UMass Amherst

Helena Kilic

Majors: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

Hometowns: Brussels, Belgium; Montreal, Canada


"There are so many research opportunities for undergraduates at UMass," says Helena Kilic. For her senior honors research and thesis, Helena is working in Professor Barry Braun's lab in the Department of Exercise Science. "His study focuses on how combined physical activity and drug treatment can help prevent or control diabetes."

For her contribution to the research, Helena is "concentrating on how different carbohydrate drinks affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes." Subjects are given a drink containing the different carbohydrates and blood is drawn periodically at rest and during exercise. "I am responsible for helping with the data collection and analyzing the blood samples for the different carbohydrates."

Helena says there is a profound responsibility that comes with being entrusted with a part of a professor's important work. The research is funded by a private donation and may have a major impact in helping diabetics manage their blood sugar during exercise. "The experience has given me perspective on what I have learned in the classroom and in lab assignments. I can see that my work has potential for making an impact on the future."

Born in Belgium to Armenian parents, Helena has spent most of her life in Brussels and Montreal. She and her family moved to Massachusetts just before she entered UMass. "It was a struggle because I had only ever taken classes in French. However," she adds, "I received so much support from friends, professors and advisors who were always helpful and encouraging."