Student Advisors

Victoria is concentrating in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to attend medical school after graduation. She does research in Dr. Deitcher’s lab, TAs on campus, and is the committee chair of the Cornell Undergraduate Research Board. For fun, she enjoys songwriting, singing and playing guitar, running, hiking, reading, and spending time with friends. Victoria’s favorite classes are BIONB 2220: Neurobiology and Behavior II: Intro to Neuroscience and LAW 4131: The Nature, Functions, and Limits of Law. Last summer, she volunteered at a clinic and did songwriting! She is looking forward to helping with OUB presentations and workshops and going on outings with her group of advisees. Victoria’s words of advice for new students: “Don't be afraid to try new things, join clubs and be involved on campus, and take classes in areas that seem interesting to you even if they're outside of the requirements. You're going to have a great time at Cornell!”

Tyler concentrates in General Biology with plans to go to medical school after graduation. On campus, he is a member of Cornell Sustainable Design, is involved on the REAL team, and TAs for CHEM 2070. He also has a research position in the Schroeder lab where he studies what factors determine non-enzymatic protein modifications. In his free time, Tyler likes to stay active by doing outdoors hiking or relaxing on the slope with friends. He also enjoys rock climbing and learning new languages. His favorite classes are a tie between CHEM 2070: General Chemistry I and CHEM 3580: Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences because he felt that he learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed learning the material for both classes. Last summer, Tyler stayed on campus to do research in his lab and studied for the MCAT! This school year, he is excited to meet his students in person at the end of August! Tyler’s words of advice new students: “Life is so much better when you stop caring about what others think."

Jack is concentrating in Microbiology with plans to go to medical school after graduation. On campus, he is the Captain/treasurer for Cornell Club Hockey, on the executive board of Weill-Ithaca Network, a TA for BIOMG 3300 and BIOMI 2911, and a study skills tutor for the LSC. Around Ithaca, he participates in clinical volunteering at the Department of Sports Medicine at the Cayuga Medical Center. Jack also does research in the VanderVen lab; his current project is centered around developing a beta-lactamase based reporter system to detect periplasmic protein interactions in Mycobacteria. To destress and have fun, he loves to play hockey, hang out with friends, visit his girlfriend (who goes to school at FIT in NYC), bike, travel, hike and eat good food (apparently Ithaca has more restaurants per capita than NYC-- huge selling point for him!!). Jack’s favorite class is BIOMG 3300: Principles of Biochemistry, Individualized Instruction. Last summer, he did clinical volunteering at the Department of Sports Medicine at CMC, continued research in the VanderVen lab, and wrote secondaries for his medical school application. This school year, he is excited to meet his advisees and share his passion for Cornell and biology with them! He also looks forward to speaking at panels with incoming students! Jack’s words of encouragement for new students: “Cornell is an amazing place. Everywhere you turn there is inspiration and opportunity. With that in mind, during your four years here, don't be afraid to pull yourself out of your comfort zone. In the words of Wayne Gretzky, "You miss 100% of the shots you never take. --Same as last year, but it still rings-true for me.”

Timothy is concentrating in Molecular & Cell Biology with plans to pursue a PhD in Developmental Biology. On campus, he is a member of Hortus Forum (Undergraduate Horticulture Club) and conducts research at the Liu Worm Lab. Timothy’s favorite class is BIOMG 4610: Evolution and Development. For fun, Timothy enjoys painting, reading, listening to music, doing embroidery, and playing video games. Last summer, he did research at Cornell for his honors thesis project. This school year, he is looking forward to BioFest! Timothy’s words of encouragement for incoming students: “Approach all things coming your way with an open mind and you'll find many different paths towards the future. Here, a growth mindset trumps a fixed mindset any day.”

