Student Advisors

Ethan is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior with plans to work in a hospital or research lab for a year before applying to medical school. His favorite classes are CHEM 3570/3580: Organic Chemistry I and II. On campus, he is a member of the Men’s Varsity Swim and Dive team, Alpha Epsilon Delta (pre-med honors society), CALS ambassadors, and the professional chemical fraternity, Alpha Chi Sigma. He is also involved in research in Dr. Behling-Kelly’s lab in the clinical pathology section at the veterinary school. For fun, Ethan loves to sleep, fish at Cayuga Lake, hike, and catch up on Netflix during the summer. Over the summer, he stayed in Ithaca to do research in the Behling-Kelly lab and volunteer at Cayuga Medical Center. Also, Ethan has two little dogs that he loves very much. His advice for new students: “work out regularly, eat somewhat healthy, be social, and work hard.” He is looking forward to BioFest and fun days with his advisees.

Benayas is concentrating in General Biology with plans to go to medical school. His favorite class is BIOMG 3300: Autotutorial Biochemistry. Outside of class, he works as a lab assistant at the Wolfner Lab, is involved in Phi Delta Epsilon Fraternity, and is a member of the Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association. To relax, Benayas enjoys reading books, working out, writing poetry and fiction, as well as taking nature walks. During the summer, he volunteered at a clinic in Sendafa, Ethiopia for a project that focuses on the health, education, and financial security of people living in rural communities. His advice for new students: “Increasing your desire to learn new things is just as important as the effort you put into learning new things.”

Chloe is concentrating in General Biology with plans to enroll in an MD/PhD program after graduation. Her favorite class is SPAN 2070: Intermediate Spanish for the Medical and Health Professions. Outside of class, she is involved in Cornell Tradition, CURB, and she is a manager of the football team. She also research in Dr. Xin Gen Lei's lab in Animal Science. Chloe likes to kickbox for fun. Her advice for new students: "Try everything! Cornell gives you so many opportunities to explore what you like and don't like!"

Svea concentrates in Molecular and Cell Biology and plans on attending medical school after she graduates. Her favorite class is BIOMG 3300: Autotutorial Biochemistry. On campus, she is involved in the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and for fun she enjoys oil painting, journaling, and hiking. She is also involved in research in the Lammerding Lab at the Weill Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology. This summer, she served as an intern at the drug development company Medosome Biotech LLC. Svea encourages incoming students to take advantage of opportunities to “explore your interests, passions, and college life in general.”

Jonathan concentrates in Genetics and plans to continue in higher education in the biomedical sciences by attending grad school and getting a PhD. Within the Cornell community, Jonathan is a Rawlings Presidential Research Scholar and does biomedical engineering research as part of the Cosgrove Lab. He also is part of the Biology Scholars Program, works as a student manager at the Green Dragon Café, and is a host for a Cornell radio podcast. His favorite class is BIOMG 4450: Stem Cell Biology. To relax, Jonathan plays volleyball, explores Ithaca, and chats with friends over a good cup of coffee. This summer, he conducted research at Stanford as part of the SSRP-AMGEN Scholars Program. His advice for incoming students: “Don’t spread yourself too thin! Pick a few things you are super passionate about! Also, have fun!”

Emily is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior with plans to attend medical school after graduation. She is involved in the Cornell Piano Society, volunteers as a piano teacher, and works as an undergrad TA for Auto-tutorial Biochemistry. She also works as a research assistant in the Brainerd Lab, where she helps to study false memory. For fun, Emily enjoys finding new music, playing the piano, cooking, and relaxing with friends. Her favorite class is BIOMG 3300 because it was interesting to learn how all of the biology that she learned in intro courses came together to explain human physiology. This summer, she will be volunteering at a local dog shelter and hospital and working on med school applications. Emily’s advice for new students: “Cornell is tough, but you will meet the most amazing people in the world and constantly find inspiration in them. Ask questions when you’re lost, take advantage of your resources, work smart, and most importantly have fun!”

