Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Major/Concentration: Biology, biomedical sciences concentration
Minor(s): Chemistry, Psychology
Hometown: Marblehead, MA
What made you choose Salem State, and what is the one thing you think a prospective student should know about our campus community?
What made me choose Salem State is its student-centered mission statement. Salem State strives to create a campus community for and driven by the students. This is succeeded by funding over 80 student organizations, providing dozens of on-campus positions, and offering high-impact programming, including study abroad and internship programs. Salem State's commitment to building student-centeredness pulled me into its welcoming and diverse community.
What have you enjoyed most about your experience living on campus?
As a commuter student during my first year at Salem State, I engaged in the campus community by joining student organizations such as Greek Life and academic organizations. After building these on-campus connections, I decided to spend the following years in the residence halls. Living on campus has given me the opportunity to immerse myself fully in the Salem State community.
Not only has it allowed me to live with the most amazing people, but it has also given me an on-campus position as a resident assistant that has provided me with the leadership skills necessary to succeed in any of my future endeavors. The campus community at Salem State has given me a safe space where I can be myself and continue to grow while surrounded by students going through similar experiences.
What are you involved in on campus? (Student groups, clubs, organizations, jobs, internships, honors, or athletic affiliations)
During my time at Salem State, I have participated in many student organizations and careers. I started my Student Involvement journey by joining Greek Life, where I held varying leadership positions for two years. I held communications positions within the Biology Society, served as the student representative on the 2023 Earth Days Planning Committee, and have assisted in hosting numerous events within the Biology Department. I am also a student fellow in the 2023-2024 Building Inclusive Academic Communities program.
In 2022, I re-established the Hillel on campus and served as a co-president, where I was given the opportunity to work with faculty and administration to prevent antisemitism and provide a safe space for all Jewish students. Towards the end of my time at Salem State, I joined the Program Council to organize larger-scale school events, such as the spring concert and Senior Week, and performed as a dancer with the Repertory Dance Theater. I also work within Residence Life as an upperclassman resident assistant in Atlantic Hall. My biggest success has been serving as the Salem State sustainability intern within the sustainability department, where I have worked hands-on in promoting sustainability on campus, planning the 2024 Earth Days and Zero Waste Swap, and making a daily difference in our environmental consciousness on campus.
Could you discuss the relationships you’ve developed with faculty members at Salem State and how these relationships have influenced your learning and personal growth?
My success would not be what it is without the advisor-advisee faculty relationship provided at Salem State. My department advisor has provided me with the biggest support system, without whom I would not have succeeded. My faculty advisors' constant dedication and commitment to my academic and professional success assisted me in receiving internships, building other faculty connections, and creating an efficient academic plan guiding me to graduation (a whole year early!).
Salem State emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Can you share any memorable experiences where you’ve applied classroom knowledge in real-world settings through projects?
During my time at Salem State, I interned at Mass General Brigham and Women's Hospital in the Thoracic Surgery Department as a Data Analyst. Using the knowledge supplied to me through my 100-200 level biology courses, I was able to obtain and thrive in this position. The extra steps the Salem State faculty takes to ensure that we, as students, are well-rounded within our fields allowed me to take extra opportunities, such as this, outside of the classroom.
What have you accomplished during your time at Salem that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of the opportunities and new experiences I have taken that were offered to me during my time at Salem State. Faculty and Administration’s dedication to creating a student-centered campus allowed me to accomplish achievements I didn’t even know were reachable. By creating a safe space for Jewish Students on campus, forefronting student involvement in the annual Earth Days Celebration, and working with faculty and other students to create an inclusive academic community, I have fully taken advantage of the opportunities provided to me by Salem State.
What are your post-graduation plans, and how do you believe your time at Salem State has equipped you for success in pursuing them?
My time at Salem State has equipped me with the best piece of success: a passion for learning. With this, post-graduation, I plan to always continue my education. My current plans involve serving in the Navy as a General Officer, followed by attending medical school to pursue my dreams of becoming a surgeon. It is without hesitation that I can proudly say that the faculty at ´ºÃÎÖ±²¥ has prepared me to succeed in academia, wherever this may be.