Lauren Le
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Pharmacy
Hometown: Whitestown, Indiana

The Pharmaceutical Sciences department provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to participate in research that focuses on medicine and healthcare. The students work with faculty members in the department who are leaders in scientific innovation and drug discovery. Lauren Le, a current Butler student, shares her research experience with Dr. Hala Fadda.

Please give an overview of your research experience (who was your faculty mentor and what were you researching?)
Throughout my research experience, I worked under the mentorship of Dr. Hala Fadda, a professor in the Pharmaceutical Sciences department and she also serves as the Pediatric Formulations Chair of the International Pharmaceutical Federation. My research focused on assessing the age-appropriateness of pediatric drug formulations by analyzing publicly available data and reports from the Food and Drug Administration, including new drug approvals and pharmacokinetic reviews. This summer, I was able to further hone in my research and had the opportunity to present a poster at the Butler Summer Institute in July.

What made you choose Butler during your college search?
Butler stood out for a variety of reasons during my college search. My sister is a graduate of the Pharmacy program so I was familiar with the school long before it was time to make a decision. One thing I always appreciated was the balance between a rigorous academic environment and a supportive, close-knit campus atmosphere. The University’s commitment to personalized education, small class sizes, and opportunities for hands-on learning were also major draws.

What made you interested in participating in research with a faculty member?
The chance to work with an expert in the field, learn from their insights, and become involved in meaningful projects were all big motivations. I was particularly drawn to research that could have a tangible impact on patient care, especially for understudied populations like infants and children. Collaborating with an experienced researcher like Dr. Fadda provided the perfect opportunity to learn from someone with deep expertise while also contributing to impactful work.

What has been the best part about this research experience?
The most rewarding part of this experience was the collaborative nature of the work—whether brainstorming ideas, solving challenges, or exchanging insights with my mentor and peers. Seeking feedback and actively reflecting on my learning not only deepened my experience, but also fostered personal and professional growth.

What advice would you give someone considering participating in a similar experience?
If you’re considering participating in research, my biggest piece of advice is to go for it! Research is a unique opportunity to dive deeply into a subject you’re passionate about and gain hands-on experience that goes beyond what you learn in the classroom.

Be prepared to be curious, ask lots of questions, and embrace the learning process, even when things don’t go as planned. Research can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore new ideas—this is where some of the most valuable learning happens.

What do you want to do after graduation, and how has the research experience prepared you for it?
Overall, I believe that engaging in research has not only enhanced my academic experience but also prepared me for some of my future career interests, whether in academia, industry, or another professional path. It has taught me how to approach complex problems systematically, conduct thorough investigations, and communicate my findings effectively—skills that are invaluable in any professional setting.

Additionally, working closely with a faculty mentor and collaborating with others in the research process has given me insight into the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance. These are qualities that I know will be crucial as I move forward throughout the field of pharmacy.