Lily Kwiecien
Biological Sciences
Lily Kwiecien knew she wanted to learn more about science, but her time at Delaware Tech in the biological sciences program has proven more interesting and provided her with more knowledge than she ever expected.
“We are doing some things here with scientific research that some universities don’t even teach yet,” Kwiecien said.
During her time at Delaware Tech, Kwiecien joined the biological research team and has explored DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, and research into the microbiome of Delaware swamps.
“There’s only so much a person can do in two years, but I feel it’s been time well spent,” she said.
Kwiecien has had an interest in science since she was young.
“I’ve always been very analytical,” she said. “I’ve never liked things I didn’t understand and science was the best way to understand those things.”
It hasn’t been easy for her, though. Kwiecien has had to overcome being diagnosed with PTSD and dissociative amnesia, which changes how she needs to catalogue memories, skills, and learning. She said muscle memory and hands-on learning helps her remember what she is learning, which has made Delaware Tech the perfect place for her to further her education.
“I know I am getting so much more attention and help and exploring new technologies that universities can’t or won’t cover because of their large classes,” Kwiecien said. “And I’m gaining actual skills and not just book knowledge.”
Kwiecien credits the SEED Scholarship for allowing her to afford attending college and said she probably wouldn’t even be able to obtain a two-year degree without it. Now, she has plans to continue her education by transferring to the University of Delaware after graduating from Delaware Tech and continuing with a degree in biological sciences.
Eventually, Kwiecien would like to get involved in vaccine development, genetic counseling, or general research.
“Science is an ever changing and rapidly expanding field,” she said. “It’s exciting to me that the field I work in someday likely doesn’t even exist yet.”
