Student Advisors

Bianca is concentrating in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to take two gap years to do research and take the MCAT before pursuing an MD/Ph.D. in neuropsychiatry. On campus, she is a Peer Mentor in the Biology Scholars Program and the Community Outreach Coordinator of Cornell Minds Matter. She also does research in the Ophir Lab where she studies neural projections in prairie vole brains. Bianca's favorite class is BIONB 2220: Neurobiology and Behavior II because it confirmed her love for neuroscience and connected her with other people who think the brain is really weird and really cool! For fun, Bianca likes to play the piano and ukulele, write, and hang out with friends. This summer, she volunteered at local hospices, virtually volunteered for 7 Cups as an emotional support listener, and studied for upcoming classes. You may see her twin sister around on campus (but don’t worry because they’re not identical!) This upcoming school year, she is looking forward to one-on-one meetings so she can get to know her advisees better. Bianca’s words of encouragement for incoming students: " Give yourself a try! It's okay to take a lighter schedule your first semester, explore new interests, and ask for help when you need it.”

Zack is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics & Development with plans to attend graduate school for either a Ph.D. or a Master’s in a genetics-related field after graduation. On campus, he is involved with the Biology Scholars Program, Alpha Chi Sigma – the professional chemistry fraternity, Kappa Sigma as the Environmental Sustainability Chair, and Deixa Sambar – a Brazilian percussion ensemble. He also conducts research in the Berry Lab where he studies how adipose and muscle stem cells regulate metabolism and tissue regeneration. Zack loves listening to music, especially rock, punk, metal, and hip hop. He loves fishing and catering to his aquarium hobby. Zack has also been learning how to play the guitar for about a year now. His favorite class is BIOSM 1780: Evolution and Marine Diversity. This summer, Zack applied to be a COVID-19 contract tracer, took a class, and worked on music in his free time. He is looking forward to BioFest this upcoming school year! Zack’s advice for incoming freshmen: “Don’t take on too much at once! Cornell's resources and endless opportunities will seem overwhelming, and it's important to realize that there's not one correct or expected way to do things. Remember to live YOUR life, and not other people's.”

Catie is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics & Development with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in developmental or integrative biology. On campus, she is involved with Von Cramm Cooperative and Cornell Running Club. Catie previously did research in the McCune Lab in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology but she currently does research in the Simoes-Costa Lab in Genetics, Genomics & Development. For fun, she likes to run, cook, bake, and go thrift shopping. Her favorite class is BIOMG 3850: Developmental Biology. This summer, Catie worked remotely on a computational research project in her lab. She is looking forward to meeting new students during orientation and welcoming them to Cornell. Her words of advice for new students: “There is so much room in bio sci to explore your interests--there may be an area of biology that you don't know exists yet, but turns out to be what excites you the most!”

Catherine is concentrating in Computational Biology with plans to take a gap year before going to graduate school. On campus, she is involved with the Cornell Daily Sun, the Smart is Strong Foundation, and Alpha Phi Omega. Her favorite classes are BIOMG 3310: Principles of Biochemistry – Proteins and Metabolism, and BIONB 2220: Neurobiology and Behavior II. This summer, she interned at a pharmaceutical company. Catherine is looking forward to BioFest and orientation this school year!

Timothy concentrates in Molecular & Cell Biology with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry after graduation. On campus, he is a member of Hortus Forum, the undergraduate horticulture club, and a researcher at the Liu Worm Lab. For fun, he enjoys gardening, painting, reading, and embroidery. His favorite medium for painting is gouache and his favorite genres to read are historical fiction and mystery. Timothy’s favorite courses are BIOEE 1780: Introduction to Evolutionary Biology and Diversity and BIOMG 1350: Introductory Biology – Cell and Developmental Biology. This summer, he continued his research at the Liu Worm Lab. He is looking forward to Cornell Days and talking to new students/parents! Timothy’s words of advice for new 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 concentrates 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 Human Elements. For fun, she enjoys running, sketching and baking. Sheri’s favorite class is BIONB 2220: Neurobiology and Behavior II. This summer, she applied to research labs and she is looking forward to BioFest and orientation this upcoming school year. Her advice for incoming students: “Don’t be afraid to try new things! Cornell has so many wonderful opportunities for you to explore.”

