Student Advisors

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. Over the summer, he is doing research with the Gu lab and will hopefully start an 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 TAed BIOMI 2911 and BIOMG3300. This summer, she is working 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.”

Mandy is concentrating in General Biology with a plan to take a gap year before she attends medical school. Her favorite class is currently BIOG 1445: Introduction to Comparative Anatomy and Physiology. Outside of class, Mandy is involved in research at the Ophir lab and is a member of aKDphi, a multicultural sorority. When she’s not studying, she enjoys sleeping, playing the piano, and watching Netflix. This summer, she is volunteering at her local hospital or participating in research. Her advice for new students: “Although studying is super important, definitely take the time to go out, meet new people, and join a few clubs of interest.”

Felix is concentrating in General Biology with plans to take a gap year with AmeriCorps and then attend medical school. His favorite class is BIOAP 4580: Mammalian Physiology. On campus, he is also involved in Project Generation as a student companion, is a general manager for college mentors for kids, and TAs for PHYS 1101/1102. In his free time, Felix enjoys video games and filmmaking/photography. Over the summer, he is continuing clinical research and volunteering. His advice for new students: “Don’t feel the need to put too much pressure on yourself. Cornell is an amazing place, and you’ll all do great!”

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 is participating in research and shadowing 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 summer, he is staying in Ithaca for research and volunteering 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. Over the summer, David is working 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 summer, she is working 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 summer, he is shadowing doctors and volunteering in the ER white 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 summer, he is going 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 summer, she is working as sailing instructor and volunteering 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!”

Deep 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 is working at NYP-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and doing 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.”

Vi is concentrating in General Biology with plans to attend medical school, but she is not sure yet. Her favorite classes are AEM 4380 and AEM 4390. She participates in research in engineering E. coli, Cornell Vietnamese Association, and is a chemistry tutor here at Cornell. For fun, Vi likes to run, hang out with friends, and sit on the slope to enjoy the nice weather. Over the summer, she is completing an internship at Regeneron. Her best advice to new students: “Never let ‘I’m not good enough’ be a reason for you not to do something.”

Josh is concentrating in Animal Physiology. He does research in the Buchon lab. Outside of class, he is involved with CRU, and he is an RA in Low Rise 7. For fun, Joshua likes to watch YouTube videos, work out, and play basketball. His favorite class is BIOMG 3300. This summer, he will be traveling to Asia on mission trip to volunteer at a hospital. His advice for new students: “Find a community where you belong and where you can find support.”

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 summer, she is studying for the MCAT and attending 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.”

Michael is concentrating in General Biology and plans to take a research position and become a scribe for a year before matriculating into medical school. His favorite class is BIOAP 4580: Mammalian Physiology. On campus, he is involved in Alpha Phi Omega, Active Citizens, Community Health Professionals Mentorship Program, Habitat for Humanity, and is an achievement coach at Village of Ithaca. For fun, he loves attending talks by professors and alumni, sleeping, and going to campus events. Over the summer, he is shadowing and doing research. His best advice to students: “Failure is the foundation for the edifice of success. Never let an opportunity for adventure escape your grasp.”

Zain is concentrating Molecular and Cell Biology with a goal of pursuing a medical degree or an MD/PhD and specialize in surgery. His favorite class is Organic Chemistry. When Zain is not in class, he is involved with the Cornell Daily Sun, Global Medical and Dental Brigades, CURB, and research in the Clark lab. He also swims, plays football, and writes creative pieces for fun. Over the summer, Zain is going to Honduras with Cornell GMDB and then doing research in the Baby lab in Pittsburgh under the BIOSIP research grant. His advice to new students: “Don’t get caught up in the struggles of acclimating to Cornell because you will definitely learn to fit in and excel once you are more familiarized with the university.”

Radhika is is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior with plans to take a gap year and then attend medical school. Her favorite class is BIONB 3920: Drugs and the Brain. She is the president of Less Than Three Acapella, Community Education officer of CUEMS, and a TA for BIONB 2220. For fun, Radhika likes to bake, cook, watch Netflix, and sing. Over the summer, she is doing clinical research at the NYU Motor Recovery lab. Her best advice to students: “Go to office hours!”

Jasmine is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior with plans to attend medical school and become a doctor someday. Her favorite class is BIONB 2220: Introduction to Neuroscience. Outside of class, Jasmine dances with Impact Dance Troupe and Shadows Dance Troupe while being a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. For fun, she binges Netflix, travels, and hangs out with friends. Over the summer, she is shadowing at a hospital in Brooklyn through Cornell’s Practicing Medicine Program. She would like to tell new students: “Welcome to Cornell! We’re happy to have you and are so glad you’re here! We all want to make your experience here as positive as possible, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions/concerns at any time.”

Archana is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior with plans to complete an MD/PhD program after spending time in Okinawa, Japan. Her favorite classes are GOVT 3141: Prisons and BIONB 3920: Drugs in the Brain. On campus, she is involved in the Goldberg lab, BSL, PCAT, and TAs for neuroscience, physics, and organic chemistry. For fun, Archana likes to draw, make music, talk to people, and play Breath of the Wild in her apartment. This summer, she is working on imaging population activity of neurons in C.elegans at the Leifer lab at Princeton University. Archana would like students to know that the student advisors are human too and have probably been through similar emotions, so they can help with more than just academics. Her best advice to new students: “Take time to self-reflect on your progress in college to make sure the parts of yourself you’re choosing to keep and the new parts you’re acquiring are in balance with each other. You should be prepared to rework your perspective in many ways, but trust that you are moving forward towards a richer outlook!”

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 is working 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 working 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!”

Kareena is concentrating in General Biology with hopes of attending medical school after graduation. Her favorite class at Cornell is BIOG 1445 and STSCI 2150: Introductory Statistics for Biology. She also enjoys her Spanish classes. Outside of class, Kareena is involved in Cornell Bhangra, Alpha Phi Omega, and the Cornell Association of Medicine and Philanthropy. She is an undergraduate research assistant in the Cheetham lab. For fun, Kareena loves to read, draw, and cook. She also enjoys spending her free time learning new things. This summer, she is working at the Lincoln Hospital in New York City under the Practicing Medicine Program which includes shadowing and working in public health. Her advice for new students: “Keep an open mind and try new things! You will never know who you’ll meet or what you might like.”

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 is conducting 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 summer, he is doing research and volunteering 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 is researching 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 is working 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. During the summer, she is participating 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. During summer, he is participating 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 is doing research at the Jay Shendure lab at University of Washington and tutoring 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!”