DLS Student Ambassadors
- Madelyn Kim
- Graduation Year: 2029
- Major: Genetics
- Hometown: Queens, NY
- Career Interest: Genetic Counseling, Clinical Genetics
- Fun Fact: Deoxys, my favorite Pokémon, sparked my interest in genetics. I also love going to concerts! My favorites so far have been Boys Like Girls and Pierce the Veil.
- Casey Mendoza
- Graduation Year: 2028
- Major: Exercise Science
- Minor(s): Public Health and Entrepreneurship
- Hometown: Rahway, NJ
- Career Interest: Dentistry (I'm particularly interested in orthodontics!)
- Fun Fact: I love playing volleyball, going to concerts, and traveling! I also studied abroad in Spain this past summer where I was able to visit and learn a lot about some of its major cities!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
Health Psychology with Professor Brynildsen has definitely been one of my favorite classes I've taken so far. This class showed me a lot about how psychological, social, and behavioral factors can greatly influence a person's overall health and well-being. I especially enjoyed learning about how these factors can affect the way people approach their health because it helped me understand how to better communicate with and treat future patients. As someone interested in pursuing a career in dentistry, the insight I gained from this course is extremely valuable since it showed me the importance of considering the whole person and their needs and experiences rather than just their physical or oral health.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
At Rutgers, I am the Co-President of the Peruvian American Student Association (PASA), Co-Service Chair of the Pre-Health Latino Undergraduate Society (PLUS), and a member of the Rutgers Pre-Dental Society. With each of my executive board positions, I aim to promote my culture across campus while also giving back to the community of New Brunswick and staying focused on my career. Outside of Rutgers, I work as a sterilization lab technician at a private dental office and volunteer at a NJ-based nonprofit organization that promotes oral hygiene and provides children and families in underserved communities with the resources needed to access proper dental care.
- Kyle Endick
- Graduation Year: 2027
- Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
- Minor(s): Psychology
- Hometown: Hillsborough, NJ
- Career Interest: As of now, I plan to become a physician assistant with interests in mental health and oncology.
- Fun Fact: In my free time, I like to stay active by playing sports and going to the gym. Two things you should know about me is that I've been in a new-movie kick lately and that I really don't like cream cheese. In this next year, I want to push myself to learn Arabic, read more books, and prioritize my sleep. Also, I am a twin brother!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class at Rutgers was definitely Psychopathology with Dr. Goldstein. His warm and refreshing approach to teaching made for a personal and interesting learning environment, where he combined personal lessons as a practicing clinician and light lecturing. I really recommend the class for anyone looking to learn more about psychology and especially from a professor who is extremely personable to his students.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
Since my first year at Rutgers, I have been involved with a psychology research lab and a neurology/neuroscience research lab. Additionally, I served as a FIGS Peer Instructor and as faculty-partner during my fellowship with the Institute for Teaching, Innovation, & Inclusive Pedagogy (TIIP). Currently, I'm a part of Phi Delta Epsilon, the co-ed medical fraternity on campus, and intramural sports. I plan to start attending the pre-PA club meetings in my senior year. Outside of Rutgers, I work as a CCT at RWJ in New Brunswick and volunteer at Feeding Hands, a food pantry in my hometown.
- Shaza Elsaid
- Graduation Year: 2029
- Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
- Minor(s): Psychology
- Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ
- Career Interest: Medicine, with interests in neurology and cardiology.
- Fun Fact: I've lived in four different countries, most recently England! Moving around taught me how to connect with people from all kinds of backgrounds, embrace new experiences, and appreciate the unique perspectives everyone brings to the table. These experiences have shaped my love for building connections, learning from others, and creating welcoming spaces where people feel supported. I’m always excited to meet new people, hear their stories, and help others navigate their own journeys. And yes—the British accent still makes an appearance for the special ones!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class so far has been History of Medical Ethics because it gave me the opportunity to explore how medicine has evolved not only scientifically but also ethically. I especially enjoyed learning about the historical events and ethical debates that have shaped modern medical practice
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
Outside of DLS, I am involved in the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey as a Lab Research Assistant, serve as a Co-Steering Chair for the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), and am the PR Chair and a Peer Mentor for the Rutgers Commuters Student Association (RCSA). I am also a member of the Rutgers Honors College and will be serving as a peer leader/tutor for General Chemistry and Calculus for STEM-major students.
- Janice Tsui
- Graduation Year: 2028
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Minor(s): Health Administration
- Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
- Career Interest: Dentistry
- Fun Fact: I love to beadazzle things and rank restaurants on Beli! Also, I love traveling with my family and friends to explore new places.
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class was Food Medicine because I was able to learn about fun facts and information about the things we eat! Very interesting scientific knowledge was gained!
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I am in the Rutgers Korean Language Club and MBB club as the Event Coordinator! Also in The Examiner as a Journalist.