Student Spotlight
Name: Kyle Shelton
Year: Class of 2016 (undergraduate degree)
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Why Illinois? I completed a summer rotation in the chemistry department as an undergrad, and knew it was a really great school where I would be supported as a student throughout my Ph.D.
Research Interest and Advisor:
I'm in Doug Mitchell's lab and I'm interested in uncovering and overcoming mechanisms of drug resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
Plans after graduation:
Not sure yet! I'd love to either teach at a PUI (primarily undergrad institution) or work at a smaller biotech company.
Favorite thing about campus?
I love that students can get discount tickets to performances at Krannert Center. It's allowed me to really embrace my inner drama kid.
Recommended book:
Ever laughed out loud while reading a book in public? If not, I recommend "Let's Pretend This Never Happened" by Jenny Lawson.
What have you learned from other students?
You learn a lot more by failing a lot and asking for help than you do if everything goes right the first time around.
Favorite professor or staff member?
Everyone who works in the O/CB (organic and chemical biology) office. They are the most helpful and cheerful people in my building and possibly on campus.
What have you learned (or are learning) that has made a difference to you?
Being an adult doesn't necessarily mean you have a long-term plan or know what you're doing all the time. And that's normal and okay.
What has been your greatest challenge?
Becoming more of a morning person! My morning routine currently includes an alarm app that forces me to walk into my kitchen and take a photo of my coffee machine, a full pot of coffee already brewed, and a lot of grumbling. It's still hard.
Secret to college success:
No matter how busy you are, try to schedule something fun with a friend every day, whether that's a meal together, a fun workout, binging Netflix together, or anything else. This gives you something to look forward to every day, and will make you more productive when you are studying.
Something about you no one would guess:
I love people, socializing, and hosting parties, so most people think I'm an extrovert. But I'm actually very introverted and need a lot of time every night to hang out with my cat and recharge my social batteries.
Go-to snack in a time crunch:
Triscuits and hummus! It's filling enough that you can use it as an on-the-go meal if you have to.
Non-education related life hack:
I use clothespins for everything. I use them as chip clips, to hang photos, as refrigerator magnets, and to keep computer cords wrapped up. They are so cheap and versatile.
Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?
I'm definitely not a hunter, but I also am not good at recognizing poisonous plants, so I guess it's good I live in the 21st century.
What’s your favorite ’90s jam?
"I Want it That Way" by the Backstreet Boys. Also a good go-to karaoke song.
What could you teach someone to do in less than 5 minutes?
How to make good but really fast guacamole. Mash avocados, add some salsa, add salt/pepper/garlic powder. Done.
Who would win a fight between Spiderman and Batman?
Batman doesn't actually have super powers, right? So probably Spiderman.
Who would play you in a Hollywood movie?
Maybe Logan Lerman? He's approximately my same age/height/weight/level of awkwardness, so that would be appropriate.