Women's History Month Spotlight: Kyla Holmquist
CBC Celebrates Women’s History Month with our very own Women Student Scientists!
Biochemistry BS, Class of 2026.
"Hello, I am Kyla Holmquist. I will be graduating with a B.S. in Biochemistry in May 2026, and before I leave the University of Arizona, I just wanted to reiterate my thanks.
Dr. Samyukta “Sam”, thank you. Dr. Sam’s teachings of Introductory Mechanics altered my view of physics. Originally, I struggled to understand basic physics concepts like force, vectors, torque, etc. I found physics to be inaccessible and exclusive; therefore, it never appealed to me. Dr. Sam presented space for me to ask questions during lectures, discussions, and office hours, allowing me to build foundational concepts consequential for my degree.
Dr. Sacoman, I am thankful for your guidance. In her teaching lab, I conducted DNA, RNA, and protein isolation and purification. I analyzed the samples' quality using nanodrop and gel electrophoresis. The content of the course provided practical experience with research, presentation, and scientific writing, granting me confidence in the lab.
Dr. Cai, thank you. My time in Dr. Cai’s Lab has been invaluable and transformative. The Cai lab utilizes Plasmon Waveguide Resonance (PWR), a biophysical assay to observe in vitro the binding of drugs and proteins to a lipid membrane. I was given opportunities to gain hands-on experience in drug discovery, design, and perform experiments, analyze data, and present meaningful results at lab meetings.
I wouldn’t be where I am without these women supporting me.
After graduation, I intend to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research, and given the opportunity, I would like to help other women in their scientific pursuits as well.
Bear down! Go cats!" ~ Kyla.