Kyle Kane’s path to bioinformatics was anything but linear, driven by curiosity, fueled by the courage to reshape his future, and sparked by a chance encounter that changed everything.

After earning a degree in biology, Kyle found his plans put on pause by the COVID-19 pandemic. He wasn’t sure where to turn next. Then, a conversation with a scientist at the Van Andel Institute sparked a new direction, one that eventually led him to Grand Valley State University’s College of Computing.

That connection introduced him to Dr. Zachary DeBruine, an assistant professor in the College of Computing, who helped Kyle reimagine what his future could look like. Kyle realized he wanted to go beyond general biology, and that bioinformatics could serve as the perfect bridge between biology and computing, two areas he had always been curious about but hadn’t yet fully explored.

“I wanted to focus on something more than general biology,” Kyle shared. “I’m grateful I got to meet Dr. DeBruine. He helped me envision what was possible.”

Like many students making a shift into a new discipline, Kyle had to start from the ground up. He spent his early days in the program learning how to code, exploring Visual Studio, and building a foundation in data analytics.

His determination paid off when he earned a Graduate Assistantship, which became a turning point in his academic journey. For his Capstone Research Project, Kyle analyzed a national consumer survey that explored how urban and rural populations differ in their reliance on physicians for medication advice. The project was largely self-directed, giving him the space to grow not only as a technical thinker but also as an independent researcher.

“With that much autonomy, it was a little overwhelming at first,” he admitted. “But having that space and knowing I had support when I needed it, helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.”

With guidance from Dr. Suhila Sawesi, assistant professor and graduate program director for the Health Informatics and Bioinformatics program, Kyle submitted his research paper and poster to the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), one of the field’s most prestigious conferences.

Throughout his journey, Kyle credits the faculty at GVSU for being a driving force in his success. Professors like Holli Reyes, an affiliate faculty member in the College, offered Kyle academic  mentorship and personal support along the way. “I’ve had a lot of professors over the years, but the support I receive here is different,” he said. The professors are approachable, and the internship requirement makes the program feel grounded in real-world experience.”

Looking back, Kyle emphasizes how important communication and community have been to his growth. As he continues pursuing his passion in bioinformatics, he’s confident that the skills and relationships he’s built at GVSU will shape whatever comes next.

“Don’t be afraid to talk about your goals, or even just how you're doing,” he said. “Those conversations lead to opportunities. I’m happy I chose Grand Valley. This program gave me the tools and the confidence to build something meaningful.”