DLS Student Ambassador
- 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!