Troy is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics, and Development with plans to go on to a PhD in genetics or developmental biology. His favorite class is BIOMG 3580: Developmental Biology. Outside of class, he’s a part of jazz band, Original Cornell Syncopators, and Alpha Phi Omega. Troy loves to play music for fun and to relax. This past summer, he did research with the Gu lab and worked on his honors thesis. His advice to new students: “Take one non-bio-major class of interest each semester!”

Diana is concentrating in Microbiology with a plan to take a gap year and then apply for a PhD program in the Biomedical Sciences. Suiting her major, her favorite class is BIOMI 2911: General Microbiology Laboratory. Outside of class, Diana participates in the CIHMID undergraduate research fellowship, figure skating, and music. She has also served as a TA for BIOMI 2911 and BIOMG3300. This past summer, she worked in the Brito Lab under the CIHMID summer program at Cornell. Her advice for transfer students: “Don’t overwork yourself your first semester. Give yourself some time to adjust from your transfer school to Cornell.”

Crystal is concentrating in Molecular and Cell Biology with plans to attend medical school when she graduates. Her favorite classes at Cornell are BIOMG 1350: Cell and Developmental Biology and BIOMG 3320: Principles of Biochemistry: Molecular Biology. When she is not in class, Crystal is involved in ECaFT, Scientista, CAMP, CPS, and research in the Grimson lab. In order to relax, she does calligraphy and plays tennis and piano. This past summer, she participated in a cancer research internship at the University of Minnesota. Her advice for new students: “Be open-minded and proactive.”

Justin is concentrating in Microbiology, with plans to take one gap year before attending medical school. His favorite class at Cornell is PLPPM 2950: Biology of Infectious Diseases. When he is not in class, Justin enjoys watching Netflix, playing poker, and swimming. He is also involved as a lifeguard and as the Fundraising Chair of MEDLIFE. Over the summer, he participated in research and shadowed at Boston University Summer Program in Neuroscience. His advice to new students: “Learn to adapt to change because unexpected things always come up in college!”

Chris is concentrating in General Biology and plans to take a gap year before medical school. His favorite class is NS 3410: Human Anatomy and Physiology. When he is not in class, he is involved in the Pre-Health Mentorship Program, Cornell Surgical Society, BSP Mentorship, and Ithaca Health Alliance. During his free time, Christopher is very active—running, walking, and going to the gym. This past summer, he stayed here in Ithaca for research and volunteered at the Ithaca Free Clinic. His advice for new students: “You can do it! Don’t forget your long-term goals.” He is always happy to help, so feel free to reach out to him for anything!

David is concentrating in Microbiology with a plan to go to medical school and eventually become a cardiothoracic surgeon. His favorite class on campus is BIOMI 2911: General Microbiology Laboratory because it’s very engaging. Outside of class, he is in a sketch comedy (Humor Us!) and writes/directs/acts in sketches during our semester shows. In his free time, he likes to watch TV shows (The Office, Parks & Rec, Scrubs), cook, and play guitar and piano. This past summer, David worked as a stem cell processing intern at a stem cell bank and office. He is excited to get the opportunity to meet and work with new Cornell students, and his advice for new students: “Cornell is big, and there are tons of opportunities to do work and also have fun. Stay on top of things and you’ll have a good time here!”

Agnes is concentrating in Animal Physiology with plans to take a gap year to do research before going to medical school to be a surgeon. A class that she absolutely loved is HIST 1930: A Global History of Love. Agnes is also the Vice President of Public Relations for Cornell Surgical Society, a member of the Cornell Storytelling Club, and is on the outreach committee for the Center for Jewish Living. In her free time, she likes to follow dogs around the arts quad, get coffee at Libe, and watch Grey’s Anatomy. This past summer, she worked as a student innovator at the Children’s National Medical Center’s Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation shadowing/doing research on facial reconstructive surgery. Her advice for new students: “Bio can be tough, but it’s important to remember that there are lots of different ways to get through the bio track and even if you’re not on the ‘typical’ path, you still belong at Cornell and are amazing! Cornell can definitely be rough, but there are a lot of resources to check out and people who care about you and can’t wait to hear about how you are doing.”

