Science, Spanish, Service — and a Future in Medicine

Tai Prauner’s week swings between cellular concepts and community events — immersed in epigenetics research one day, and leading bilingual outreach the next.

For some, moving between such different experiences might feel like major whiplash. But for Prauner, it’s perfect.

As an honors student getting double degrees in molecular and biomedical biology and Spanish for health sciences, Prauner has crafted an undergraduate experience that speaks to her unique passions and pursuits. From working in a research lab to connecting with classmates in language clubs, her University of Nebraska at Omaha experience has been full of rich opportunities to explore and engage in her interests.

Her molecular and biomedical biology major allowed her love of science to flourish, inspiring plans to pursue a master’s degree in cancer research, followed by medical school. And her other major, Spanish for health sciences, aligns with her aspirations for providing medical care to all communities.

After initially only studying Spanish as a minor, Prauner was ecstatic to learn about the new Spanish for health sciences major pathway. The major’s tailored course catalog of specialized Spanish courses covering the healthcare topics immediately caught her attention, and she quickly declared her double major in the subject.

“I love being able to learn Spanish because it's a good skill,” Prauner said. “But what I'm super passionate about is bringing that into healthcare, especially in rural areas and here in Omaha."

In addition to her interests in medicine, Prauner also has a passion for research. As a student worker in Prof. Ryan Wong’s Behavior, Neuroscience, and Genomics Lab, she was the first in the lab to conduct epigenetic research.

Prauner has made an impact in her time at UNO — and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, she was one of 428 undergraduate students selected from across the country for the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, one of the top awards in the nation for STEM students.

After four busy years filled with classes, extracurricular clubs, research, and rewarding experiences, Prauner can look back on her time as a Maverick with a sense of accomplishment and admiration — accomplishment for her academic achievements, and admiration for all the members of the UNO community that helped her reach them. From faculty mentors like Prof. Wong who encouraged her love of research in the lab, to instructors that inspired her in the classroom, to courses and clubs that helped her cultivate connections in the community, Prauner is approaching graduation with a deep sense of gratitude.

As she reflects on her path at UNO and looks towards her future, she can’t help but reflect on who she was when she first started college. Thinking about her fellow students, she encourages other current and future Mavericks to stay curious and compassionate as they chase their collegiate dreams — she did, and it made all the difference.

“I didn't know at all what I was doing when I came in here, except for I knew I wanted to learn, and I knew I wanted to help people. And I wanted to grow and be the best person I could be and learn as much as I could to help other people,” Prauner said. “And that's what I did.”