DLS Ambassador Alumni
- Disha Choksi
- Graduation Year: 2024
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Hometown: India
- Career Interest: The way the human body works just fascinates me because we notice people even if one part of the body does not work the way it is supposed to even one minor detail then it can the person most vulnerable and dependent and I want to help those people which is why I want to go into PA school and for the specialty I am leaning towards cardiology but I am still exploring.
- Fun Fact: Besides academics, I love to dance, especially Bollywood and Indian classical!
- Siddharth Ghosh Roy
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- Additional Major(s): Data Science- Chemical Data Science Option
- Minor(s): Chemistry
- Hometown: Bridgewater, NJ
- Career Interest: I've always been interested in anatomy and the inner workings of the human body. My major has opened my eyes to the really cool research at the cutting edge of medicine today, and I love it. I realized I don't just want to treat diseases as a physician, I want to come up with new treatments and see them successfully implemented. A career as a physician-scientist at the intersection of medicine and biomedical research is exactly where I want to be.
- Fun Fact: When I'm not in the lab, I like to play drums and enjoy the outdoors.
- What was your favorite class and why?:
This is a tough one. I really enjoyed the MBB elective Chromatin and Epigenomics because the material was so closely linked to the research my lab does. If you're doing research, I would definitely recommend taking at least one class directly related to the work you do. Classes like that engage you like nothing else and it's so cool to make connections to everything you learn. If you're passionate about your work, it will be one of the most rewarding classes you can take.
Outside of my major, I had a great time taking Musics of the World. In lecture we discuss music traditions from all corners of the world and the homework is listening assignments. I got introduced to so much new music and some artists I still listen to now and taking it with friends was an all-around great experience.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I'm a big fan of teaching. Outside of class, I work as a Learning Assistant at the Rutgers Learning Centers, a Peer Instructor at the Aresty Research Center, and a tutor at Budding Years, Inc. When I have time, I also am part of a few clubs around campus including HOSA and HC Ally.
- Sneha Kandalgaonkar
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Major: Genetics
- Hometown: South Brunswick, NJ
- Career Interest: Being able to help people in their most vulnerable moment is very meaningful to me and a great source of satisfaction. Working in healthcare jobs, either through volunteering at health screenings or as an EMT, has allowed me to help people when they need it most and encourages me to pursue this journey, despite how long and difficult it can be.
- Fun Fact: I am an EMT and ride on a volunteer squad in my hometown.
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class so far was a Genetics major elective called "Implications of New Genetics" 01:447:354.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I am a chemistry teaching intern and have helped facilitate Active Learning Workshop for General Chemistry 161 and 162 for the past three semesters. I am also the Digital Media Coordinator and incumbent President of Rutgers chapter of American Preventive Screening and Education Association (APSEA), a nonprofit organization that runs free health screenings in New Brunswick and central New Jersey. I work in Dr. Michael Verzi's research lab at the Human Genetics Institute and have completed the Aresty RA program and received the SURF fellowship while working in his lab for the past two years. I am also part of the Douglass Residential College and am currently part of the "Global Leaders at Douglass" program that will travel to Kuwait this winter break!
- Tracy Lu
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
- Minor(s): Psychology
- Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ
- Career Interest: Neurosurgery
- Fun Fact: I am currently working on rebuilding my endurance and practicing consistency by going on runs every morning!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
Fundamentals of Neurobiology with Dr. Shu-Chan Hsu was one of my favorite classes I have ever taken here at Rutgers. While the course was intensive regarding memorization, Dr. Hsu always emphasized understanding over rote memorization. She always took the time to elucidate complex concepts with mnemonic aids, diagrams, and fun gifs in her presentations. She also was willing to answer my questions about different disease pathologies, allowing me to foster a deeper understanding of the subject. Dr. Hsu’s approach not only facilitated my learning but also ignited a genuine passion for neurobiology within me, for she encouraged me to apply my knowledge beyond the classroom, explore neuroscience further, and consider its practical applications in real-world contexts.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I am an e-board member in charge of fundraising for the Cell Biology and Neuroscience Society. I am also a member of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and the American Preventive Screening & Education Association (APSEA). I work as an undergraduate researcher at the Boison Lab in the Department of Neurosurgery, where I study drug-induced respiratory suppression and brain signaling. In my free time, I volunteer as an EMT for the River Road Rescue Squad. I also try to maintain a regular gym schedule as a stress reliever throughout the week.
- Sourish Bandaru
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
- Hometown: Jersey City, NJ
- Career Interest: I want to become a physician and am leaning towards ophthalmology as a specialty but I'm still exploring.
- Fun Fact: Some of my hobbies are sports such as tennis and badminton. I also love playing chess and enjoy Bollywood dance.
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class at Rutgers was Fundamentals of Neurobiology. It was really interesting to learn about how our nervous system works and my favorite part in the class was learning about the neurobiology behind senses and emotions.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I'm currently a peer mentor for the SASHP Peer Mentor Program. I'm also part of the general member dance team for RU Sangam, a South Indian organization. I do research in Dr. Haggblom's lab at Rutgers, which investigates the biodegradation of pollutant chemicals and characterization of novel microbes. Outside of Rutgers, I work as a medical assistant at an internal medicine practice and volunteer at Crisis Text Line, where I help de-escalate texter's mental health crises.