Sheri is concentrating in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to attend medical school or an MD/Ph.D. program after graduation. On campus, she is a part of the Peer Review Board and a TA for BIOMG 2801: Laboratory in Genetics and Genomics. She also conducts research in Dr. Robert Raguso’s lab studying hawkmoths! For fun, she enjoys running, sketching and exploring Ithaca’s scenery and food places with her friends. Sheri’s favorite classes are BIONB 2220: Neurobiology and Behavior II and BIONB: Principles of Neurophysiology. Last summer, she continued doing research in her lab and worked as an office assistant for the OUB. She is looking forward to BioFest this school year! Her advice for incoming students: “Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things! Cornell has many wonderful opportunities for you to explore, and there are so many people who want to support you and guide you in your journey.”

Luke is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics & Development with plans to take a gap year of doing research or outreach work before applying for medical school. On campus, he is an RA on North Campus and a student worker for Cornell’s Student Disability Services. He is also a proud member of Deixa Sambar, Cornell’s Brazilian percussion ensemble. Luke conducts research at the Behavior Analysis of Beginning Years (B.A.B.Y) Lab where he investigates questions related to communicative development and language, studying both human infants and zebra finches. This year, he will be completing an honors thesis working with zebra finches! To relax, Luke loves to explore Ithaca’s trails and gorges or read a good book when he has time. Recently, he has started to learn to play a ukulele-like instrument called the cavaquinho for fun! His favorite class is BIOMG 3800: Advanced Genetics and Genomics. Last summer, Luke stayed in Ithaca to work on his honors thesis and studied for the MCAT. He is most looking forward to meeting his advisees at the beginning of the semester. Luke’s advice for incoming freshmen: “You don't have to know exactly what you want to do or study right away, and you don't have to try to knock out too many requirements your first year. Take time to explore classes broadly, let yourself find new passions, and the rest will fall into place.”

Samuel concentrates in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to attend medical school after graduation. On campus, he is involved with BSP, Phil Delta Epsilon, and P3. Samuel’s favorite class is PLSCI 2010: Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds! For fun, Samuel likes to hammock, snowboard, swim, read, and hike. Last summer, he worked as a CNA at a local hospital and worked on his family farm. This school year, he is looking forward to attending BioFest!

Hanna is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics, & Development with plans take two gap years before applying to medical school. She is also exploring opportunities in healthcare consulting, biotech, and the pharmaceutical industry. On campus, she sings in the Cornell University Chorus, as well as in her acappella group, After Eight! She also volunteers through PCAT at Cayuga Medical Center and Foodnet Meals on Wheels and works with the Lammerding Lab, which conducts research into the role of nuclear lamins in several human genetic diseases. Her favorite class is PSYCH 2090: Developmental Psychology. Hanna loves to bake, listen to music, explore hiking trails around campus, and spend time with family and friends! Last summer, she conducted research with her lab at Cornell, as well as volunteered at Cayuga Medical Center and for Foodnet Meals on Wheels. She can’t wait to participate in BioFest, and meet prospective Cornell students at Cornell Days! Hanna wants incoming first years to know: “Don't be afraid to explore new activities and opportunities during your first year at Cornell-- you may end up discovering a new interest!”

Jennifer concentrates in Animal Physiology with plans to go to medical school after graduation. On campus, she is an Outreach Co-Chair for Cornell Undergraduate Research Board (CURB), a member of Kappa Phi Lambda, and a TA for BIOG 1445. She also conducts research in the Hu lab. For fun, she enjoys working out, painting, and going on walks with friends or family. Jennifer’s favorite class is BIOAP 3110: Principles of Animal Physiology. Last summer, she did research on neurodegeneration at Weill Cornell Medical School. Jennifer is looking forward to meeting her advisees in person this school year! Her words of advice for new students: “Use your free time to explore your passions, take fun classes that interest you, and don't forget to reach out and get involved on campus!”

