Biology major Rhiannon Lara ’26 has made the most of every opportunity at the University of Hartford. Through her honors thesis in Professor Adam Silver’s lab, she partnered with The Hartt School to study the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in musicians and musical instruments, conducting research that explored public health within the UHart community.
Rhiannon is planning on pursuing a degree in medicine with a focus on family medicine and community health and is part of the University’s Pre-Medical Professions Advising Program. She is now pursuing her goal of working in rural healthcare and will spend the next year working in a rural hospital in New York’s Adirondack Mountains while preparing for the MCAT and applying to medical school.
“The journey toward medical school is difficult to navigate and the Pre-Medical Professions Advising Program has made it easier for me to visualize the goals I want to achieve and my progress to get there.” She says the advising program provides guidance toward planning her graduate school application timeline and learning how to be the strongest applicant she can be.
As a second-year student, Rhiannon was one of four students who had research published in Frontiers in Microbiology with Professor Silver and Associate Professor Laura Enzor.
“Our research examined the consequences of climate change on eastern oyster and the aquatic bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a human pathogen that is frequently associated with foodborne illnesses,” says Rhiannon. “Specifically, we explored how increased acidity and temperature, and decreased salinity, impact the ability of eastern oyster to resist V. parahaemolyticus infection.
"I would like to particularly thank Dr. Silver, who has guided me toward involvement in research in his lab and has supported my development as a scientist and community-involved student,” she says.
Beyond her own research, Rhiannon has shared her passion for science by teaching 10 laboratory sections and mentoring more than 150 students in courses ranging from introductory biology and chemistry to organic chemistry and medical microbiology. Her hard work and leadership have earned her a perfect 4.0 GPA, along with the prestigious Solomon Elsner Award and Senior Regents Award.
Rhiannon’s leadership and involvement across campus have been just as impressive as her academic achievements. She served as president of the Pre-Health Professions Club, supported fellow students as a biology and chemistry tutor, worked as a campus tour guide, and served as a student ambassador for the Hillyer College of Arts and Sciences and the University’s Honors Program.
She says her favorite thing about UHart is the sense of community. “My faculty and peers want to see my success and will do what they can to help make it happen. I also like the ability to have a work-life balance. Between the way that the residential and academic sides of campus are set up, and the many activities that are held on campus, I feel I've created memories and learned as much as possible.”
Rhiannon Lara ’26, College of Arts and SciencesThe journey toward medical school is difficult to navigate and the Pre-Medical Professions Advising Program has made it easier for me to visualize the goals I want to achieve and my progress to get there.