Biochemistry and Beyond: Naomi Frese on Preparing for Medical School through UofL’s New Major
April 9, 2025
By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director, College of Arts & Sciences
The University of Louisville College of Arts & Sciences recently launched a new biochemistry major designed specifically for students with their sights set on careers in medicine, research, biotechnology, and health-related fields.
By combining key concepts from both biology and chemistry into a cohesive, streamlined program, the major not only fulfills prerequisites for professional schools, but also equips students with the scientific foundation needed for real-world problem-solving and innovation.
This new standalone major offers an integrated and intentional approach. Students are immersed in coursework that directly supports their goals—whether that’s taking the MCAT, entering a PhD program, or landing a job in a cutting-edge biotech lab. And with access to state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary research opportunities, undergraduates are developing the skills and experience they need to stand out.
As we prepare to celebrate the graduation of one of our first biochemistry majors this May, Naomi Frese recently reflected on her own journey. Frese shares how the major helped her stay on track for medical school, what made her research experience so meaningful, and how UofL gave her the confidence—and the skill set—she’ll carry into her future career in medicine.
How has the Biochemistry Major at UofL supported your academic and career goals?
The biochemistry major at UofL is a perfectly balanced combination of human and plant biology and the chemistry behind it. As someone who came to college in hopes of going directly to medical school, the biochemistry degree checked all of my prerequisite boxes! In pursuing this major, I have been sufficiently prepared for the MCAT and my future medical education, having to take almost no additional supplemental classes.
Can you share a memorable experience—whether in research, coursework, or an internship—that has had a significant impact on your education and future plans?
One of my most memorable experiences was while working on my research project in Assistant Professor of Biology Natalie Christian’s lab. While talking through the protocol of running a gel for our endophyte DNA, the last three years of coursework came to the forefront of my mind. The chemistry behind how a gel electrophoresis works from general chemistry, the hands-on experience I got pouring dozens of gels in biochemistry lab, and all of the biology courses and labs that prepared me for this procedure. At this moment, I felt like the education I had been working so hard towards was worth it and was actually useful in the real world. I not only was able to perform these technical skills well in this research lab, but understanding the theory behind it made it much more enjoyable.
How do you feel the hands-on learning opportunities and state-of-the-art lab facilities at UofL have prepared you for your next steps, whether that’s medical school, graduate research, or entering the workforce?
The comprehensive laboratory training I have received in the chemistry department has helped me develop lifelong skills. The faculty and graduate students provide excellent and personable support in these small classroom environments. My experience in biochemistry and general chemistry labs have allowed me to proficiently conduct chemical ecology research on Louisville’s campus. This expertise will follow up into my medical career, aiding me in performing clinical research in medical school and beyond.
