Faculty Senate Award: Kalyn Koons ('24)

When Kalyn Koons graduates from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) this spring, the undergraduate chemistry major plans to pursue a PhD in organic synthesis at Purdue University. This achievement brings her one step closer to her goal of positively impacting her community through organic chemistry research.

Koons attended middle and high school in the Louisville area and developed a passion for science with the encouragement of her teachers. She enrolled at NKU in 2020, drawn to the university’s smaller class sizes, financial aid and emphasis on undergraduate research.  

“I primarily focused on organic chemistry throughout my degree, conducting research in a lab for about three years,” Koons says. “I worked on multiple different projects including the synthesis of heteroaryl diketone, heteroaryl tropinone and heteroaryl methyl-ketone compounds. We studied the biological activity of these compounds for future medicinal applications.”

She credits Dr. Lili Ma, who invited Koons to join her research lab during her freshman year, Dr. Amber Onorato and Supplemental Instruction coordinator Zach Wells, who helped her gain experience mentoring other students.  

A 10-week summer research program through the National Science Foundation also gave her a taste of what graduate-level research was like. 

“I worked at Kansas State University under Dr. Ryan Rafferty, an incredible mentor who has continued to be a resource for me even after the conclusion of the program,” Koons says. “I got to know several of his graduate students very well, and they have also been great mentors and friends. That program gave me the confidence to continue pursuing a Ph.D. in the field of chemistry.” 

Outside of the classroom, Koons says her personal mission is to impact others through her research and her faith.

“I firmly believe that kindness and respect can move mountains,” she says. “I want to serve others as a leader in the field of chemistry who fosters a passion for chemistry amongst others and works towards pharmaceutical advancement.”  

She recommends that her fellow NKU students do not forget to take care of themselves and lean on the support of their friends when necessary. 

“It’s okay to make mistakes,” she says. “And be kind to everyone you meet. I would not be where I am today without the abundance of love and support I have received from friends, family, mentors and professors.”