Katrina Leigh, Class of 2025
Major:
Biological Sciences
Program/Course of Study:
EuroScholars Program
How did your experience abroad add to your academic journey at Rutgers?
As an aspiring medical student, I've engaged in research, volunteering, and EMT work to enhance my skills. These experiences underscore the importance of traits crucial for a successful physician. Empathy and critical thinking are consistently emphasized, reflecting the paradoxical nature of healthcare. Studying abroad uniquely develops these traits, exposing individuals to diverse cultures for a more empathetic approach and honing problem-solving skills through unfamiliar challenges. This exposure helps future physicians understand that patients come from various backgrounds, each with its unique set of values and perspectives. Ultimately, studying abroad seamlessly aligns with my academic interests, research aspirations, and career goals.
What advice would you offer to DLS students who are interested in studying abroad?
Studying abroad in Geneva with the EuroScholars program was a unique opportunity to explore developmental biology at the University of Geneva Hospital, working on trophoblast cell models using placenta cell cultures. Beyond academics, it meant diving into cultural exchange with professors and students from diverse backgrounds, gaining global perspectives and cross-cultural skills. It was a chance to see stem cells develop in real-time, learn different educational approaches, and build international connections that could shape my future career paths in research and beyond.