Elen-Sarrah is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior and plans attend medical school or get into an MD/PhD program. Within the Cornell community, she volunteers at the Mental Health Association through PCAT, organizes religious programming in the CJL: Center for Jewish Living, and is involved in the peer pre-health mentorship program. Additionally, she does research in Dr. Casasante’s lab studying cognition. This summer she conducted research at Johns Hopkins University. She enjoys spending time with friends, going to the gym, watching TV, and crocheting. Her favorite class so far has been HD 2610: Development of Social Behavior, which explores developmental psychology and social behavior. She advises first-year students to take on a reasonable workload their first semester and settle into college life and the opportunities the campus has to offer.

Vanathi concentrates in Neurobiology and Behavior and plans to attend medical school and continue doing research. Her favorite class has been CHEM 3580: Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences. Outside of class, she is a TA for CHEM 2070/2080, an RA in Balch Hall and she does research in Dr. Kelly Liu’s lab. This summer, she stayed on campus and continued her research in the Liu lab. She enjoys going on walks through local trails and gorges, going to the gym, attending shows and playing tennis. Vanathi’s advice for new students: “Don’t feel like you need to do everything on campus during your first year – take the time to really find what you’re passionate about and stick to it!” She is looking forward to the Open House and research/academic panels.

Agnes is concentrating in Animal Physiology with plans to take a gap year before medical school. Her ultimate career goal is to be a surgeon. Agnes is involved with EARS and Cornell Center for Jewish Living, and has done off-campus research. She is also the Vice President of Public Relations for the Cornell Surgical Society. For fun, Agnes enjoys visiting the Cat Café in Ithaca and watching Game of Thrones. Her favorite classes are BIOGAP 4130: Histology and HIST 1930: Global History of Love. Her advice for new students: “You got this! No matter how overwhelming things may seem, you are here for a reason. Don’t be afraid to seek out the resources that you need.”

Amrit concentrates in General Biology and is considering pursuing anything from an MD/PhD to an MBA. On campus, he does research in the Cerione lab of the veterinary school, plays 4 club sports (rowing, Frisbee, field hockey, and paintball), is involved in Alpha Phi Omega, Alpha Iota, Quizbowl Club, and Pre-Health Mentorship Program. He also plays intramural sports. For fun, he loves playing sports, watching Netflix, hiking, exploring campus, reading and hanging out with friends. Amrit’s favorite class is BIOMG 3300: Autotutorial Biochemistry. This summer, he climbed Mount Everest (to basecamp) and volunteered at an animal care clinic in Cusco, Peru. He also worked on his research in Ithaca and went to a Frisbee tournament before being an Orientation Supervisor. He loves being an advisor and getting to know his advisees, who he thinks are awesome and all have really cool stories. His advice for new students: “Make the most of the opportunities you have while you’re at Cornell. Try new things and explore your interests as much as possible.” He is looking forward to the ice cream social and meeting up with his advisees.

Morgan concentrates in General Biology and upon graduation, plans to either take a gap year pursuing research in Marine Biology or enroll directly into medical school. Outside of class, she is the Transfer Admissions Chair of CALS Ambassadors and Co-President of Cornell Pre-SOMA. She is also on the Fundraising Committee for MEDLIFE and she is involved in PATCH. She has done research with Liz Bergen in Ecology where she studied the behavior of satin bowerbirds. Morgan’s favorite class so far has been BIOMG 2800: Lectures in Genetics and Genomics because she got to solve interesting genetics problems! This summer, she studied for the MCAT and worked on getting her EMS/EMT certification. Her advice for new students: “Give yourself time to get adjusted and comfortable on Cornell’s campus! Coming to a new school can be daunting, but it’s also an exciting time!”

Jake is concentrating in Molecular and Cell Biology and intends to pursue an MD/PhD. On campus, Jake is involved in research in Dr. Smolka’s lab, and is a member of Lambda Phi Epsilon. For fun, he enjoys rock climbing and weight lifting. His favorite classes were BIOMG 3300: Autotutorial Biochemistry and CHEM 3570: Organic Chemistry I. This summer, Jake stayed on campus to continue his research and worked as an RA for a summer program. Jake’s words of advice for new students: “Take it slow. There are 4 years to graduate and it is okay to take time to explore your interests and not necessarily just take classes.” He is looking forward to BioFest.

