This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Northwestern chapter.
Name: Katelyn Noronha
Age: 19
Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Long Grove, IL
Her Campus: What do you feel is the most important accomplishment you’ve made in college?
Katelyn Noronha: I am most proud of my ongoing research regarding specialized cells in the retina with the Schmidt Laboratory. We are a neurobiology lab investigating the role of a third type of photoreceptor, different than rods and cones. By the end of the academic year, I will have worked on three separate projects within the lab and received two grants from the Office of Undergraduate Research to fund my research.
HC: How do you deal with the stress of classes and finals?
KN: When classes become stressful, I find that taking small breaks during the day really helps. Usually, I will listen to music or watch a funny episode of some show on Netflix. Even reading an uplifting article on Buzzfeed is a good break. Anything that makes me smile or laugh improves my mood and motivates me to continue working.
HC: Who inspires you and why?
KN: My younger sisters inspire me. They are twins and almost six years younger than I am, but we have always been close. Next year, they will be starting high school. I have found that as they grow older, we have become better friends in addition to having good relationships as sisters. It’s inspiring to have them look up to me. They push me to be a role model and to be the best that I can be. They have become smarter, funnier, and more athletic than I was at their age. I am inspired by them everyday to try and help them reach their fullest potential and to maintain our great relationships.
HC: If you could plan a dream date, what would you do?
KN: My dream date would include a nice dinner (and dessert, of course!) followed up by a Blackhawks game. Ideally, it would be a playoff game at the United Center.
HC: What do you think is the most important quality in a significant other?
KN: Definitely humor. I think a little bit of humor goes a long way in a hard or awkward situation. Life is already difficult enough, so it’s important to be with someone who can brighten up your day by making you laugh.
HC: What empowers you?
KN: It is empowering to see women succeeding in STEM fields. They motivate me to keep working towards a career in science. The female professor and graduate students in my lab are role models. It’s an invaluable opportunity to work with these women who have succeeded in a traditionally male-dominated field.