DLS Student Ambassadors
- Smithika Karru
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
- Minor(s): Psychology
- Hometown: Plainsboro, NJ
- Career Interest: Emergency Medicine Physician
- Fun Fact: I love sports, especially Formula 1 (watched all races this past year)! I’ve played every position in field hockey, and I attended the Men’s Big Ten Soccer Championship Final two hours before a big midterm during my first semester (we won!).
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite classes have to be General Physics and History of Medical Ethics! Dr. Brahmia—one of the best professors I’ve ever had—made physics feel intuitive by fostering a passion for understanding rather than memorization, and brought concepts to life through engaging demonstrations in class! History of Medical Ethics opened my eyes to the injustices of past medical research and the tension between morality and utilitarianism, reinforcing my commitment to medicine that not only treats patients, but does so with humanity and justice!
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
At Rutgers, I am the President and Chapter Director of MedicZero Rutgers and a Nu Rho Psi Research Mentor. I am also a Research Assistant in the Xiao ReproHealth Lab, where I am currently doing an independent research project. I am also involved with MedicZero Inc. as a Community Training Coordinator, focusing on implementing chapter-level changes and leading the Event Leader Program. Outside of school, I am an EMT and Membership Trustee with Metuchen EMS, volunteer in the RWJUH NICU department, and a seasonal medical assistant and scribe at a pediatrician’s office. I love painting after midnight, event planning (especially the decor side of it), trying new coffee spots with my best friends, and reading!
- Hailey Thomas
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Hometown: Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
- Career Interest: Physician
- Fun Fact: I can move my ears
- What was your favorite class and why?:
Either Piracy or Death & Afterlife because 1) I learned about Blackbeard and 2) American society needs to discuss and become more comfortable with the concept of death.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
At Rutgers I'm a Resident Assistant, a Learning Assistant, Research Assistant at the Oldenburg Lab, and I'm a member of Phi Delta Epsilon. Outside of school, I love hanging out with friends, family, and my dogs, Hansel and Gretel. I also love eating good food, drinking coffee, reading, exercising, playing intramural sports (soccer, volleyball), and watching a good show/movie. Also, I'm an EMT in my hometown and a medical scribe in the ED at RWJUH!
- Haiya Solanki
- Graduation Year: 2028
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Hometown: South Brunswick, NJ
- Career Interest: Pre-health
- Fun Fact: I love to crochet and go on long walks either with my friends or just alone listening to music.
- What was your favorite class and why?:
So far, Intro to Gender, Race, and Sexuality. Even though it wasn't directly related to my major, I felt that it offered perspectives on life that I had not considered earlier, and Dr. Cooper made the class super insightful.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
At Rutgers, I serve as Advocacy Chair for the Rutgers One Health Club, and I am excited for the opportunity to outreach with the community. This year, I will be volunteering at RWJ University Hospital. In the meantime, I also work part-time in food service.
- Krisha Shah
- Graduation Year: 2027
- Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
- Minor(s): Computer Science
- Hometown: Jersey City, NJ
- Career Interest: Pediatric Neurology
- Fun Fact: I love watching NFL football with my family, especially for the Baltimore Ravens, and I also enjoy acrylic painting in my free time.
- What was your favorite class and why?:
One of my favorite classes at Rutgers has been Introduction to Chemistry Education, which I took as part of the Chemistry Teaching Intern program. The small class size created a close-knit learning environment, and I enjoyed exploring diverse pedagogical strategies while reflecting on my growth as a TI. It also gave me valuable tools to become a more inclusive and effective educator!
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
Beyond academics, I serve as Project Manager at Rutgers T.E.A.C.H. (Together Educating All Children in Hospitals), where I design STEM experiments for pediatric patients. Furthermore, I’m an Honors College Ambassador and Peer Mentor E-Board Member, as well as Vice President of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH). Outside of campus, I work as an Emergency Department Scribe at Jersey City Medical Center.
- Patricia Mayer
- Graduation Year: 2027
- Major: Genetics
- Minor(s): Psychology
- Hometown: Hamilton, NJ
- Career Interest: I have a passion for conducting research in the field of cancer immunotherapy. I am also interested in genetics and neuropsychology, which would be fun to incorporate into future projects!
- Fun Fact: I love dancing, listening and singing to Chappell Roan songs, playing Marvel Rivals (I like to play Invisible Woman!), and going to Yankees games with my dad. Also, I graduated from Mercer County Community College with 3 associate degrees!!!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
I love all the classes I have taken so far, but Neuroscience in Partnership with Dance (fall course) was truly a unique and rewarding experience. It broadened my perspective by connecting scientific and artistic viewpoints. This class taught me how dance improves cognitive skills and supports learning, growth, and overall well-being. Most importantly, it explored how dance improves mobility and strength in people with various disabilities while building emotional and social connections, which was a key reason why the program Dance for Parkinson's was created. This class inspired me and reminded me just how essential dance is in my life.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
As a public transit commuter and transfer student, I have been seeking ways to get involved and contribute to the Rutgers community. I am a part of Douglass WiSE and the Certificate in Cancer Research program, and I recently began research in Dr. Libutti's lab at the Rutgers Cancer Institute. You can find me at meetings for the Association of Undergraduate Geneticists and attending events hosted by the Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities. I also hope to join a dance or choir group this upcoming year!