Major: Biological Sciences
BA/MD Rutgers/Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Medical School Joint Program
How did you decide on your major?
I had a pretty good feeling coming into Rutgers that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine and felt that the biology major would help me solidify this interest and be well-aligned with premed requirements. I also consulted with HPO advisors and they helped me understand the differences between Biological Sciences and other related majors, such as CBN, which helped me make an informed decision.
What is it about your chosen field (and the department) that appeals to you?
I have always had a passion for maternal-child health and quickly became involved with RWJMS’s Women’s Health Institute during undergrad. There, I became familiar with the vast disparities in maternal and infant mortality that exist in New Jersey. I realized the profound impact that I could make as a physician by advocating for all my patients, especially those often overlooked or dismissed.
Do you have favorite class/professor within your major?
I really enjoyed Dr. Glodowski’s Genetics class. It was one of my first in-person classes after COVID restrictions lifted and I loved the collaborative nature of recitations, especially after being on Zoom for my earlier courses. Dr. Glodowski was also very approachable and encouraging.
What are your favorite academic experiences outside of your major?
Dr. Heather Moulton’s Sociology of Medicine and Healthcare class was one of the first places where my eyes were opened to the healthcare disparities in NJ and beyond and it guided many of my pursuits after. I also enjoyed working as a research assistant in Dr. Gleb Shumyatsky’s lab during my sophomore and junior years, eventually culminating in my honors thesis. I worked on a mouse model for postpartum depression to understand the neurological mechanisms behind the disease, which allowed me to delve deeper into my interest in women’s health.
What are your other Rutgers activities?
I was part of the Honors College changemaking community and a managing editor for The Examiner, Rutgers’ pre-health journal. I was very active with the RWJMS WHI and collaborated on many projects there. I also held a few jobs during my time at Rutgers as a medical scribe at St. Peters, medical assistant at a local neurology practice, and volunteer medical assistant at a mobile COVID vaccination clinic.
What are your plans following graduation?
I am currently about to finish my first year at RWJMS and look forward to a restful summer! I will be working on research about the impact of synthetic chemicals on the HPA axis this summer. I am eventually hoping to pursue a career in academic medicine as an OB/GYN or pediatrician and shine a brighter light on women’s health in the training of future physicians
Anything else you would like to share?
Looking back, I would not change anything about my decision to come to Rutgers or majoring in Biology! Despite starting school during COVID, I was able to obtain several healthcare-related opportunities because New Brunswick is home to several major hospital systems. The BA/MD program aligned seamlessly into my undergraduate curriculum. All the department advisors, especially Dr. Carr-Schmid, were very helpful in guiding me throughout the process of completing all my courses in time and allowing me to complete my honors thesis as a junior.
