Meet the Future of Translational Science: KIICS Student Spotlights
Through immersive clinical experiences at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and engagement with Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, the Kids-Inspired Innovation for Careers in Science (KIICS) Program bridges the gap between scientific discovery and patient care. Meet some of the incredible students who participated in the program—they are leaders who are redefining what it means to be a scientist by integrating research, clinical insight, and compassion to shape the future of human health.
Ruochen Du
Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences
Career aspirations:
Ruochen Du is pursuing a career as a research and development scientist in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry and focusing on developing innovative therapies for hard-to-treat diseases. Her previous experience with clinical and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) trials sparked a deep interest in translational science and set her on a path to bridge the gap between bench research and patient care.
Motivation for KIICS participation:
Ruochen joined KIICS to gain firsthand clinical exposure and see the nuances of patient care in action. “It’s really different in a clinical setting compared to how I run in vivo experiments in the lab,” she reflects. “It was eye-opening to observe how interdisciplinary and patient-centered clinical decision-making can be.”
Takeaways from the experience:
Seeing how patient conditions directly influence physician choices gave Ruochen a new lens through which to view her own research. “In research, we often work in a vacuum, without accounting for the complexity of patient cases,” she explains. “KIICS showed me how valuable clinical context is when aiming to make a real-world impact.”
Aliki Valdes
Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences
Who inspired her scientific journey:
Aliki credits much of her scientific passion and perseverance to Dr. Nick Galati, her former undergraduate professor. “He supported me through some of the hardest moments in my academic journey,” she says. “As a first-generation college student, having someone who believed in me and made space for me to grow was transformative.”
Impact of KIICS:
For Aliki, KIICS helped her connect the dots between scientific inquiry and clinical relevance. “It gave me a clear view of how my research fits into the broader landscape of patient care,” she explains. The experience deepened her passion for translational science and affirmed her interest in science communication and medical affairs.
Advice for future participants:
“Approach KIICS with curiosity and humility,” she advises. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions—clinicians are often excited to share their insights. Take the time to connect your research to the clinical stories you encounter; that’s where the most powerful learning happens.”
Madeleine Vessely
Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences
Who inspired her passion for science:
Madeleine’s scientific journey was shaped by an inspiring college professor who taught her first microbiology course. That professor became a mentor and advocate, guiding her through research opportunities, helping her land her first job, and ultimately encouraging her to apply to Northwestern University. “Her mentorship changed the course of my life,” Madeleine says.
Career goals and the role of KIICS:
Madeleine aims to pursue a fellowship in clinical microbiology and work in a healthcare setting to help diagnose infectious diseases. Her thesis centers on a clinical bacterial isolate with extreme antibiotic resistance. “KIICS allowed me to gain the clinical perspective I was missing,” she notes. “Understanding how clinicians make decisions gave deeper meaning to my basic science work.”
Why she joined KIICS:
“I’ve studied this bacterial strain for years, but I wanted to understand the patient care side of things,” she shares. The program aligned perfectly with her desire to integrate clinical knowledge into her research and future career.
Virginia Rodriguez
Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (NUIN)
What inspired you to pursue your current field of research?
From a young age, Virginia Rodriguez was fascinated by the differences in how people learn, remember, and behave. Her curiosity about the brain and behavior led her to neuroscience, where she discovered a deep interest in how trauma, stress, and environmental factors shape learning, memory, and mental health. Her academic path solidified her commitment to research that addresses the neural underpinnings of psychiatric disorders—especially those that distort reality and present major barriers to recovery.
What are your career goals?
Virginia’s long-term goal is to become an independent scientist and educator focused on trauma and anxiety-related disorders. She aspires to conduct meaningful research that leads to discoveries improving the lives of individuals affected by these conditions. Equally passionate about teaching, she hopes to inspire future students just as her mentors inspired her—helping them think critically, engage deeply with science, and pursue their passions.
Why did you apply to KIICS?
“I’ve always had an interest in the clinical side of science, and KIICS gave me the chance to witness how research is applied in real-world patient care,” Virginia shares. “Spending every day at the bench can narrow your focus. KIICS helped me zoom out and reconnect with the bigger picture.”
Most valuable takeaway from KIICS?
The program enhanced Virginia’s ability to translate complex research concepts into accessible language for clinical audiences. “I improved how I communicate the implications of my work—through elevator pitches, presentations, and one-on-one engagement with clinicians. This was an incredibly valuable experience, and I would absolutely do it again.”