Eugene is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior and intends to pursue an MD/PhD program. His favorite class is BioNB 2220: Introduction to Neuroscience because he found the content interesting. Outside of class, he is involved in the People/Patient Care Advocacy Team (PCAT), Loaves & Fishes, Debate in Science & Health, A&S Ambassadors, and Orientation. He conducts research in the Goldberg lab. For fun, Eugene loves nature walks, board game nights with friends, and D&D. This summer, he stayed on campus to do research in the Goldberg lab. Eugene’s advice for new students, “Learn to knock, and Cornell will open so many doors for you.” He is looking forward to BioFest.

Danica is concentrating in General Biology with plans to take a gap year to work before applying to MD/PhD programs. Her favorite class is BSOC 2468: Medicine, Culture, and Society. On campus she volunteers at Cayuga Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center with Cornell Elderly Partnership, and acts as the Musical Director for her acapella group. She is also a member of the Vitousek lab, where she investigates the impact of gut microbiome composition in response to stress in tree swallows. This summer, she participated in the SUNY Upstate SURF-PS program and worked on her Honors Thesis. For fun, Danica likes to watch movies, hang out with friends, baking, and running. A piece of advice from Danica, “Remember to take a moment to pause and appreciate Cornell for its beautiful campus and amazing students here-it can get busy but don’t forget to make fun memories!”

Brian is concentrating in Molecular and Cell Biology and plans to work with a biotech start-up company after graduation. His favorite class is BIOMG 4320: Survey of Cell Biology because he feels it formulates the ABC’s of cell biology into a language, which he finds exhilarating! Outside of class, he is co-head TA for BIOMG 3300 and is involved in club tennis and beekeeping. He conducts research in Dr. Kristy Richards’ lab at the veterinary school and continued doing so this summer. For fun, Brian likes nature watching, beekeeping, cooking and exercising. His advice to new students: “Biology is such a beautiful field with so many powerful implications – I think that’s so empowering. Cornell has the people, research, and courses to help you fall in love with your own niche in biology!” Also: “Be optimistic about your learning!” He is looking forward to meeting new people from different walks of life and attending BioFest!

Jess concentrates in Human Nutrition and she plans on taking a gap year before attending physical therapy school. Her favorite class is NS 3410: Human Anatomy and Physiology. Outside of class, she is on the Varsity Swimming and Diving team and she is involved with the Red Key Athlete Honor Society. She also conducts research with the O’Brien lab. This summer, she interned at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, MA. For fun, Jess likes to work out and take naps. Her words of advice for new students: “Ask for help if you need it, relax, and always make time for yourself!” She is looking forward to BioFest.

Matthew is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior with plans to take a gap year for research and then attend medical school. His favorite class is BioNB 2220: Introduction to Neuroscience. Outside of class, he is part of the Cornell Roller Hockey Club. He conducts research in a computational physiology laboratory. For fun, he watches Netflix, YouTube, plays videogames, and hangs with his brothers in Sigma Alpha Mu. This summer, he is participating in the Visiting Scholars Program at Northwell Health to shadow in the radiation oncology department. He is very excited to be a student advisor, and his advice to new students is: “Work hard but take it slow and enjoy every moment!”

Mika is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics, and Development with plans to pursue an MD/PhD. Her favorite class is STS 2451: Introduction to Bioethics and BIOMG 2800: Genetics. Outside of class, she is a Hunter R Rawlings III Presidential Research Scholar, CALS Ambassador, participates in EARS, and SACNAS. She also works in Dr. Mariam Wolfner’s reproductive genetics lab. During her free time, she dances salsa in the Pa’Lante Dance Troupe. This summer, Mika participated in the Weill Cornell Gateways to the Laboratory Program. Her advice to new students: “Reach out! There are so many resources available to you!” She is looking forward to orientation.

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 went to Honduras with Cornell GMDB and then did 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.”

Jacob is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior with plans to attend medical school. His favorite class is PSYCH 1101: Introduction to Psychology because he found the professor funny and interesting. He is involved in the Cornell Surgical Society, and he is going to be an orientation leader in the fall. He also conducts research in the Van der Muelen laboratory. For fun, he likes to hang out with friends, and play soccer. He looks forward to meeting and helping his advisees. His advice to new students: “Don’t take a heavy schedule first semester because you want to have time to make friends and just enjoy Cornell.”

