Kiralyn Brakel is a 2015 graduate of the college. Courtesy | Austin Thomas
In this Quick Hits, Assistant Professor of Biology Kiralyn Brakel talks about her proposal story, jiu-jitsu, and crafting.
What’s the most unusual or surprising skill you have that most people don’t know about?
I can unicycle. I used to take 10-to-30 mile unicycle rides just for fun.
What is your favorite class to teach?
Histology. We spend a lot of time looking through microscopes, which I really love.
What is something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?
Surfing. I think I would be good at it.
What is something about a molecular lab that most people don’t know or realize?
About 90% of your success is dependent on your ability to pipette consistently. The other 10% is magic.
If you could have any animal, real or mythical, as a pet, what would it be?
I’m actually not that interested in having pets. Too much responsibility.
What’s your go-to strategy for getting out of a creative slump?
Just do the thing. Do it badly, but do it until you get your inspiration back.
What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken, and what made it so special?
My husband would be sad if I didn’t at least bring up our trip to Egypt – he proposed to me in front of the Sphinx. But the first one that comes to mind is a trip I took with my sister to the Upper Peninsula the weekend before I got married. We hiked 20 miles around the perimeter of Grand Island in Lake Superior in about eight hours. We took the first ferry in and got back to the dock just in time to take the last ferry out. We did not train for that hike, but, limping to the ferry at the end of the day, we did not regret our decisions.
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Making a fire at any time out of anything. It’s not the most useful in fighting crime, but it is absolutely what my power would end up being.
What’s the last book, movie, or song that made you feel deeply inspired?
Wow, “deeply inspired” is a tall order. Maybe the song “This My Soul” by the Gray Havens. It takes you through the creation, fall, and redemption of man using the same chorus to bring out different themes in each verse. It reminds me that in different seasons of life, you can get different important truths from the same thing, depending on how and when you hear something.
What’s a hobby or activity you used to love as a child but haven’t done in a long time?
Now that I have a child, I actually do most of my childhood activities again. But I used to do a lot of crafting and beading as a kid, and I haven’t done that sort of project in ages.
What is your favorite thing to do or place to visit outside the classroom?
I spend a lot of time in the gym doing jiu-jitsu, but I also love watching friends and family in shows at the local theater, and jumping on our trampoline or riding bikes with my daughter.