Pat is concentrating in Microbiology with plans to do research at a hospital or university before applying for medical school. On campus, he is a TA for Autotutorial Biochemistry and works through Cayuga Medical Center at their Covid testing sites. He also does research through the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences in the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. Pat enjoys swimming around the Ithaca area along with golfing and playing squash with friends. His favorite class is BIOMI 4040: Pathogenic Bacteriology because it combines concepts on both the molecular and global nature of bacteria in a fascinating way. Last summer, he took the MCAT and worked in his research lab, exploring host-pathogen interactions of Salmonella. Pat is looking forward to being involved in Bio Fest!

Amber concentrates in Genetics, Genomics and Development with plans to go to medical school after graduation and then do a residency in ophthalmology. On campus and around Ithaca, she is a part of the Cornell Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the Pre-Health Honor Society. She is also a member of P3 as well as the Ivy League + Pre-Health Society, MedConnects, TWN, CASPHA, Cornell Circle K, Colleges Against Cancer, and Salsa Palante clubs at Cornell. Amber has also been certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid by the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, NY. Her favorite class is BIOEE 1780; she found the professors to be extremely supportive and had a great time learning about the relationship between genetics and evolutionary change. Amber spends her free time reading science fiction and fantasy, as well as doing arts and crafts. She also loves music, especially playing the piano, taking photos of nature, doing physical activities, and traveling around the world during the summer. Last summer, she conducted medical research with Dr. Maria T. Diaz-Meco at Weill Cornell. Amber is looking forward to being involved in Bio Fest and Cornell Days. Her words of advice for new students: “Keep looking forward and never backward. As you learn and grow, mistakes are inevitable, and you must learn to keep moving past them no matter what. It may take time, but you can do it!”

Sarah concentrates in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to attend medical school after graduation. On campus, she is a member of Sabor Latino Dance Ensemble, an A&S Ambassador, the Membership Recruitment Chair for Phi Sigma Sigma, and a member of Cayuga’s Watchers. Sarah enjoys reading, baking, playing the violin, going for long walks, and spending time with her little sister (most likely playing Animal Crossing). Sarah’s favorite classes are PSYCH 2090: Developmental Psychology, an FWS called The Political Force of Love, and BIONB 4200 Neuromodulation, Brain states and Behavior. She is also minoring in Psychology. Last summer, she studied for the MCAT, shadowed, and volunteered. She is also minoring in Psychology! Sarah is most looking forward to meeting new students and advisees during BioFest this school year. Her advice for incoming students: “As much as you are able, try to go the extra mile in each and every class you take, and involve yourself whenever you can.”

Daniel concentrates in Molecular & Cell Biology with plans to attend medical school after graduation. On campus, he is involved with the rock-climbing club and conducts research on brown fat in the Selvaraj lab. Daniel loves to go rock-climbing, read, and do handstands for fun! He also loves cooking, reading, and playing board games. His favorite class is CHEM 3570: Organic Chemistry I. Last summer, Daniel hoped to begin volunteering at a hospital and to read all of the Steinbeck's novels. He is also looking forward to orientation this year!

Kyra concentrates in General Biology with plans to attend medical school. She is involved with the Biology Scholars Program, CUDAP, Phi Delta Epsilon, and ACS Cornell. She also conducts research on campus. Her favorite class is ENGL 2800: Creative Writing. Kyra likes to play guitar, cook, spend time outdoors, and listen to music. This year, she is most excited to meeting her new advisees and doing a group activity with them! Kyra’s words of advice for new students: “Don’t be afraid to experiment and figure out what works with you even if it’s not what everyone else is doing! Ask for help when you need it.”

