DLS Student Ambassadors
- 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!
- Om Patil
- Graduation Year: 2027
- Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- Additional Major(s): Religion
- Hometown: Mumbai, India
- Career Interest: I’m aiming to become a physician, possibly in Interventional Radiology. I love the idea of combining hands-on patient care with cutting-edge science.
- Fun Fact: I went to a barber academy and have been leveling up my skills with every cut—my friends are both my clients and my practice models.
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class was the Byrne Seminar I took during my freshman year. It introduced me to research, gave me a glimpse into the life of real scientists, and inspired me to get involved in research myself.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I’ve enjoyed getting involved in the Rutgers community. I’m involved in the International Students Affinity Group, where I served as co-lead, and in Rutgers HOSA as the events chair. Outside of class, I volunteer at RWJ, ride as an EMT, and work in the McKim Lab studying chromosome segregation. .
- Kaylee Zhang
- Graduation Year: 2027
- Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- Hometown: Mountain Lakes, NJ
- Career Interest: PhD
- Fun Fact: I love concerts! Some of my favorite ones I've been to are Gracie Abrams and All Things Go!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
I loved Intro to Research in Molecular Biology as I got to do a lot of hands-on lab work, and it really sparked my interest in pursuing research as a career!
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I conduct research in the Biomedical Engineering Department, LA for Physics 1, and am on the Asian Student Council eboard. I'm also involved with Douglass Residential College as a Red Pine Ambassador and SUPER Research Program mentor.
- Ellie Yu
- Graduation Year: 2027
- Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
- Hometown: LIvingston, NJ
- Career Interest: Physician
- Fun Fact: I love tattoo art and have sketchbooks with designs in them.
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class was Genetics. I loved exploring gene regulation and epigenetics and how they influence human development and health.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I am part of Rutgers Project Sunshine and Rutgers Legwork for Lungs. I am also a part of the Singson Lab, where we study fertility assays of mitochondrial mutants. I also worked as a Medical Assistant at an internal medicine clinic.
- Amanda Pan
- Graduation Year: 2027
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ
- Career Interest: I’m interested in pursuing a career in surgery, with a particular focus in either Orthopedics or Ophthalmology.
- Fun Fact: I am passionate about fitness and nutrition, and I love staying active through running, lifting, and playing sports. Whether it’s golfing on the weekends, shooting around with my field hockey stick in my free time, or snowboarding in the winter, staying active is a big part of my lifestyle. Outside of that, I love traveling and exploring new places all around the world. Experiencing different cultures and ways of life continually broadens my perspective and helps keep me curious and open-minded!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
Genetics with Dr. Soliman has definitely been one of the best classes I’ve taken so far. The material was super interesting, and I loved how in-depth we went with each topic. What truly set the class apart, however, was its collaborative format. Rather than passively listening to lectures, we worked in small problem-solving groups each session, which made the learning process much more engaging and hands-on. It not only challenged me to think more critically and apply concepts in real time but also created a supportive environment where I could connect with my classmates on a deeper level. The people I met in that class are still some of my closest friends!
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
At Rutgers, I conduct research in the Kwan Laboratory, investigating the mechanisms of hearing loss and exploring potential therapeutic strategies to protect or restore auditory function. I also work as an Organic Chemistry Teaching Intern, where I design and lead problem-solving sessions to help students navigate challenging concepts and develop stronger critical thinking skills. In addition, I mentor younger pre-health students as an Alpha Delta Epsilon (AED) Peer Mentor, offering guidance as they plan their academic and professional paths. Aside from that, I work as a Medical Assistant in an Ophthalmology practice, assisting with both patient care and clinical operations.