Matthew is concentrating in General Biology and plans to attend medical school to pursue an MD or MD/PhD. His favorite class on campus is CHEM 3600: Honors Organic Chemistry II. Outside of class, he is involved Cornell Club Swimming, MEDLIFE, Phi Delta Epsilon, and the Community Health Peer Mentorship Program. He is also a TA for BIOG 1445. He conducts research in the Weiss lab at the veterinary school studying the role of DNA damage in mammalian meiosis. For fun, Matthew likes try new foods, swim, read, and binge-watch Game of Thrones. This past summer, he shadowed doctors and volunteered in the ER while studying for the MCAT. He wants students to know that if they would like to watch Game of Thrones with him, they can be friends. Matthew’s advice for new students: “Don’t be afraid to be alone and invest in yourself.”

Amrit is concentrating in General Biology and plans to attend medical school to pursue an MD or MD/PhD. His favorite class is biochemistry and BIOMG 1350. Outside of class, he is involved in Club Field Hockey, Club Paintball, Club Frisbee, Club Rowing, Alpha Phi Omega, Alpha Zeta, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Biology Service Leaders, Cayuga Waters, and the Golden Key Club. He conducts research in the Cerione lab at the veterinary school doing a lot of wet lab work. For fun, Amrit loves playing sports, watching Netflix, reading books, traveling, and hanging out with friends. This past summer, he traveled abroad to Zambia as part of the global health minor to do a policy analysis research project as well as some hospital shadowing. Amrit is a strong believer in trying new things and experimenting while he still can. His advice to new students: “Just try everything you want to do when you get here! Don’t be afraid—college is the time to try new things and have fun.”

Morgan is concentrating in General Biology and plans to take a gap year before hopefully attending medical school to work in EMS, as well as volunteering at a hospital in Michigan and Special Days Camp. Her favorite class is AMST 1575: History Goes to Hollywood. Outside of class, Morgan is a CALS ambassador, a member of the running club and PATCH, and the director of activities for Delta Gamma. For fun, she likes running. This past summer, she is worked as a sailing instructor and volunteered at Holland Hospital and the Special Days Camp. Her advice to new students: “Give yourself some time to adjust! Especially coming from the perspective of a transfer student; take time to give yourself a pep talk. Coming to a new place is really hard, and it’s important to remind yourself that you’re doing great!”

Deepthi is concentrating in General Biology with plans to attend medical school. Her favorite class is PAM 3280: Fundamentals of Population Health. On campus, she is involved in Cornell Bhangra and works as a student advisor in the OUB. When she is not busy, she loves to dance, watch Netflix/Amazon Prime, and sleep. Over the summer, Deepthi worked at NYP-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and did research at Albert Einstein. Her best advice to new students: “Don’t worry too much about grades. In the end, you’re going to remember the time you fell down the slope over that one CHEM 2080 prelim.”

Brian is concentrating in Molecular and Cell Biology and plans to take a gap year before applying to graduate school. His favorite classes are CHEM 3570 and CHEM 3580. Outside of class, he is the outreach committee chair director for CURB and the associate director of Young Researchers Program. He conducts research at the veterinary school and is continued his research this past summer. For fun, Brian likes beekeeping, exercising, cooking, tennis, and science documentaries. His advice to new students: “Take classes you enjoy and take time to appreciate them all.”

