Scholar of the Year Kade Robison Combines Research, Service, Passion for Medicine

When Kade Robison learned he had been selected as Utah State University's Scholar of the Year through the Robins Awards, he was surprised.

"I was surprised that I got it," Robison said. "Happy, but definitely surprised."

For those who know him, however, recognition comes as little surprise. Over the past five years, Robison has built a remarkable record of academic excellence, undergraduate research, service and leadership while pursuing a degree in biological engineering. Along the way, he earned Outstanding Junior and Outstanding Senior honors, secured multiple undergraduate research grants, and contributed to research aimed at improving treatments for a leading cause of childhood hearing loss. Yet Robison's story did not begin in a laboratory.

A Brother's Journey Sparks an Interest in Medicine

Robison traces his interest in medicine back to childhood and the experiences of his younger brother, who was born with a cleft lip and palate. Growing up, his family made frequent trips to Primary Children's Hospital for surgeries, treatments and follow-up care.

"It was cool to see the change they were able to make," Robison said, "to see how much better things could become and how much they could help him."

Watching physicians transform his brother's quality of life left a lasting impression. For the first time, Robison began to understand the impact health care professionals could have on individuals and families. That interest continued to grow during high school when a family friend, an emergency room physician, arranged for Robison to shadow him in the ER during an internship at the hospital.

"I loved talking with the patients," Robison said. "I loved seeing the direct impact of what he was doing and how it was helping people."

The experience revealed something that still motivates him today.

"I like people," he said. "I really enjoy the interpersonal side of medicine, but I also like that you're providing tangible help at the same time."

Finding the Right Path Through Biological Engineering

Although Robison knew he was interested in medicine, he also enjoyed mathematics and science and wanted a degree that would provide flexibility. Before graduating high school, he researched programs at Utah State University, Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. Biological engineering immediately caught his attention.

"I wanted a degree where if I decided I didn't want to go to medical school, it would be easier to find a job than if I only had a biology degree," he said.

After meeting with an adviser at Utah State, he realized biological engineering offered exactly what he was looking for: a rigorous engineering education combined with strong preparation for medical school.

"I came here planning on going to medical school and seeking out all the biomedical opportunities that were available," Robison said.

What began as a practical choice quickly became something more.

"Once I started biological engineering, I really enjoyed it," he said. "That's why I never switched to an easier major, even though I was positive I wanted to go to medical school."

Learning Through Research

One of the defining experiences of Robison's undergraduate career has been his work in the research laboratory led by Professors David Britt and Elizabeth Vargis. Their research focuses on cytomegalovirus, or CMV, the leading cause of permanent hearing loss in children both in the United States and worldwide. CMV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and may result in lifelong hearing loss. While antiviral medications exist, they can cause serious side effects.

"The treatment itself can be toxic," Robison said. "Some infants have to stop treatment because the medication weakens their immune system."

Robison's work investigates how CMV interacts with mitochondria within cells and explores whether antioxidant-based approaches could help reduce reliance on traditional antiviral medications.

The project connects Utah State researchers with physicians and scientists at Primary Children's Hospital and the University of Utah, including Dr. Albert Park, a nationally recognized pediatric otolaryngologist. Through both research and clinical shadowing experiences, Robison gained firsthand exposure to the challenges faced by children affected by CMV. The experience has directly influenced his future career goals.

"After working in the CMV lab and shadowing Dr. Park, I've become really interested in otolaryngology and integrating clinical research into my career,” Robison said.

The Impact of Mentorship

Despite his long list of accomplishments, Robison said there were moments when he questioned whether he belonged. One of those moments came early in college.

"The first test I took was a biology test," he recalled. "I got a C."

For many students, a single exam would not seem significant. For Robison, it felt like a setback.

"It was the first time I hadn't gotten an A or B on a test," he said. "I remember thinking, 'If I want to be a doctor and I can't get an A or B on my first biology test, how am I going to do this?'"

The experience introduced him to a challenge familiar to many high-achieving students: imposter syndrome. Over time, however, encouragement from faculty mentors helped him gain confidence. One moment in particular stands out.

When Robison applied for one of his undergraduate research grants, Britt helped him prepare the proposal and later shared the recommendation letter he had written on Robison's behalf. Reading it changed how Robison viewed himself.

"I was amazed," he said. "I remember thinking, 'Wow, he thinks higher (of me) than I realized; he genuinely believed that I was going to be able to successfully complete the project.”

That vote of confidence helped Robison begin to recognize the potential others already saw in him.

A Commitment to Service

While research and academics have played a major role in Robison's success, some of his most influential experiences have happened away from campus. Before attending Utah State, Robison served a two-year mission in Chicago for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The experience exposed him to realities he had not encountered growing up in Highland, Utah.

"I realized there are a lot of people who really need help," he said. "There are a lot of challenges and disparities that I hadn't seen before."

After returning home, Robison worked at a community health center that served uninsured patients and later volunteered at free clinics throughout Cache Valley.

Those experiences reinforced his belief that health care should be accessible and community focused.

"I really enjoyed it," he said. "It's one way you can try to give back and help people in your local community."

He hopes to continue that work throughout his career, whether through free clinics, outreach programs or medical service opportunities abroad.

Looking Ahead

This fall, Robison will begin the next chapter of his journey at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he has been accepted to medical school.

Although he remains open to where the future may lead, he is currently considering a specialization in otolaryngology, commonly known as ear, nose and throat medicine.

His long-term goal is to combine patient care, research and service.

"I want to work as a doctor," Robison said, "but I also want to stay involved in research and continue finding ways to help people."

For someone whose journey began by watching physicians care for his younger brother, that goal feels fitting.

The Scholar of the Year award recognizes excellence in academics, research and leadership. But Robison's story demonstrates that behind those accomplishments is something even more meaningful — a commitment to improving lives through knowledge, service, and compassion.

As he prepares to leave Utah State and begin medical school, Robison carries with him not only the lessons of biological engineering, but also the values that have guided him from the beginning: curiosity, humility and a genuine desire to help others.