DLS Ambassador Alumni
- Kaya Canikligil
- 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.
- Graduation Year: 2026
- 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!!
- Diya Surray
- Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- Minor(s): Psychology
- Hometown: South River, NJ
- Career Interest: I really love doing research, and I am hoping to do a PhD in molecular biosciences after I graduate. After that, I am hoping to enter academia so that I can combine my love for teaching and research!
- Fun Fact: I love reading, and while I read all genres, my favorite is reading Agatha Christie mystery novels!
- Graduation Year: 2025
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class is Biology of Aging. It was super cool to read about different theories that explain why people age, especially since it is cutting edge research that does not have a definite answer yet.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I conduct research in the Kim McKim lab, and I have been a Aresty Summer Science student. I have also done two SURF fellowships. I am a Aresty Center Peer Instructor. I have been the Events Lead in the Bengali Student Association for two years, and I am currently the president of the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Society.
- Shveta Banker
- 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!
- Graduation Year: 2026
- 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
- 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!
- Graduation Year: 2026
- 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.
- Pavithra Veera
- Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- Hometown: Monroe Township, NJ
- Career Interest: Research/ Data Analytics
- Fun Fact: My passions include hiking, digital art and slam poetry! In my spare time, I hope to play a part in protecting our planet and preserving biodiversity.
- Graduation Year: 2025
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class that I've taken is Public Speaking because it prepared me to speak in front of other people and it helped build my self-confidence.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
At Rutgers, I am a two-time participant of the DLS SURF program which occurs over the summer where we have the opportunity to research with a faculty member and present our findings in an end-of-program symposium. Outside of research, I am also a part of the College Avenue Players (CAP) club where I act in plays and produce mini scripts! In my free time, I like to make digital animations and perform slam poetry!