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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The people, of course. These are some of the most supportive collections of professors and students you will ever meet.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Never be afraid to reach out. Cold email, come to office hours, catch peers and professors in the hall. Everyone in this department wants to help you the best they can. It is simply a matter of your engagement.

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
It’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Growth takes time, and struggling doesn’t mean you’re not capable. Ask questions, make mistakes, and don’t be afraid to lean on the community around you. You are never alone in your struggle.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The power of being part of a supportive, collaborative community. Whether it’s classmates studying late into the night together, professors who genuinely care about your success, or friends who remind you to take care of yourself, I’ve learned that you grow best when you’re surrounded by people who lift you up.

What has been your favorite class at K?
Biochemistry 1 (CHEM-365) with Dr. Stevens-Truss by far. I feel like hard STEM classes through high school and even sometimes in college always put me in a mindset of memorize, rinse, and repeat that having a class where I was required to fully conceptually understand what I was being taught made me appreciate it more.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I was able to comfortably study abroad for a term and take classes not directly related to my major as well as take a different term of completely non-STEM courses to branch out when I had some health issues and it in no way “set back” my progress or prevented me from pursuing education that was related to my major.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I have been a First-Year Experience Mentor, CHEM-110 and -120 SI Leader, as well as a BIOL SI Leader. I have had the opportunity to work in Dr. Stevens-Truss’ lab over the summers too.

What is your SIP?
I plan to do a biochemistry SIP that involves synthesizing and testing several peptides to assess their antimicrobial capabilities against highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
The plan is to hopefully get a MPH and decide whether MD or PhD is the right path for me along the way.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I have moved 5 times and lived in 5 different states!