start of her first year, she reached out to Ashish Upadhyaya, MBA, director of the University’s Health Professions Advising Center, to ask how she could best begin to prepare for medical school.

A health sciences major, Yi’s dedication has only increased since she arrived on campus. Last summer, as a rising sophomore, she collaborated with Christina Zito, Ph.D., as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program to conduct intensive research into HPV Negative Cervical Cancer, a rare disease.

Earlier this year, Yi, a member of the University’s Pre-Health Professions Scholar Honors Program, became one of the first students to earn the University’s new Pre-Medical Studies designation, and she is also serving as ambassador for the School of Health Sciences.

"She is an impactful member of the University community outside of the lab and classroom as well."Christina Zito, Ph.D.

For all of these accomplishments – and more – she has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Bucknall Family Undergraduate Research or Experiential Learning Award.

"When I found out, I was both elated and surprised," said Yi, a native of Guam. "It truly is an honor, as I know the other nominees are just as talented and impressive."

The award was created by longstanding University benefactor Bill Bucknall ’63, ’65, ’08 Hon., chair of the University’s Board of Governors and co-chair of the University’s Charger Challenge Centennial campaign, and his daughters, Elise Bucknall and Kristin Loranger, to honor students for exemplary work outside of the classroom. Yi will receive a $10,000 award.

"I knew immediately that Alice was a special student," wrote Upadhyaya in his nomination of Alice for the Bucknall Award. "I immediately recognized her potential and the importance of nurturing her potential. Alice had to adjust to living in a new environment where she did not know a single person; however, she has excelled in her coursework, co-curricular activities, and research endeavors."

Yi says she was attracted to the University by the opportunity to pursue hands-on research as early as her first year.

"Academically, Alice is a stellar student," Dr. Zito, Yi’s SURF adviser, wrote in her nomination of Alice for the Bucknall Award. "She has said she is interested in understanding emerging diseases but also making sure people get properly diagnosed so that they can be properly treated. I believe she will be one of our success stories. She is an impactful member of the University community outside of the lab and classroom as well."

Yi, who gained experience in the laboratory as a high school student, has had research published in the National High School Journal of Science. She also earned an internship with the Guam Regional Medical City, attended conferences in Japan and Malaysia, and won three science fair competitions.

"Alice was selected from a very competitive field of candidates representing all the academic schools and colleges at the University," said Ron Harichandran, vice provost for research and dean of the Tagliatela College of Engineering. "The selection committee found the research she did during her 2019 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship to be exciting and of high quality. Alice is a deserving inaugural recipient of this important award."

"It truly is an honor, as I know the other nominees are just as talented and impressive."Alice Yi ’22

Yi says she is grateful for the support of faculty, staff, and her classmates. She plans to continue to conduct research, and she plans to pursue both her M.D. and Ph.D. and become a clinical pathologist.

"Receiving this award means a lot to me," said Yi, who also hopes to become a professor one day. "It is very humbling and gratifying to be recognized with such a prestigious honor."