DLS Ambassador Alumni
- 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.
- Yosef Kaplan
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
- Minor(s): Health Administration
- Hometown: Teaneck, NJ
- Career Interest: Pediatric Surgeon
- Fun Fact: I love to SCUBA dive!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class that I have taken so far has to be Human Parasitology which discussed the different types of parasites and how they interact with humans. Taking this class opened my eyes to the smaller world around us that lives at the microscopic level.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
At Rutgers, I love to play in the basketball intramural leagues and participate in all the clubs that there are to offer. I have been a volunteer EMT for the past 5 years and currently tutor students of all ages in Biology. Additionally, I love to scuba dive and play guitar.
- Fawaaz Masood
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Major: Genetics
- Hometown: North Brunswick, NJ
- Career Interest: I aspire to become a physician.
- Fun Fact: My friends and I are avid "burger runners" (a term we coined ourselves). Basically, our long-term goal is to find the restaurant with the best halal beef burger in the NJ/NY area. We have a very systematic approach: we try multiple spots in one day and then keep a running list of all of our average ratings for each spot. Also, our social media presence is a bit lacking at the moment... but we hope to one day share all of our ratings!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
Genetic Analysis I because in this class I learned a lot of foundational material that is essential for other biology classes and for my future career.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I am currently a peer instructor for an "Exploring Health & Medicine" FIGS (First-Year Interest Group Seminar), a research assistant in the Shumyatsky Lab, and the President of Rutgers Habitat for Humanity. Also, not this year, but in previous semesters I was a learning assistant for Calculus I and Preparation for Calculus, and I was on a specialty team for the Rutgers Muslim Student Association.
- Christopher Wong
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
- Minor(s): Business Administration
- Hometown: Parsippany, NJ
- Career Interest: Medicine, Hospital Administration
- Fun Fact: I am a Water Safety Instructor for NYC Parks!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class so far at Rutgers is the new Honors Immunology, 01:146:476, which will be offered in the Spring. I was part of the first group of students to take and experience the course with Dr. Daniels!
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I have worked within Rutgers Residence Life as a Resident Assistant for two years and have had the privilege to work in the Honors College and assist many talented and aspiring new students with both their academic and social life at Rutgers. I also am a member of GenHC, a community for supporting first-generation students within the Honors College, and assist those transitioning for the first time to the new college environment. I've spent two years at St. Peter's University Hospital as a volunteer, patient transport, and radiology shadow, and plan to continue this year as well. I love swimming, and a licensed Water Safety Instructor for NYC Parks, providing free essential swimming and water skills to a wide range of people. I also enjoy music of all kinds, and play the saxophone, drums, and piano, and have swung around some of the NB Basement Shows.
- Diya Surray
- Graduation Year: 2025
- 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!
- 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.