DLS Student Ambassadors
- Grace Smutko
- Graduation Year: 2029
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Minor(s): Psychology
- Hometown: East Brunswick, NJ
- Career Interest: Physician, Academic Medicine, & Internal Medicine
- Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is that I am a twin!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class I have taken at Rutgers was Social Determinants of Health. This course explored various disparities that exist within the healthcare system and the factors that affect health outcomes. I found this class especially meaningful because it challenged me to think beyond my own experiences as a patient and understand how to promote health equity in my community.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I serve as the External Events Coordinator for APSEA, am a member of Phi Delta Epsilon, and volunteer on the Neuroscience Unit at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. I also work as a Peer Mentor in the CSP program, tutor at the Rutgers Learning Center, and work as a medical assistant at an OB-GYN clinic. Additionally, I am a research assistant in Dr. Spaeth's Sleep Lab, where I contribute to a project examining female athletes' experiences with the menstrual cycle.
- Kelly Li
- Graduation Year: 2028
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Hometown: Berkeley Heights, NJ
- Career Interest: Physician (cardiology/cardiothoracic surgery)
- Fun Fact: I love to play volleyball (especially competing in beach volleyball tournaments) and skiing!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class is Human Anatomy lab because of how hands on it was. It was amazing to actually be able to see the human body in depth. Being a teaching assistant for the course gave me an even better understanding of the anatomical structures and their function, and also allowed me to understand how to best teach the material to other students!
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
At Rutgers, I am a member of the club volleyball team, a CPR instructor for MedicZero, and I am doing research on lipid metabolism and its connection to the heart. I also work in the cardiothoracic ICU at RWJ, and I’m part of a clinical research lab that studies various outcomes of cardiac surgery.
- Adhya Gummadi
- Graduation Year: 2027
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Additional Major(s): Public Health
- Hometown: Sayreville, NJ
- Career Interest: I plan to pursue a career in emergency medicine, where I can advocate for people as both a healthcare worker and a public health professional.
- Fun Fact: I love everything outdoors, from gardening to hiking, and my favorite thing to do is go on runs with my dog!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class so far has been Honors General Chemistry I, as I think it bridged a lot of the concepts seen in physics and biology together and even provided a strong foundation for my future courses!
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I am an active member of the Honors College Peer Mentor and Tutoring Programs, as well as AED, our preprofessional health society, and The Examiner, a Rutgers research-informed newsletter. I have also been an EMT for over four years in my hometown of Sayreville, NJ. In addition, I have been able to pursue electrophysiology-based research in affiliation with the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, as part of the McClenaghan lab.
- 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.