Haley Lankerd

More about me

What is your hometown?

Kalamazoo, MI

What is your major and anticipated graduation?

Neuroscience and Human Biology, May 2025

How did you decide to attend MSU?

I am extremely grateful to have the Kalamazoo promise and a guideline of that is that I had to attend college within the state of Michigan. When I was looking at schools and going on tours, I felt the most at home when I was at MSU. The campus was so beautiful and the people that I interacted with were very welcoming. I had also heard a lot about how it was a really good school to attend in terms of research which was something
that I was very interested in. I definitely made the right decision when I chose to go to MSU!

How did you select your major?

I knew that I was interested in medicine and wanted to go on the pre-med route and so I applied as a Human Biology major. During my freshmen year I took a Psychology class, and I loved it, so I decided to add on Neuroscience as well. Now as a junior I have made Neuroscience my primary major and I love all of the classes I am taking!

Can you describe your research?

For my research, we focus on stem cells and engineering tissues to try and improve overall heart health in humans. One way that we do this is by making heart organoids which are simply super small models of the human heart and then we can observe them under a microscope and learn as much as we can about heart diseases.

What is the societal impact of your research?

The impact of the research that I am doing is that in the future the organoids we are making might possibly be an option for heart transplants and to be used in educational settings to learn more about cardiovascular diseases. The models that we are creating are opening doors for new heart treatments in children and adults and will be able to save countless lives.

How has your undergraduate experience been impacted by this experience?

I have been able to learn so many hands on skills throughout my undergraduate experience because of the research I do. I have opportunities to go to meetings and seminars to learn more about the types of research being done at MSU and this has been really impactful for me. I have met amazing people that I am hoping to keep in my life even after I graduate. Participating in this research has made a huge impact on my undergraduate experience.

Of everything you have experienced at MSU, what has surprised you the most/what is something you never expected?

Something that has surprised me the most was the unity and strength of MSU students. We have been through a lot, and everyone has been there for each other and has continued to tackle all of the challenges we have been faced with. We all put effort not only in our academics but in our friends and all Spartans.

If your little brother/sister was coming to MSU, what is one piece of advice you would give them?

Don’t worry about not being able to find your group of people, there are so many communities within MSU you will definitely find your people here that will love and support you!

Person/People who have inspired you?

My parents, they have been more than supportive of me and my dreams since I was a child, and I would not be who I am today without them.

What major research breakthrough of the next decade (not your own, but overall) do you think we will see?

I am hopeful that there will be a breakthrough when it comes to the treatment/cure of cancer.

Plans after graduation?

I am taking a gap year to travel and work and then I am planning on going to medical school.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In medical school studying something that I am passionate about.

Where do you see yourself in 25 years

Practicing in the medical field as a doctor while still being able to conduct research.

What are some of your favorite MSU memories?

Exploring new places on campus with friends and hanging out by the river to read when the weather is nice.

What is the Importance of this scholarship to you personally and to your future career?

This scholarship is going to give me the opportunity to not only tell people about my research but also to learn about what other people are researching and for me that is beyond fulfilling. This experience will help me learn valuable communication skills and how to talk about my research to a variety of people and that will be really good skill for me no matter what area of medicine I end up in!