In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
Being a part of a community of people who are curious about the natural world!

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Talk to your classmates and go to office hours!

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for help.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.

What has been your favorite class at K? 
Plant and Fungal Biology (BIOL-232) has been my favorite class at K so far! I really loved taking a class that was focused on plants and fungi and having the opportunity to plan and do an experiment!

How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth?
I have taken quite a few humanities classes at K, including History, Theater, Spanish, English, Critical Ethnic Studies, and Religion classes. Taking classes in a variety of areas has helped me expand my horizons and become a more well-rounded person!

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I have volunteered at Club Grub at Woodward Elementary and as a tutor at El Concilio. I also work for the Environmental Stewardship Center as a Composting Crew member.

What is your SIP?
For my SIP, I will be interning at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and working on invasive plant management strategies.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I hope to pursue a career in conservation, and potentially go to graduate school for ecology.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I am learning how to cross-country ski.

In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
Close connections/relationships with both Biology professors and students.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Reach out to the DSAs! I love helping underclassmen learn more about the biology department and providing resources/advice for pre-professional students.

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
I would tell my first-year self that comparison is the thief of joy. A close mentor once reminded me that we compare our behind-the-scenes struggles to other’s outward presentations. It’s so important to remember that we are all on our own, unique paths!

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The most valuable thing I’ve learned at K is the importance of taking care of yourself and your mental health while balancing school, extracurriculars, and work.

What has been your favorite class at K? 
My favorite classes have been Immunology and Cell and Molecular Biology.

How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth?
Through my concentration, I have been able to engage in Chemistry classes. Also, K’s language requirement introduced me to the Spanish department.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
Within the Biology department, I serve as a TA for Cell and Molecular Biology and as a student instructor at the Biology Learning Commons. Much of my experiential learning has come through the Center for Civic Engagement, when I worked as a Civic Engagement Scholar for K Votes and a tutor for Swim for Success. In addition, I worked as a First Year Experience mentor last year and will be working as a Program Assistant for Orientation 2026. Lastly, I am president of K’s Muslim Student Association. Outside of K, I work as a Registered Behavior Technician at a local clinic serving children with autism. Previously, I worked as a Medical Scribe in three Bronson Emergency Department locations.

What is your SIP?
My SIP is on my internship at Harvard Medical School and the Division for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. I will be conducting immunological research on Treg cells in allergic diseases.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
Two weeks following graduation, I will be starting classes as a medical student at Western Michigan University’s Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I love strawberry matcha.