DLS Ambassador Alumni
- Smithika Karru
- 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!).
- Graduation Year: 2026
- 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!
- Hailey Thomas
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Graduation Year: 2026
- What are you doing currently doing, and what do you enjoy most about it?:
I’m currently substitute teaching K-8 students during my gap year after applying to medical school! I love teaching and being involved in the education sphere. Working alongside my mom (who’s a teacher) is a plus!
- Why did you choose your major and what did you like most about it?:
I chose Biology because I loved how vast the curriculum was — it gave me the freedom to learn as broadly or specifically as I wished. I was able to take Animal Behavior, Integrative Physiology, and World of Insects; all very different yet intriguing courses.
When I joined my neuroscience lab my sophomore year, my major allowed me to get credit for the next five semesters, ultimately propelling me to conduct a Biology Honors Thesis my senior year!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class was probably Death and Afterlife with Dr. McGinley. It was so thought provoking and I loved how discussion-based the class was.
My favorite professor would have to be Dr. Carr-Schmid, since she played an instrumental role in improving my literacy with scientific writing and presentation while I assembled my thesis. She was always so helpful and optimistic, even when I felt discouraged or unmotivated.
- Looking back, what classes or experiences at Rutgers would you point to as contributing to your successes?:
I think, simply put, community. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by equally, if not, more, ambitious students, scientists, and mentors to inspire and support my journey.
I managed to achieve more than I could’ve imagined because of the people Rutgers introduced me to!
- What advice do you have for our current students?:
Lean on others, and remember that your happiness comes first. Go outside, get eight hours of sleep, drink water, and talk to family and friends!
On a more ambitious note, though: closed mouths don’t get fed.
- Kate Yashmanov
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Minor(s): Psychology
- Graduation Year: 2026
- What are you doing currently doing, and what do you enjoy most about it?:
I am currently completing my Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) at the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies on the Piscataway campus. I love how challenging and interesting the coursework is, and the varied types of electives that we get to choose from. I especially appreciate how involved the professors are with regards to our learning of the material and general success in the program. Overall, I highly recommend it for anyone looking for some extra preparation before medical/dental school or a career in the biomedical sciences!
- Why did you choose your major and what did you like most about it?:
One reason as to why I chose my major is that I felt like it gave me a lot of freedom with elective choice. This major allows for students to take classes from a wide variety of departments, letting me explore whatever interests me the most without worry! I find the classes themselves to be very applicable to preparing for post-graduate tests like the MCAT/DAT/OAT. They're also a great way to get familiarized with the many lab techniques, procedures, and pathologies that you might come across later down the road! I've found myself using a lot of what I've learned in class for my research and clinical positions, which has been helpful.
As a pre-medical student, I appreciate how many opportunities the department offers with regards to academic support and mentorship. I felt well connected to many different advising resources and communities that shared my career aspirations!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class in undergrad is definitely Psychopathology with Dr. Herman. I took it as an elective for my Psychology minor, and I was very happy that I did! The course outlines various psychiatric disorders and conditions, and the professor does a great job at keeping it engaging by providing her own clinical expertise and experiences. I highly recommend it if you're at all interested in psychiatry or learning more about the field in general!
- Looking back, what classes or experiences at Rutgers would you point to as contributing to your successes?:
I would say the biggest contribution to my success at Rutgers has been getting involved in varied experiences outside of my major. Whether it be through Residence Life, my research lab, my clinical experience, playing on intramurals, or engaging in clubs, I was able to build community in all of these spaces. Going out of my comfort zone and trying activities that I otherwise might not have, allowed me to make strong connections and cultivate my network!
- What advice do you have for our current students?:
My biggest piece of advice for current students is to become friends with failure. Putting yourself out there, taking a leap of faith, or trying something for the first time is definitely scary, but those decisions ultimately help guide you further along your journey! Learning how to try, fail, and try again is an important skill that I think can carry you through the many trials and tribulations of post-graduate life, whatever that may look like. Be kind to yourselves, have grace for your ups/downs, and stay positive!
- Rahma Rizly
- Major: Genetics
- Minor(s): Psychology
- Hometown: Piscataway, NJ
- Career Interest: Biomedical Research
- Fun Fact: My hobbies include paining, sketching, and going to the gym! I also hope to start embroidery soon.
- Graduation Year: 2026
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class is Introduction to Biochemistry with Dr. Villegas, because it connected so many concepts from genetics, molecular biology, and chemistry. I enjoyed learning how molecular interactions translate into biological processes and how small changes at the molecular level can have profound effects on human health.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
Outside of academics, I’m a member of the Rutgers Women’s Wrestling Club and Women’s Rugby Team, and I’m actively involved in the Muslim Student Association through its Ladders (professional development) and HOPE (community service) branches. I also tutor general and organic chemistry through the peer tutoring program, and conduct research at the Verzi lab studying villus zonation and BMP signaling in the intestine!
- Madison Oh
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Minor(s): Psychology and Criminology
- Hometown: Fort Lee, NJ
- Career Interest: MD, forensic pathology
- Fun Fact: I like to draw and watch anime in my free time. Completely unrelated but I also have scoliosis.
- Graduation Year: 2026
- What was your favorite class and why?:
Systems physiology (146:356) and human anatomy lab (377:224) because the information was easy to apply to daily life, unlike previous classes that focus on the cellular/molecular level. I remember learning about different muscle movements and then putting the knowledge to use at the gym, which benefited me both physically and academically. Working with the cadavers was also really fascinating!
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I'm one of the PR chairs for the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), as well as the Vice President for Healthy Kids of New Brunswick (HKNB), which is a volunteer based organization that focuses on educating kids about making healthy lifestyle choices. I am an undergraduate researcher in the Lyu Lab, a Clinical Care Tech at RWJ, and a regular volunteer plus ambassador at the Rutgers Basic Needs Center.