UW-River Falls student Hailey Beilke has developed an affinity for conducting research and is studying how PFAS infiltrate human cells. Beilke has been named this year’s recipient of the Drs. Ann and William Lydecker Student Research Award that recognizes an outstanding undergraduate’s research efforts combined with service to and/or involvement in UW-River Falls.

Beilke receives 2024 Lydecker student research award
 

Varied classroom experiences led to affinity for research

March 12, 2024 – When Hailey Beilke arrived at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for her freshman year, chemistry wasn’t in her plans.

Beilke initially planned to study occupational therapy and chose the exercise and sports management track for that program. She subsequently switched to biomedical sciences before finally settling on chemistry during her sophomore year.

While her collegiate academic path has involved twists and turns, it has worked extremely well for Beilke. She has been named the recipient of the 2024 Drs. Ann and William Lydecker Student Research Award. The award, given annually since 2011, recognizes an outstanding undergraduate’s research efforts combined with service to and/or involvement in UW-River Falls. Ann Lydecker was chancellor at UW-River Falls from 2000-04 before she died in a vehicle crash. She was the university's first woman chancellor.

“There is so much amazing undergraduate research that happens here,” said Beilke, a junior from Big Lake, Minn. “For me to be chosen for this, it is really amazing and makes me feel proud of my work.”

Despite her having changed majors before deciding on chemistry, her studies at UW-River Falls have a common thread, Beilke said.

“I’ve had a lot of changes in my studies at UWRF,” she said, “but I knew as soon as I enrolled that I wanted to get involved in research. No matter what I was studying, I was doing research.”

Beilke’s current research project involves determining how PFAS – chemicals used in nonstick substances and thought to be harmful to human health – find their way into human cells. The work involves a complicated three-phase electrode system that mimics human cells and lots of math, Beilke said. On March 6, she presented her research on that project at the Research in the Rotunda event at the state Capitol in Madison.

She and her faculty mentor on the project, Blair Troudt, chemistry and biotechnology assistant professor, have worked for months to set up the electrochemistry part of the project. They are now beginning the testing process, work that Beilke said she is “very excited about.”

“It’s amazing as an undergraduate student to be doing this type of research in something that is so relevant to our society,” Beilke said. “I never expected that I would be doing this at this age.”

Troudt said Beilke is especially deserving of high-level research opportunities. Beilke is highly motivated, persistent, and well prepared, Troudt said. She also is willing to alter her research when that is called for, such as not only measuring PFAS in human cells but studying whether pencil lead can be used as an electrode as part of that project, Troudt said.

“She is always willing to learn new things and is flexible enough to really make any project her own and she doesn't give up until we have answers,” Troudt said of Beilke.

Molly Gerrish, director of Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity at UW-River Falls, offered similar praise of Beilke. In her role as president of Student Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity and through presenting her research at numerous events, Beilke exhibits not only extraordinary research skills but strong leadership, Gerrish said.

“(Beilke) is the type of student who helps others realize their potential and understands the importance of engaging in high level research and scholarly efforts,” Gerrish said. “She is a strong advocate for UWRF and always represents herself and UWRF with the utmost respect and professionalism.”

Beilke said she first became interested in science after taking an honors biology course in 10th grade. Still, she didn’t plan to pursue a chemistry career. Now she’s so glad that she’s doing just that. After graduating from UWRF, Beilke plans to pursue a doctorate in chemistry and become a researcher.

“There is so much chemistry that I want to explore,” she said. “No matter what job I wind up with, I will be happy to be doing research. It’s what I love to do.”