Talia concentrates in Genetics and plans to go to medical school after taking a gap year. Her favorite class is PHIL 2220: Ancient Philosophy. Outside of class, she is involved with the Center for Jewish Living, Cornell Hillel, APO, and Cornell Reflect. She conducts research in the Cohen lab. For fun, she enjoys exploring Ithaca with friends, watching movies, and reading. This summer, she participated in SURP at the NYU Sackler School of Medicine doing research on acute lymphoblastic leukemia drug resistant mutations. Talia’s words of advice for new students: “It all seems overwhelming in the beginning, but you will make it through and don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it!”

Shriya is concentrating in General Biology and double majors in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. She plans to go to medical school after graduation. Shriya’s favorite class is ENGL 3830: Intermediate Narrative Writing. Within the Cornell community, Shriya is a science editor for the Cornell Daily Sun and a member of Student Assembly’s Health and Wellness Committee, MEDLIFE, Sitara, Alpha Epsilon Delta (pre-med honor society) and Ballet and Books. She also does research on dilated-cardiomyopathy in Weill Hall. This summer, she volunteered in the ER at NYU. Her advice to new students: “Be open-minded!”

Sophia is concentrating in Microbiology with plans to work in biotechnology or biomedical research studying infectious diseases. She is involved in Alpha Iota Gamma, a pre-health professional fraternity, and in Chi Alpha Epsilon Honors Society. Additionally, she is an active citizen on West Campus. Sophia also does research at the Vet School in the Harrington Lab, studying vector-borne diseases and in the Song Lab, studying Salmonella Typhi. For fun, she likes to watch Hulu and YouTube, eat ramen, and nap. Her favorite classes are STSCI 2150: Introductory Statistics for Biology and NS 2600: Introduction to Global Health. This summer, she worked at the Guo Lab at Weill Cornell Medical Center in NYC studying the effect of protein metabolites on the gut microbiome. Sophia’s advice for new students: “Don’t feel overwhelmed or scared because everyone else is probably too.”

Hal is concentrating in General Biology with plans to become a research assistant and eventually go to medical school after graduation. Hal is part of the Chess Club here on campus and is also involved in Greek Life. He is involved in research on campus in the Parker Lab. For fun, Hal enjoys playing chess, practicing piano, and hanging out with friends. His favorite class at Cornell is CHEM 2070: General Chemistry I. This summer, Hal worked at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Pediatric Hospital. He looks forward to Biofest next year. Hal’s advice for new students: “You’re going to be fine! Everyone is nervous coming in and it’s perfectly natural.”

Jenelle concentrates in General Biology and plans to apply to medical school while doing clinical research after graduation. Outside of class, she is a TA for CHEM 2070, volunteers for Cayuga Medical Center and is involved in the Biology Scholar’s Program. She also does research in molecular medicine at the veterinary school. For fun, Jenelle likes to go to concerts and spend time off campus exploring Ithaca with friends. Her favorite class is CHEM 3580: Organic Chemistry II. This summer, she stayed in Ithaca to take Biochemistry while studying for the MCAT and volunteering in Cayuga Medical’s mental health unit. Her words of advice for new students: “Try as many new things as possible and meet as many new people as you can.” She is looking forward to BioFest. Fun fact: She spent all of her junior year studying abroad in England!

Emily is concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior with plans to attend medical school. Emily works at the Cayuga Medical Center, which she’ll be continuing this summer, and she is also a waitress at Texas Roadhouse. For fun, Emily enjoys playing with her 2 cats, Pasta and Meatball, going outside, and exploring Ithaca with her girlfriend. Her favorite class is BIONB 2220: Introduction to Neuroscience. She looks forward to Cornell Days and the OUB Doggie Dogs. Her advice for new students: “Get off campus! Explore downtown and all of the beautiful waterfalls and gorges in the area. Make time for yourself and to de-stress!”