Jonathan is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics & Development with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in developmental biology after graduation. On campus, he is involved with the Biology Scholars Program and research in the Cosgrove Lab, where he studies the muscle stem cells of mice and their expansion. Jonathan is also a Cornell Commitment Rawlings Presidential Research Scholar and a student manager at Green Dragon Café. For fun, Jonathan likes to play volleyball, explore Ithaca, and chat with friends over a good cup of coffee. His favorite class is BIOMG 4450: Stem Cell Biology. This summer, he continued his research in the Cosgrove Lab. Jonathan is most looking forward to Orientation Week this upcoming school year! His words of advice for new students: “Don’t spread yourself too thin! Pick a few things you are super passionate about! Also, have fun!”

Luke is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics & Development with plans to attend medical school after a gap year working in a clinical setting. On campus, he is an RA for the Townhouse Community and a student worker for Cornell’s Student Disability Services. He also 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. To relax, Luke enjoys listening to new music, spending time with friends, and catching up on his favorite Netflix shows. He also loves going to Deixa Sambar, a Brazilian drumming ensemble, where he loves exploring Brazilian music and playing drums with friends at the end of the week. His favorite class is BIOMG 2800: Lectures in Genetics and Genomics. This summer, Luke spent time studying for the MCAT, doing remote work for his lab, volunteering for the Crisis Text Line, and getting involved with remote volunteering opportunities at his local hospital. He is looking forward to meeting his advisees at the beginning of the semester as well as attending BioFest. Luke’s advice for incoming freshmen: “Use your first semester to get adjusted to college and to Cornell. You have plenty of time so you don’t need to be very concerned with fulfilling a bunch of major and distribution requirements right away! I’d recommend making a schedule with a good balance of required classes and classes that you want to take just because they seem interesting to you.”

Siddharth concentrates in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology with plans to attend graduate school after graduation. On campus, he is involved with Science Olympiad and Mafia Club. He also does research at the Paleontological Research Institution. Siddharth's favorite class is BIOEE 4790: Paleobiology and this summer, he took online classes. He is looking forward to any and all advising events this upcoming year!

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. For fun, she likes to draw, paint, go to the gym, and find new places to eat with friends. Jennifer’s favorite class is BIOAP 3110: Principles of Animal Physiology. This summer, she taught herself RStudio and studied for the MCAT. Jennifer is looking forward to orientation, meeting new students, and attending BioFest 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!”

Diego concentrates in Plant Biology with plans to attend graduate school after graduation. On campus, he is a member of the Agriculture and Life Sciences fraternity Alpha Zeta and the Student Advisory Council to the Dean of CALS. He enjoys playing sports, staying active, dancing, and meeting new people. Diego’s favorite class is BIOMG 2801: Lab in Genetics and Genomics. He felt it was a great hands-on experience with lots of genetic methods and experimentation. This summer, he took summer classes and did some job exploration. He is looking forward to orientation and meeting new students in person this upcoming school year! Diego is a transfer student who is always willing to extend a helping hand. His words of advice for incoming students: “You can always learn something from anyone anywhere at any time, be humble and keep an open mind.”

Omair concentrates in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology with plans to attend medical school after graduation. He regularly volunteers in the Ithaca community with Cornell Circle K and he works in the Goodale Lab on campus. His favorite class is BIOEE 3690: Chemical Ecology. For fun, Omair loves walking around the many natural areas of Ithaca! This summer, he completed a remote literature review and research with a medical student at Cleveland Clinic. He is most looking forward to meeting all of you this academic year! Omair’s words of encouragement for incoming students: “No matter what the semester looks like, you all are here for a reason. Things may look grim but you all can be forces of positive change.”

Jake is concentrating in Molecular & Cell Biology with plans to go to medical school after graduation. On campus, he is a part of the MGFC fraternity Lambda Phi Epsilon and PCAT. He also does research in the Smolka Lab. His favorite class is PHIL 1100: Introduction to Philosophy. For fun, Jake loves to watch movies, cook, and work out with friends. He feels it’s important to have non-academic hobbies to unwind and prepare yourself for the next day. This summer, he prepped for the MCAT. Jake is looking forward to the initial meetings with his advisees this school year, as he loves seeing new incoming faces and interacting with everybody for the first time! His words of encouragement for new students: “Make sure to expand out and take different types of classes. Some of my best ones have been in divisions I never really took seriously, and I ended up minoring in them!”

