Biology student channels ADHD into scientific research

For ECTC transfer student Allison Mulkins, creating a scientific journal is a way for her to understand the complexity of her surroundings while also allowing her to channel her ADHD into something productive.

“I try to go out as often as I can,” she said. “If something sparks my curiosity, I’ll incorporate it as an entry. It’s a good opportunity just to learn something, and understanding how things work can make them less scary.”

After earning her associate degree, Mulkins is transferring to Eastern Kentucky University to study biology and geology. She’s always loved science and the outdoors, but that solidified into a career choice after learning about how corporations can affect the environment.

“I felt very passionate about it, and that passion hasn’t really dulled so it feels like the right path,” she said.

She came to ECTC because it was a better financial option, and it helped her ease into the college experience. She’s found a community here, but also the confidence to take on the next challenge in her life.

“I like that I’m able to have a close-knit connection with professors and other students, and that connection doesn’t always happen at larger universities.”

Mulkins has worked as a lab assistant for Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Joe Wolf while at the college while at the college.

“Allison exemplifies the kind of student that ECTC can be proud of,” Wolf said. “She is an excellent student, earning high marks in all her coursework, and she volunteers to help other biology students with their lab work. She applies her artistic skill to numerous detailed journal entries, and I have never had a biology student undertake such detailed scientific journaling at home.”

In addition to her scientific journal, Mulkins also experiments with brewing kombucha in her spare time.

“I’m fascinated with the fermentation process,” she said. “It’s cool to think that, even at a microscopic level, so many things are happening that can change on a bigger scale. Plus, it’s fun to do little experiments at home that taste good.”

Having ADHD while going to college can be a challenge, and to add to that, Mulkins has chosen to forego taking medication, she said. She wanted to stop looking at ADHD as a limitation, but rather something she could manage and work around.

“Changing my perspective really helped me change my outlook on my own ability and performance,” she said. “I find it really empowering to be successful, perform in an educational environment and excel even without the aid of medication.”