Jasmin is concentrating in Genetics with plans to take a gap year before medical school in which she will pursue a Master’s degree in Kinesiology/Sport Science. Her favorite classes are HIST 1930: History of Love, BIOMG 2801: Lab in Genetics and Genomics, and BIOEE 1780: Introduction to Evolutionary Biology and Diversity. Outside of class, she works as a Peer Advisor in CALS Student Services and as a Biology Tutor for the Learning Strategies Center. She is involved in Greek life, the Biology Scholars Program, Women’s Club Basketball and she is President of the Cornell Women’s Rugby Team. She also conducts research in the Hernandez lab in the engineering school where she studies the how the gut microbiome of a mouse affects its musculoskeletal properties. Jasmin likes to go to the movies for fun after a stressful week or whenever a good movie has just come out, as she is a huge fan of the Regal Cinemas in Ithaca. She also likes to eat out with friends, hike around the gorges, go to the Farmers Market, and read (when she gets the chance). This summer, she conducted clinical research on glioblastomas and traumatic brain injuries at Stony Brook University Hospital, volunteered in their Child Life Department, and worked as a Special Education Aide at a Learning Center. Something encouraging she would like to say to new students: “One of my close family friends wrote the following proverb in my graduation card: ‘She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.’ It’s just a quote I really liked and resonated with. Entering a new environment and phase in your life can be really daunting especially when you feel like you just figured everything out. But the quote just says to be strong and have confidence in yourself and enter your future without fear and with open arms and excitement.“

Brenton concentrates in Human Nutrition and plans to take a gap year before attending medical school. His favorite class is HD 1150: Human Development: Infancy and Childhood because it got him interested in pursuing his minor in human development. Outside of class, he is involved in the Pre-Medical Minority Mentorship Program (PreM3), Black Biomedical and Technical Association (BBMTA), Club Track and Field, Pre-Student of Osteopathic Medicine (Pre-SOMA), PhiDE, and he is a BIOMG 3300 TA. He likes to relax by going on runs to clear his mind and he has fun when he hangs out with his friends. This summer, Brenton participated in the Practicing Medicine Program at Weill Cornell. His words of advice for new students: “Everything will fall into place. Things may look out of line now, but take a step back and see where all of the pieces fit.”

Emily concentrates in Neurobiology and Behavior with plans to apply for MD/PhD programs after taking a gap year. Her favorite class is BIONB 2220: Introduction to Neuroscience. Outside of class, Emily is a writer for the Cornell Daily Sun and Cornell Book Review, a tutor with Village at Ithaca, and a barista at Libe Café. She also conducts research with Dr. Andy Clark in the Molecular Biology and Genetics department where she studies gene drives. She likes to watch sitcoms, go jogging, and collect plants for fun. This summer, she studied for the MCAT and did research at Indiana University School of Medicine. Emily’s advice for new students: “You can do it!” She is looking forward to advising socials and the freshman planning meetings.

Eunice is concentrating in Neurobiology ad Behavior with plans to pursue a PhD or MD/PhD. On campus, she is the President of the Scientista Foundation Chapter at Cornell, the Chairperson of the CAS Dean’s Student Advisory Council, and a TA for PHYS 1101/1102 and HD 3620. She is also involved with the Patient/People Care Advocacy Team. Additionally, Eunice is involved in research at the Neurobiology Lab of Learning and Memory and at the Cornell Infant Studies Lab. Her favorite class is PSYCH 4230: What Does the Hippocampus Do? For fun she enjoys running around campus, painting, playing the piano, art jamming in Risley (where she lives), doing yoga, and playing tennis. She also loves eating and traveling. This summer she interned at Johns Hopkins Medical School. She looks forward to helping her advisees. Eunice’s advice for new students: “Take your time to explore Cornell and do not be afraid to challenge yourself.”

David is concentrating in Computational Biology with plans to attend medical school. He is involved in the Cornell Glee Club, Debate in Science and Health, and is crisis counselor for a crisis text line. He is also involved in research with Dr. Clark in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. For fun, David enjoys singing, listening to music, making recordings, and exploring campus. His favorite class is CHEM 3590: Honors Organic Chemistry. This summer David conducted research on campus, working on his Honor’s Thesis. His advice for new students: “Try something you never thought you’d ever try.”

Corey is concentrating in Human Nutrition with plans to take a couple gap years and then attend medical school. He is a volunteer at the Ithaca Free Clinic, a dancer in Assorted Aces, an EMT for CUEMS, and a musician in the Cornell Symphony Orchestra. He also does research for the Cummings Lab. Corey's favorite classes are PE 1290: Introduction to Gymnastics, PAM 2350: The U.S. Health Care System, and CHIN 1109/1110: Beginning Chinese for Students of Chinese Heritage. For fun, he enjoys exercising, dancing, and playing video games with friends. His advice to new students: “Office hours are the bomb and will save your butt.”