Rachel is concentrating in General Biology with plans to go to medical school after one gap year. Her favorite class is HIST 2251: U.S. Immigration Narratives. On campus, she is involved in Cornell Red Cross Club, PCAT, Cornell GMMA, research at the Field Lab, and Cornell Phi Beta Kappa. Rachel is also a tutor for student athletes. She enjoys baking, ice skating, watching Netflix, and swimming for fun! Over the summer, she studied for the MCAT. This academic year, she is most looking forward to BioFest!

Eddy is concentrating in General Biology with plans to go to medical school after graduation. On campus, he is a member of the Class Council of 2021, PCAT, and Phi Delta Epsilon. Eddy also conducts research at the Chang Lab. He enjoys playing volleyball at Helen Newman in his free time. His favorite class is BIOMI 2900: General Microbiology Lectures. This summer, he volunteered at Flushing Hospital and tutored low-income children. He is looking forward to BioFest this upcoming school year! Eddy's words of advice for incoming students: “Don't be afraid to reach out for help!”

Nick is concentrating in General Biology with plans to take a gap year before attending medical school. His favorite class is JAPAN 1101: Elementary Japanese I. Nick is involved in Science Olympiad and he also conducts research in the Zayas Personality Attachment and Control Lab on campus. He enjoys listening to music and playing video games for fun. He is also a double major in Asian Studies and is currently writing an interdisciplinary senior thesis about the development of organic chemistry in Japan. Over the summer, Nick studied for the MCAT and he is looking forward to BioFest this upcoming year! Nick's advice for new students: “Enroll in some fun classes! For me, they were language classes, but they can be whatever you enjoy or are interested in.”

Kevin is concentrating in General Biology with plans to take a gap year to gain research experience in the biotech industry before applying to graduate school. On campus, he is involved in the Biology Scholars Program, Salsa Ithaca (at Agava and Cornell), LSAMP Scholars (Diversity Programs in Engineering) and Wildlife Society. Kevin also conducts research in the Webster Lab in the Neurobiology & Behavior department where he works on mountain chickadee song memory and spatial learning. Kevin enjoys playing ping pong and frisbee, going to the beach, reading, playing his instrument, watching Netflix, and hanging out with friends. His favorite classes are BIOMG 3350: Principles of Biochemistry and CLASS 2604: Greek Mythology. This summer, he volunteered at a summer camp and attended a biomedical firm seminar. Kevin is looking forward to BioFest this upcoming school year! His words of encouragement for incoming students: “Get excited, try and not stress so much! Success won't come easily but you'll find there are more people and sources of support than you'd think.”

Andrew is concentrating in Microbiology with plans to go to medical school after graduation. His favorite class is BIOMI 2950: Biology of Disease. Andrew is involved in Phi Delta Epsilon Pre-Medical Fraternity, College Mentors for Kids, Theta Delta Chi, and Cornell Club Swim. He is also involved in the Biology Scholars Program as both a member and study group leader. He has conducted research at the Love Lab as part of the Forage Breeding Project and is currently conducting research at the Lin Lab. Andrew goes outside for fun! He enjoys swimming, running, and hiking around Ithaca. He also likes going out to try new foods, whether that be ice cream or any new place that opens up around town. Over the summer, he worked as a Medical Scribe at Cayuga Medical Center. This academic year, he is looking forward to meeting and getting to know his advisees! Andrew’s advice for new students: “Always ask upperclassmen for advice because they are usually more than happy to share and help you! No one has everything figured out so utilize the resources provided to you.”

Jacob is concentrating in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to apply to medical school after graduation. On campus, he is a CALS tutor, a Physics TA, and a member of the Cornell Surgical Society. He also conducts research in the van der Meulen Lab in biomedical engineering. Jacob enjoys hanging out with friends and swimming for exercise. His favorite class is BIOMG 2800: Lectures in Genetics and Genomics. This summer, he did injury/clinical research at the University of Washington through the Pediatric Injury Prevention Student Internship Training Program. Jacob is looking forward to BioFest this upcoming school year! His words of advice for new students: “Take advantage of all the amazing academic resources Cornell has to offer!”