Nikita is concentrating in General Biology and plans to take a gap year doing a program abroad before applying to medical school. Her favorite class is COGST 2264: Language, Mind, and Brain. She conducts research in Loeckenhoff lab in the Department of Human Development. Outside of class, Nikita is involved in Cornell Circle K, Asian American Intervarsity, Cornell Taiwanese American Society, and she also works as a scribe at Cayuga Medical Center in the Emergency Department. For fun, she likes playing basketball, reading, working out, playing the guitar and drums, baking, and playing board games. This past summer, she studied for the MCAT and attended an international convention for Circle K in Chicago. Her advice for students: “It might be difficult to find what you want to do at Cornell because there is a plethora of opportunities. But wherever you go, whatever you decide, I have no doubt you will find an amazing group of friends and a supportive community.”

Jess is concentrating in Human Nutrition and plans to take a gap year before attending either medical school or graduate school. Her favorite class is NS 1150: Nutrition, Health, and Society. Outside of class, she is a diver, the captain of the Varsity Swimming and Diving Team, and a member of the Big Red Leadership Institute. For fun, she likes to listen to music, take naps, work out, and lift weights. This pastsummer, she took physics at Boston University. Her advice to new students: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, have fun and meet new people, work hard and try your best. Don’t stress too much.”

Omri is concentrating in General Biology. For fun, he loves going to the gym, playing basketball, relaxing outside, watching movies, and investing in the stock market. Over the summer, he volunteered at Glen Cove Hospital and completed the Medical Education Summer Internship Program at Mount Sinai. He is looking forward to the first session with incoming students.

Christina is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior and plans to go to medical school after taking a gap year. Her favorite class is BIOEE 1780: An Introduction to Evolutionary and Biology and Diversity because she enjoyed the interactive learning aspect and got to go to the Galapagos Islands through BSP in this class. On campus, she is involved in Biology Scholars Program, Cornell Filipino Association, is an RA at HILC program house, and is a research assistant for Emerging Markets Institute of SC Johnson School of Management. For fun, she likes to bowl with the Cornell bowling team and play for the club badminton team. Christina’s best advice to students: “As biology majors, we’ve been in your shoes and are here for guidance and to help with your transition to college.”

Talia is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics, and Development and is considering going into medicine or industry. Her favorite class in the major is BIOMG 2800: Lectures in Genetics and Genomics, but she also loves FGSS 2010: Introduction to Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Outside of class, Talia takes part in Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Cornell Minds Matter, Cornell Hillel, and the Center for Jewish Living. For fun, she does Zumba and goes to a capella and dance shows on campus. This past summer, she stayed on campus and continued to work in the Cohen lab. She is very much looking forward to meeting with advisees and helping to calm the anxiety throughout the year! Her advice to new students: “Don’t be afraid to reach out for help—there are so many resources on campus for tutoring and counseling that are very helpful in the transition to school.”

Mitch is concentrating in Molecular and Cell Biology and plans to attend medical school after one or two gap years. His favorite class is BIOMG 3340. When he is not in class, he is involved in PhiDE, FIJI, the Ma lab, and is the undersecretary general of Cornell Model U.N. Conference. In order to relax, Mitchell enjoys watching TV, playing basketball, and procrastinating. This past summer, he did research in the city through Student Undergraduate Research Program. His advice to new students: “Don’t rush! You have plenty of time.”

Kimaya is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior with plans to go to medical school and pursue an MD. She is also minoring in Inequality Studies. Her favorite class is currently BSOC 3111: Sociology of Medicine. She is the president of the Hindu Student Council and does research in Dr. Smith’s psychology lab on campus. For fun, Kimaya likes to read, watch Netflix, and hang out with friends. Over the summer, she worked in a research lab at Indiana University’s Medical School. Her advice to new students: “College is a completely new environment, so allow yourself to enjoy it.”

Nancy is concentrating in General Biology and plans to attend medical school after graduating. Her favorite class is BIOMG 3300 and MUSIC 2207: History of Western Music I. Outside of class, she is involved in Project Generations, Cornellian Yearbook, and Christian Union. She plays the piano and harpsichord and cooks for fun, while also enjoying photography and watching movies. In her junior spring, she studied abroad in London and is worked in Dr. O’Brien’s lab on iron and calcium metabolism this summer. Her advice to new students: “Don’t be afraid to explore outside of your field! Take advantage of the eclectic classes Cornell has to offer!”