Philip is concentrating in Computational Biology with plans to gain more clinical research experience through Weill Cornell Medicine or the CDC as a clinical research assistant. Afterwards, he aims to go to graduate school and pursue a career in medicine. On campus, he is a contributing writer for the Cornell Healthcare Review, a member of the Cornell Rowing Club, and a Peer Mentor for the Cornell Undergraduate Research Board Peer Mentorship Program. He is also involved in PATCH and Cornell Minds Matter. Philip has also spent two years at the Song Lab in the College of Veterinary Medicine studying Salmonella typhi and protein chemistry. He is a self-declared foodie and loves to go around to local restaurants and cafes in his free time to find the best eats in the Ithaca community. His favorite class is CHEM 3580: Organic Chemistry II because he likes to draw hexagons. Last summer, Philip was involved in a summer research program on campus as well as a virtual summer research program. He looks forward to the Pre-Health and Research advising events this coming academic year! He can’t wait to be a Student Advisor, and his email address is always open to anyone who has questions. Philip's advice for incoming students: “It's so important to build a support network for when times get tough during the semester. Having a group of Cornellians (or friends outside of Cornell) who you can talk to and de-stress with is so vital for your mental health during prelims and finals. The friends I met (both under and upperclassmen), who have been my support network throughout these years, have helped me immensely and I think it's so important to have that coming into Cornell so that you aren't overwhelmed with stress during the semester.”

Ava is concentrating in General Biology with plans to take a gap year before going to medical school, and during that gap year, she hopes to find a job in a clinical office in New York City as a medical assistant. On campus, she is involved in Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a service fraternity. She has previously conducted research at Dr. Siu Sylvia Lee’s lab. Ava likes to sleep, watch YouTube, play online games with friends, and hang out with people in New York City. Her favorite classes are BIOMI 2900: General Microbiology Lectures and BIOEE 1780: An Intro to Evolutionary Biology and Diversity. Last summer, Ava studied for the MCAT and participated in a research mentoring program. She is looking forward to attending BioFest to meet the incoming freshmen this school year! Ava’s words of encouragement for incoming students: “Always take advantage of office hours and get to know your professors!”

Andrew is concentrating in Microbiology with plans to taking a gap year before attending medical school. His favorite classes are all his Spanish courses (he is also a Spanish major!). On campus, Andrew is part of the Biology Scholars Program, was a study group leader for 2 years for organic chemistry and BIOMG 1350. He also worked with the southern tier AIDS program in Ithaca helping them make patient education materials for their clients and making harm reduction kits that are passed out to the community. He is a Cornell Tradition Fellow, President of the Men's Club Swim Team, member of College Mentors for Kids, and will begin teaching a Life Sciences course at Teen Day in Ithaca this fall where he will be instructing middle-school aged home school children. He also does research in the Lin Lab. Andrew likes to go to the gym, swim, hike, go out to eat for fun. Last summer, he did research in his lab, and studied the effects of extracellular vesicles on olfactory neuron regeneration. This academic year, he is looking forward to meeting with his advisees at the Dairy Bar! Andrew’s advice for new students: “Do not overbook yourself! It may seem that you have to take a lot of classes as soon as you get to campus, but in reality, taking the time to adjust to college is in itself a needed consideration for your first semester.”

James concentrates in Human Nutrition with plans to attend medical school after graduation. On campus, he is involved with Cornell PreSOMA and Guiding Eyes for the Blind. For fun, James likes to read, swim, run, cook, and try new foods with friends. His favorite class is BIOEE 2740: The Vertebrates. Last summer, he continued lifeguarding and worked on his first aid certification. This school year, he is looking forward to attending BioFest! James’ words of advice for incoming students: “Don't worry about filling up your first semester with major and distribution requirements. Try and take at least one class because you think you'll enjoy it. It will help you adjust to a college environment and will help reduce the stress of your first semester.”

Katie is concentrating in Molecular & Cell Biology with plans to attend graduate school to study immunology. On campus, she is a lifeguard and student coordinator for Cornell Aquatics and a member of the STEMinist Movement. She has previously done research in the Yen Lab in the past and is now an undergraduate researcher in the August Lab. Katie's favorite class is STSCI 2150: Introductory Statistics for Biology. She likes to hike, bake, watch movies, and hang out with friends for fun! Last summer, she did research in her lab at Cornell. Katie is also looking forward to BioFest this school year!

