Michael Kiel '26: Discovering a Passion for Research

Michael Kiel is a senior from Des Moines, Iowa, majoring in Environmental Sciences with minors in Biology and Chemistry. During his time at Duke, he participated in research through Bass Connections and completed a Graduation with Distinction honors thesis in the Levin Lab studying the effects of environmental exposures on neurobehavior.  

As he prepares to graduate, Kiel reflects on the academic opportunities and communities that shaped his Duke experience. 

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. 

Is there a moment, experience, class or person at Duke that changed you? 

One of the most meaningful experiences I had at Duke was participating in Professor Bethzaida Fernandez’s Costa Rica Alternative Spring Break program. During the trip, we spent time with residents at the Hogar de Ancianos San Buenaventura de Turrialba, engaging in conversation, playing dominoes and helping prepare meals and cafecito. 

The experience gave me the opportunity to use the Spanish I learned in Spanish 203 in real conversations while connecting with people from different backgrounds. It was a powerful reminder of how language, compassion and cultural exchange can bring people together. 

Is there a part of yourself that you discovered during your time at Duke? 

During my time at Duke, I discovered a passion for research. Through a Bass Connections project, I studied bioethics and mental health policy related to protecting digital patient information. 

I later completed an honors thesis in the Levin Lab examining how environmental exposures affect neurobehavior. Those experiences showed me how research can contribute to new discoveries and address real-world challenges. 

As you prepare to graduate, what are you most grateful for from your time at Duke? 

I’m most grateful for the people I met during my time at Duke. I had the opportunity to take inspiring classes with professors such as Dr. Levin, Dr. Warren and Professor Fernandez, whose mentorship meant a great deal to me. 

I’m also thankful for the community I found through Duke RUF, where I built friendships that I expect will last for many years to come.