KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 14, 2025

It didn’t take long for Kennesaw State University student Lilianna Kocai to discover a passion for research. All it took was a little nudge from assistant professor Carl Saint-Louis.

As a freshman in 2023, Kocai took a course called Culture of Science and Mathematics, designed by Saint-Louis to open young eyes to research at an early stage in their college careers.

“Before I came to KSU, I didn’t really plan on doing research,” said Kocai, now a sophomore biochemistry major. “I came in touch with research because of Dr. Saint-Louis, who pitched the First-Year Scholars program as a way for students to get their start. I got involved and ended up in his lab, so it all worked out.”

One of the more active undergraduate research hubs in the College of Science and Mathematics, the Saint-Louis group studies brightly colored multifunctional fluorescent molecules that have applications in materials, bioimaging, pharmaceuticals and electronics, among many other fields. Having been intrigued by a biotechnology class in high school, Kocai decided to pursue biochemistry at KSU because of its overall utility.

“I love how versatile this field is,” Kocai said. “There are so many applications from cancer research and locating cancer cells to OLED screens. I see a lot of options in this field specifically, and with this project I can see what different directions this can go. Also, from a very subjective point of view, it's just very visually pleasing to see these chemical reactions.”

After gaining admission to the First-Year Scholars program, she began to study the synthesis of alpha-methylated amino acids that are useful in drug design, such as in the development of Trofinetide, a peptide used to treat neurogenetic disorder Rett syndrome. She presented her findings at the 2024 National Council on Undergraduate Research in Long Beach, California, a rare achievement for a freshman.

Kocai then shifted to a summer research project on thermochromic materials or temperature-sensitive materials that change colors when heated or cooled. These compounds can be used in a wide range of applications, including forehead thermometers in the medical field, and more importantly, the detection of cancer cells through biological imaging. She has continued to work on that project, tying for second runner-up at the Fall 2024 Symposium of Student Scholars.

“Since cancer cells often have a slightly elevated temperature than normal cells due to increased metabolic activity, we can use those compounds as biological dyes to locate those cancer cells,” she said. “You can also use these compounds in vaccine storage, as you can visibly see color change due to temperature variations, alerting consumers when a product might be damaged due to heat or cold exposure.

Kocai also presented her research at last week’s Southeastern Undergraduate Research Conference at Kennesaw State and will present again at NCUR in April. Saint-Louis said few undergraduates make such leaps in the first two years in college, underscoring Kocai’s work ethic and curiosity.

“Making such progress as an undergraduate student during her freshman and sophomore years is a remarkable achievement,” he said. “I am extremely proud of her; the sky is the limit for her.”

More research is in her future, as she plans to earn master’s and doctoral degrees in areas that include organic chemistry, which has won a place in her heart. She also pointed out the importance of getting an early start in research, as well as finding something that inspires passion early on.

“When I speak to freshmen and sophomores, I let them know you can start doing research and experience the same things that I've experienced, too,” she said. “I thought I’d just go to college, get my degree, and get out of here. It has been so much more rewarding working in a lab and doing research.”

 – Story by Dave Shelles

Photos by Darnell Wilburn Jr.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.