Katie is concentrating in Molecular & Cell Biology with plans to attend graduate school and gain a Ph.D. in molecular biology. On campus, she is a lifeguard for Cornell Aquatics and an undergraduate researcher in the Yen Lab. Katie's favorite classes are BIOMG 1350: Introductory Biology – Cell and Developmental Biology and STSCI 2150: Introductory Statistics for Biology. She likes to bake, go to hockey games, and hang out with friends for fun! This summer, she did research in her lab on campus. Katie is also looking forward to BioFest and orientation this school year!

Se Jin concentrates in Plant Biology with plans to attend graduate school after graduation. On campus, she is a Rose Scholar in Flora Rose House and a member of Cornell Undergraduate Research Board (CURB) and Golden Key Honor Society. She also conducts research in the Moghe Lab studying the secondary metabolites found in latex produced by the Euphorbiaceae family. Se Jin enjoys making miniatures out of clay, trying new restaurants, exploring Ithaca, and hanging out with friends. Her favorite class is PLBRG 2250: Plant Genetics. This summer, she took online courses and volunteered. Se Jin is looking forward to seeing everyone in person and attending BioFest! Her advice for incoming students: “Take some time to explore your interests during your first semester at Cornell."

Shriya concentrates in Genetics, Genomics & Development with a double major in English. She plans to attend medical school after graduation. Within the Cornell community, she is the Editor in Chief and co-founder of Phoenix Medical Humanities Magazine. She is a senior staff writer for the Cornell Daily Sun and served as Science Editor on the 137th Editorial Board. Shriya is also Dance TA and Volunteer for Ballet and Books and a member of the Student Health Benefits Advisory Committee, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-medical Honors Society, and Sitara. As a member of the Lammerding Lab, Shriya is interested in understanding the role of DNA damage in the pathophysiology of LMNA-Dilated Cardiomyopathy. For fun, she loves to read, spend time with friends, write short stories and poems, dance, and go for runs outside. Two of Shriya's favorite classes are NS 3090: Global Health Case Studies from Weill Cornell Medical College and ENGL 2270: Shakespeare. She loves talking to fellow students in the OUB and is looking forward to weekly office hours! This summer, Shriya started working on her honors thesis, created an online platform for Phoenix Medical Humanities Magazine, and stayed active in the community by volunteering virtually. Her words of advice for new students: “Don't be afraid to pursue diverse interests. College is the time to be open to new experiences and expand your worldview.”

Emily is concentrating in Genetics, Genomics & Development with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology after graduation. On campus, she is a member of the Cornell Cycling Club and she works in the Plant Transformation Facility, helping to develop methods for industrial hemp tissue culture. Emily enjoys running, cycling, and playing the guitar for fun. Her favorite class is BIOMG 1350: Introductory Biology – Cell and Developmental Biology. This summer, she continued research in a genetics lab at Binghamton University. She is looking forward to BioFest and working with her advisees this upcoming school year! Emily's words of advice for incoming students: “Go to office hours!”

Sveta concentrates in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans take two gap years to work before applying to medical school. On campus, she an Orientation Leader, an APO Brother, and a member of the Cornell Tradition Student Advisory Committee. Around Ithaca, she is a volunteer at Cayuga Medical Center and Loaves & Fishes. Sveta also founded a non-profit called Ithaca SMArtS! She conducts research in both the Human Design Innovations Lab (HDIL) and the Devogd Lab. For fun, Sveta enjoys hanging out with friends, painting, singing, and watching TV dramas. Her favorite class is PSYCH 2800: Introduction to Social Psychology. This summer, Sveta took a genetics course, volunteered at Cayuga Medical, and did remote research. She is also looking forward to Cornell Days this upcoming school year!

Evin concentrates in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to become a doctor and work in health policy after graduation. On campus, she is a TA for Cornell Prison Education Program, Captain of the Women’s Club Lacrosse Team, a volunteer with PCAT, a Health Policy Analyst for the Roosevelt Institute, and a member of her sorority. Evin is also a research assistant in the Parrish Lab where she studies virology. For fun, Evin likes to hike and hang out with friends. Her favorite class is BIONB 3920: Drugs and the Brain. This upcoming school year, she is looking forward to attending BioFest! Evin’s words of advice for incoming students: “Make time for yourself so that you can do the things you want in addition to all your school work!”