Brooke is concentrating in Human Nutrition with plans to take a gap year before applying to medical school after graduation. On campus, she is a member of the Varsity Women’s Cross Country and Track Team and she is involved with Cornell’s Chapter of College Mentors for Kids. She also conducts research for Professor Jerel Ezell in the Africana Studies department. Her favorite class is ASRC 4002: Diasporic and Indigenous Health. Brooke loves to go on hikes, listen to music, and cook for fun. Last summer, she continued doing research in her lab. Brooke is excited for BioFest and Cornell days this school year! Her words of encouragement for incoming students: " Try to measure your success on an individual level; be proud of your accomplishments and hard work without comparing yourself to others.”

Argen is concentrating in General Biology with plans to take a gap year after graduation. During his gap year he will be involved with clinical research and ultimately plans to go to medical school. On campus he is involved with Midnight Comedy, Cornell Chorale, Phi Delta Epsilon, he also volunteers at Ithaca Free Clinic. Argen also does research at the Schaffer-Nishimura Lab. For fun he enjoys listening to music, playing video games, watching movies, and playing guitar. Argen’s favorite class is PMA 2800, Introduction to Acting. This summer he will be working on his senior thesis, volunteering and studying for the MCAT. Argen is most excited to BioFest and being a resource for first year/transfer students so don't hesitate to reach out! Argen's advice for all is to "Be kind to yourself, and make time in your schedule to care for your body and mental health."

Joelle is concentrating in Molecular and Cell Biology with plans to attend medical school and earn a Master’s in Public Health degree. On campus, she serves as the Centennial Officer for the Cornell University Chorus and is involved in Person-Centered Advocacy Team (PCAT). She is also an Eboard member of Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP) and an undergraduate TA for Autotutorial Biochemistry. She conducts research at the Bretscher Lab. In her free time, Joelle likes to go on hikes and walks, dabble in photography, and try out food places with her friends. Her favorite class is BIOMG 3300: Autotutorial Biochemistry. Last summer, Lily studied for the MCAT and scribed at the Cayuga Medical Center Emergency Department. She is looking forward to Orientation this school year! Her advice for incoming students: “Try out new things, even if you don’t know if you’ll like it or not!”

Sveta concentrates in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to take two gap years which she hopes to join a post-baccalaureate program centered around clinical research while also continuing heavy involvement in community service. Following this, she would like to attend medical school. On campus, she is the founder of non-profit organization Ithaca SMArtS, a Cornell Tradition SAC and Fellow, Brother of Alpha Phi Omega, volunteer at CayugaMed, research assistant at Devoogd Lab, Orientation Leader, and a TA for Neurobiology/Behavior and Biochemistry. She was previously in the Singh Lab but is currently a research fellow at the Devogd Lab. For fun, Sveta enjoys hanging out with friends, painting, reading, and being outside as much as she can! Her favorite class is BIOMG 3310/3320: Principles of Biochemistry. Last summer, Sveta started as a clinical research associate at MidHudson Medical Institute and also continued her research in her lab. She is also looking forward to Cornell Days this school year!

Hannah concentrates in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to do research and/or attend medical school after graduation. On campus, she is involved with the Cornell Symphony Orchestra, Cornell Percussion Ensemble, and she will be a TA for BIOG 1445 in the spring. She also worked in the Selvaraj lab during the Spring 2021 semester. Hannah’s favorite classes are BIOG 1250: Body Parts, Schemas, and Images and BIOG 1440: Comparative Physiology. For fun, she enjoys playing music, snowboarding, biking, playing tennis, and exploring Ithaca. Last summer, she worked in her lab and took BIOMG 2800. This school year, Hannah is looking forward to meeting new students and advisees during orientation week! Her words of encouragement for new students: “Make sure to take advantage of all Cornell has to offer! Whether it's a class that sounds interesting or an activity you've always wanted to try, there are so many unique opportunities here to explore.”

