DLS Student Ambassadors

Kaya Canikligil
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Minor(s): Turkish
Hometown: Old Bridge NJ
Career Interest: Family Medicine
Fun Fact: I love staying active, so running and working out are big parts of my routine. I'm also a huge soccer fan and enjoy catching games whenever I can. In my downtime, I like to unwind by watching anime.
What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class is Fundamentals of Neurobiology!! I love a good 8:30 class! How it focused into higher cognitive processes and the mammalian nervous system really stole my heart. I loved how Dr. Hsu would relate all of our lessons to real life conditions and current research studies.
What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
Between conducting radiation research through Rutgers’ IRT program and serving as a research assistant at Dr. Roth’s lab, i serve as an ambassador and peer mentor for the school of arts of sciences honors program. I also cannot go without playing intramural sports every semester!!

Shveta Banker
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Biological Sciences
Additional Major(s): Nutritional Sciences
Hometown: South Brunswick, NJ
Career Interest: I am currently interested in primary care, but more specifically, pediatrics.
Fun Fact: My fastest time to finish a sudoku puzzle is 2 minutes and 24 seconds in easy mode!
What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class so far was Sociology of Medicine and Health Care. It is incredibly intriguing to see how a person's living conditions and the people surrounding them can take a toll on their health. The class goes over all the aspects considered 'behind the scenes" in a person's health.
What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
At Rutgers, I am a part of APSEA, an organization that runs health screenings. I am also a research assistant through Aresty. In addition to that, I am a chemistry teaching intern, as I lead problem solving sessions for Chemistry 161 and 162. Outside of that, I currently work as a physical therapy aide!

Minahyl Lashari
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor(s): Psychology
Hometown: Marlboro, NJ
Career Interest: Pre-health
Fun Fact: I love to do arts and crafts and make jewelry!
What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class was Prep for General Biology. The class was a great foundation for my future STEM courses. The professor, Dr. Transue, was connected to his students and emphasized the importance of commitment to the class material and motivating his students.
What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I'm currently in the Aresty Research Assistant program for the upcoming school year, conducting research on alternative methods in mental healthcare. I am also a Scarlet Ambassador, working at the visitor center and providing tours and information to prospective Rutgers students. I'm also gaining clinical experience as a patient observer at Saint Peter's University Hospital, working directly in a healthcare setting with other professional staff and patients.

Tyler Tran
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Minor(s): Medical Ethics & Health Policy
Hometown: Parsippany, NJ
Career Interest: MD-PhD focusing on oncology or immunology.
Fun Fact: I like skiing, and I don't know how to ride a bike.
What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class has been Computational Genetics since it was a practical introduction to basic programming in general and taught common bioinformatics skills in a way that was easy to follow and had relevant applications.
What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I have been involved as an LA for the learning centers, research in a genetics lab, SASHP peer tutor, the Daily Targum, and The Examiner at Rutgers.

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Student Showcase