Pronouns: she/her 

Graduation year: 2022 

Hometown: Rye, NH 

Currently living in: New York, NY 

Current occupation: Research Associate at Kallyope 

What was your experience at CC like as an MB major? 

The MB major at CC was extremely engaging. I remember taking deep dives into scientific papers in primary lit groups in Intro to Molecular and Cellular Biology. It’s unique for college freshmen to have the opportunity to discuss science critically. Also, the professors of the MB department are an invaluable resource and were always available to answer my questions and give feedback. They were also a great support system when I was trying to navigate post-grad life. I conducted C. elegans research with Dr. Killian which helped me figure out that I wanted more of a neurobiology-focused career. It was by no means an easy major, but as I progressed through the courses, the knowledge of numerous chemical and biological pathways started to build on each other. By my final year, I felt confident in my ability to understand complex biological problems and how to approach solving them. 

Why were you interested in focusing on MB as your major? 

As an incoming freshman, I was unsure what I wanted to do after I graduated but knew I had enjoyed my science classes in high school. I was drawn to the MB major because it offered a variety of interesting courses, like Stem Cell Biology and Human Physiology. I especially liked how it gave me flexibility to pursue different avenues of biology after graduation (academia, health care, therapeutics, etc.). 

How are you using your major in your post-CC life? 

I conduct research at a biotech company trying to uncover novel biology of the gut-brain axis to target therapeutically. The MB major at CC prepared me to be a rigorous scientific thinker, plan robust experiments, and collaborate with others. I hope to return to academia to pursue a doctoral degree in neuroscience or integrated physiology, and eventually return to the translational science industry.