Both in the lab and in his life, Devin McDonagh believes growth starts the moment you say, “Why not?”
As a public relations major, the idea of interviewing Devin McDonagh about his biological research in Zambia was nothing short of intimidating. My knowledge of biology went only as far as knowing that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. However, as I walked into the lobby of White Hall — where McDonagh had agreed to meet me because I did not know my way around the well-known science building — I saw McDonagh in mid-discussion with a friend, and the intimidation I was carrying along with my pink notebook, fell away.
McDonagh is not only a cell and molecular biology major who spent a month of his summer interning at the Tropical Disease Research Center in Ndola, Zambia, but he is also one of the most down-to-earth and humble people I have had the pleasure of meeting.
“He’s just an all-around good guy. He has determination. He’s got discipline. He is patient with himself and other people,” William Thierfelder, Union University associate professor of biology, said. “One thing I appreciate about him is that when he has a question or needs assistance with something, he asks. He doesn’t just kind of sit by himself and worry, you know?”
Dr. T, as his students fondly call him, discussed McDonagh’s character in a way that is seemingly unrealistic when imagining someone researching day in and day out. Yet, his humility and willingness to learn, not only from professionals but also from peers, are testaments to his character. Contrary to the image one might have of the scientific research world — one of someone solely focused on the research at hand and their individual success — McDonagh himself made it clear that he learns from others.
“You have teammates who know more than you in some areas, while you know more in others. You have to work together and get along in order to complete the research properly,” McDonagh said. “You have to say when you’re confused, or say when you messed up, or else you’re not going to get the results that the patient needs.”
McDonagh’s dynamic ability to intertwine the technical and human aspects of research was evident. Every word he spoke was grounded in a clear love for his work, making it impossible not to listen. One instance that painted the picture of McDonagh’s authentic concern for his research and his concern for others was when he described a mistake he had made in the lab during his internship in Zambia.
“There was one time, I think it was the second time I was running the experiment, I had added the wrong chemical at the wrong stage. And I thought to myself, I could say I messed up, but that’s super embarrassing, or I could just go with it,” McDonagh said. “But then you realize, this patient is expecting the researchers to do everything perfect because they need their results. And so, of course, you have to say something. So, of course, I told them, and they were so respectful.”
Thierfelder’s description of McDonagh’s humility is clearly reflected by his willingness to admit fault. He knows that the research he is doing and whom he can help holds a much greater weight than seeming perfect.
“I believe that exploring what God has created is so beneficial,” McDonagh said. “Not only for the soul, but the mind and the body. I can’t think of one thing that was bad coming out of that experience. I think it was all good. And I just say, why not?”
For McDonagh, “why not” is not about recklessness or impulsivity, but about willingness; it’s about a readiness to step into opportunities to learn, serve and grow. The same humility that leads him to admit mistakes in the lab also leads him to embrace unfamiliar places and people with trust.
His perspective extends far beyond scientific research. Whether stepping into a new country, a new challenge, or even a conversation, McDonagh approaches the unknown with eagerness rather than hesitation.
And perhaps, that is the quiet challenge he leaves behind: when an opportunity to grow, serve or learn presents itself, why not step forward and see what God might do?