Calvin is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics, and Development and plans to take a gap year before attending medical school. His favorite class is BIOMG 3800: Advanced Genetics and Genomics with Professor Fox. Outside of class, Calvin participates as the head organizer of Biology Service Leaders, an SA in Becker house, a facilitator for Intergroup Dialogue, and editor for The Research Paper. For leisure, he enjoys getting food with friends in the Commons and seeing plays. Over the summer, he conducted research at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston at a hematology lab. His advice for new students: “Trust yourself; you usually know what you need for yourself. And explore Ithaca! There are a lot of great things to do both on and off campus.”

Yousuf is concentrating in Biochemistry and plans to attend medical school after graduation. His favorite class at Cornell is PSYCH 2800: Social Psychology. Outside of class, Yousuf is involved in Science Olympiad and Encouraging Young Engineers and Scientists (EYES) where he teaches science lessons at after school programs in elementary schools. He also tutors CHEM 3570 and CHEM 3580 through the Learning Strategies Center program and does research in the Emr lab. For fun, Yousuf plays ping-pong and watches TV shows and football. This past summer, he did research and volunteered at the Sciencenter. His advice for incoming students: “Don’t procrastinate! Always take breaks and don’t stress out over any single class!”

Ashley is concentrating in General Biology and plans to go to medical school after graduation. Her favorite class is NS 3410 & NS 3420: Human Anatomy and Physiology and its lab. Outside of classes, she tutors biology at the Learning Strategies Center, is part of a sorority, and volunteers at Cayuga Medical Center. For fun, Ashley likes to go out and try new food places around Ithaca and chill at home. Over the summer, she did research at a cancer lab. Her advice for incoming students: “Never be afraid to ask for help!”

Veer is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior with a plan to attend medical school. His favorite class is currently PAM 3280: Population Health. Outside of class, he is involved in the CALS Dean’s Student Advising Council, YOURS, Cornell Health International, and Cornell Sitara. Veer also enjoys photography, travelling, outdoor activities, and watching YouTube/Netflix. Over the summer, he worked as a summer research intern at Weill Cornell. Additionally, his advice to incoming students: “Everything will be okay in the end, and if it’s not okay, it’s not the end!”

Emily is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior with plans to attend medical school after one gap year. She is also minoring in English. Her favorite class is BIONB 2220: Introduction to Neuroscience. Outside of class, Emily is active in the Cornell Daily Sun, Cornell Book Review, tutoring at GIAC, and works in Libe Café. For fun, she likes to go jogging and get bubble tea. Over the summer, she participated in the Undergraduate Research Program. Her advice to new students: “You can do it!”

David is concentrating in Computational Biology and plans to attend medical school. His favorite class is CHEM 3590: Honors Organic Chemistry I. Around campus, he is involved in Glee Club, Debate in Science and Health, and he plays violin. David loves outdoor physical activity, TV shows, and singing. This past summer, he participated in Harvard Medical School Bioinformatics Summer Institute Research Program. His advice to new students: “Try a bit of everything you want to try or you think you want to try.” He also wants to let you know he's excited for this year!

Melissa is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics, and Development and plans to do research for a year or two then go to medical school after graduation. Her favorite class is COMM 2010: Oral Communication because public speaking is such a valuable life skill. Outside of class, Melissa is involved in Phi Delta Epsilon, Alpha Phi Omega, Wild Roses Ultimate Frisbee, and research. For fun, she enjoys Frisbee, tennis, baking, hiking, and backpacking. She did research at the Jay Shendure lab at University of Washington and tutored English over the summer. Her advice to incoming students: “Cornell might seem big and scary, but we’re all super friendly and can’t wait to welcome you all to campus!”