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Meet Alex Keyes

Alex Keyes portrait
Date: Monday, June 3, 2019

Graduate program: Biomedical Science (Pharmacology) 

Undergraduate institution: Linfield College        

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Why did you choose the University of Iowa to pursue your graduate degree?

I chose the University of Iowa because it’s a phenomenal program, in a good town, with nice people.

What type of research are you performing?

My research is determining the role of neuro-immune interaction within the spinal cord in pain sensitization.

What do you hope to do after you earn your degree?

My eventual goal is to be a professor.

What is something that surprised you about the University of Iowa or your graduate program?

What really surprised me was the collaborative environment, and how supportive people here are of each other.

What is your favorite part about being a graduate student?

I love how much I get to learn, whether it’s a new paper in my field or a technique that I’ve never done before.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

Artemisia Gentileschi, for her bravery and incredible paintings.

What are some of your personal interests?

I enjoy creating art—scientific illustration and embroidery—and doing cardio.

A piece of advice for incoming graduate students.

Make sure you have a hobby of some kind—grad school is stressful, and you need to have a way to relax at the end of the day.