Bella Lee

Minors: Biochemistry, Statistics and Data Science

Research lab: Capaldi Lab. I work with baker’s yeast (S. cerevisiae). My project investigates why eukaryotes often rely on using many regulatory factors to regulate gene expression programs instead of only a few, and how this allows the cell to respond to environmental signals quickly and accurately.

Clubs and other activities: On campus, I am involved in the Undergraduate Journal Club, preceptor for MCB181, and tutor general and organic chemistry.

The best thing about being an ambassador: My favorite part of being an ambassador is meeting all of the incoming students in MCB and experiencing their enthusiasm for the major. As an ambassador, I can help point them to the resources and opportunities that greatly enhanced my own experience in MCB, which is very rewarding.

Favorite classes: I’d love to chat about MCB 480 (hands-down my favorite course I’ve taken!), BIOC 462, and the handful of random math courses I’ve taken (ex. MATH 223, 313, and 363).

Ask me about: the Beckman Scholars Program and summer research programs, the Honors Exploratory Mini-Grant, and where to find the best gelato in town!
 

Galileo Scholarship Winner 2026
Galileo Scholarship Winner 2025

What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?  

I was so excited to hear that I had been selected as a Galileo Scholar. It was a really validating moment, both for all of my past experiences in service and scholarship within MCB and for the effort I put into my research.

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award?

So many moments from the past year come back to me when I reflect on how research has become inseparable to my undergraduate experience. Equally as much as my classes and the work that I do in the lab has impacted me, though, the people around me have shaped so much of my journey through MCB. My incredible mentors, professors, and peers continually inspire me to explore and think outside of the box. This support and encouragement has contributed so much to the student and researcher I am today.

Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey?  

My graduate mentor Raymond Hon has been a huge inspiration and support throughout my journey in MCB. He even encouraged me to apply for this scholarship! I’m always super grateful to have a mentor who will foster my curiosity while pushing me to be independent and rigorous in my work. His brilliance and passion for science are incredibly inspiring, and I’m excited to continue learning from him in the last few years of my undergraduate career.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to pursue an MD/PhD. I want to explore science at the forefront of clinical care and use my passion and knowledge to help push these boundaries further.

How do you plan to utilize what you've learned at university and in MCB in your future endeavors?

Being in MCB has greatly shaped the way I view and understand science. I’m excited to grow the skills I’ve built over the past few years to tackle more of the big questions in human health.