Emily concentrates in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to go to medical school after graduation. In the Ithaca community, Emily is a Hospital Aide in the Emergency Room of Cayuga Medical Center and a waitress at Texas Roadhouse. On campus, she conducts research in the Computational Physiology Lab under Dr. Linster. Emily enjoys playing with her cats, exploring the Ithaca waterfalls, and talking with friends in her free time. Her favorite class is BIONB 3280: Biopsychology of Learning & Memory. This summer, Emily studied for the MCAT and worked in the ER of Cayuga Medical Center. She is looking forward to Doggy Days and orientation this upcoming school year! Emily’s words of advice new students: “Time management and planning is key! Stay organized and don’t be afraid to use your resources.”

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 and A&S Admission Ambassadors. She has also worked in the Vitousek Lab for the past year studying the relationship between gut microbiota diversity and stress tolerance. Bella loves spending time outdoors hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, swimming, watching stand-up, attending concerts and reading! She also really likes to explore Ithaca by going to festivals in the Ithaca Commons and going to the farmer’s market on the lake. Her favorite class is HIST 2860: The French Revolution. This summer, Bella was a part of the Cornell Institute of Host Microbe Interactions and Diseases (CIHMID) cohort of fellows, which funded her to continue remote research in her lab. Her words of advice for incoming students are: “Explore, explore, explore! Try things you’ve never had an opportunity to do before. Take classes that interest you even if they aren’t in your major. Join a new club, take the bus to the Ithaca Commons, hike the trails around the Botanical Gardens, and go to the student performances on campus. You’ll make new and wonderful memories, and possibly find a new hobby at the same time! Getting involved on campus and Ithaca makes Cornell feel smaller and more like home.”

Anna concentrates in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to go to medical school after graduation. On campus, she is a Service Committee member for Cornell Health International. Her favorite classes are ITAL 2201: Italian III and BIOEE 1780: Introduction to Evolutionary Biology and Diversity. Anna loves cooking, traveling, reading, skiing, and building puzzles. This summer, she continued Parkinson's Disease research at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Anna is looking forward to meeting her advisees during orientation and visiting the OUB for Doggy Days! Her words of advice for new students: “Don't hesitate to use office hours and/or other resources for help with classes.”

Demetra is concentrating in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. After graduating, she has hopes of either working for an environmental-based NGO/non-profit, a government agency like the EPA or Department of Interior with an environmental research focus, or continuing her education in graduate school! Her favorite class is STSCI 2150: Introductory Statistics for Biology. On campus, Demetra is on the Varsity Women’s Swimming and Diving Team and she works in the Goodale Lab. She enjoys going to the gym, having movie nights with friends, and eating lots of chocolate. This academic year, she is looking forward to Orientation Week! Demetra's words of advice for new students: “While college may be stressful at times, don't forget to relax, take time for yourself, and have fun.”

Lily is concentrating in Neurobiology & Behavior with plans to attend medical school after graduation. On campus, she is involved in CUEMS, Guild of Visual Arts, and Ithaca Murals Organizing Committee. She conducts research at the Yapici Lab in the neurobiology department. Lily likes to draw, paint, rock climb, learn languages, read, write, and game. Her favorite class is PSYCH 3250: Adult Psychopathology. This summer, Lily conducted community-based research remotely for a non-profit in Colorado that addresses issues of sustainability and food security. She is looking forward to BioFest this upcoming school year! Her advice for incoming students: “Don’t be afraid of failure!”

Ashley concentrates in General Biology with plans to go to medical school after graduation. On campus, she used to be an undergraduate TA for CHEM 207, but she now spends a lot of time in her research lab. Ashley works with the Emr Lab at the Weill Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology. Her favorite class is BIOMI 2900: General Microbiology. Ashley loves to play tennis, go on runs, and hang out with friends. This summer, she studied for the MCAT and took an online course at Cornell. She is looking forward to BioFest this school year! Ashley’s words of encouragement for new students: “I hope that incoming students know that we are all trying to figure things out during this time. They are not alone and we are here for them.”