Elliot is concentrating in Microbiology with plans to attend graduate school to pursue a PhD in microbiology. His favorite classes include BIOMI 1200 Genesis, BIOMI 1400 Antibiotics and a seminar on soil borne parasites, all of which have been informative for him! Elliot is a member of the Rose Scholars Program and conducts research at Dr. Rebecca Nelson’s lab, assisting in research related to mechanisms of fungal resistance in corn crops. This academic year, he is looking forward to welcoming new students to Cornell!

Alison concentrates in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to do a PhD in Neuroscience or something related to psychiatry. On campus, she conducts research in Dr. Melissa Warden's lab and Dr. Nilay Yapici's lab. For fun, she likes to read and run long distance! Alison’s favorite class is BIONB 3920: Drugs and the Brain. Last summer, she did a internship in the lab of Dr. Marius Pachitariu through the Janelia Undergraduate Scholars Program. She is also living alone in NYC and exploring the city with new friends! Alison is looking forward to having intellectual debates with her advisees this school year! Her words of advice: “Everything is temporary.”

Bella is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics & Development with plans to take 1-2 gap years working in a post-bacc research position before going to graduate school to obtain a Ph.D. On campus, she is a part of the A&S Dean’s Student Advisory Council, the Biology Scholars Program, A&S Admission Ambassadors, and Student Agencies Tutor. She has also worked in the Vitousek Lab for the past year, studying the relationship between gut microbiota diversity and stress tolerance. Bella enjoys running, hiking, swimming, and reading books. She also relaxes by watching stand-up comedy and listening to podcasts. She loves going on walks with her friends around the botanical gardens or Ithaca's rec ways and going to Mia's on the commons. Her favorite class is HIST 2721: History of Mental Health and Mental Illness in the United States because the professor connected the history of mental illness to many of the social movements of the 1960s. Last summer, Bella was in the Vienna Biocenter Summer School program and researched viral infections and inflammation at the Center for Molecular Medicine in Vienna, Austria. Her words of advice for incoming students are: “Explore!!! Explore the diverse clubs on Cornell's campus, explore classes you thought you would never take, explore Ithaca's natural beauty on and around campus (especially the botanical gardens), and explore the restaurants and shops in the Ithaca commons. Do things you always wanted to try but never had a chance to, like learning to rock climb or sail. Don't be afraid to try new experiences at Cornell because that is the best way to make Cornell feel like home.”

Anna concentrates in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to go to medical school after graduation. On campus and around Ithaca, she is on the E-Board of Cornell Health International, a BIOMG2801 TA, and an intake volunteer for the Tenants Legal Hotline. Her favorite class is BIOMG 3310: Principles of Biochemistry. To relax, Anna enjoys watching TV shows, reading, and cooking foods from around the world. For fun, she likes to discover new restaurants and stores around the Ithaca area. This summer, she will be continuing her Parkinson's Disease research and beginning some COVID-19 research at SUNY Upstate. She will also be volunteering at Cayuga Medical Center and with the Tenants Legal Hotline. Anna is looking forward to meeting her advisees during orientation and visiting the OUB for Doggy Days! Her words of advice for new students: “As you start your classes, remember to keep in mind all of the resources available to you! I encourage you to make use of office hours with your Professors and TAs - they are amazing people and are there to help!”

Xihang is concentrating in General Biology with plans to go to medical school after graduation. His favorite class is BIOMG 1350: Intro Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology. On campus, he is the current team lead of Cornell iGEM, a project team that uses synthetic biology to develop solutions to modern environmental and biomedical problems. He also studies the development of plant giant cells in the Roeder Lab. For fun, Xihang enjoys watching Netflix and playing tennis Last summer, he worked on this season's iGEM project and did research in his lab. This academic year, Xihang is looking forward to Clubfest and Biofest! His advice for new students: “Try new things! Join a club or sport that you'd never have thought of joining.”