What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
My inspiration for pursuing behavioral neuroscience is rooted in my fascination with how the brain influences every aspect of people’s lives and how this knowledge can be applied to improve human health.
My middle name, my grandmother’s maiden name, is a meaningful way to honor her and carry a piece of her legacy with me. She profoundly shaped my passion for neuroscience and, through her life experiences, inspired my interest in understanding the universal impact of brain health and its effects on individuals worldwide. Our shared name, which translates to “universal,” drives my desire to explore the global impact of brain health. I seek to continue expanding my knowledge to work at the intersection of neuroscience and entrepreneurship to further healthcare by developing advances that drive equity. While interventions remain inequitable, my grandmother’s story inspires me to advance equity and be a force for the common good.
Exploring my neuroscience research interests led me to become a Research Assistant at Dr. Shansky’s Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Behavior. As an aspiring doctor, I hope to diagnose and treat neurological disorders and conditions while providing the best care to my patients. By studying behavioral neuroscience, I can contribute to developing innovative solutions that could improve lives and help address some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today.
What does winning a Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship mean to you?
Receiving the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship represents a significant and pivotal step in my educational and entrepreneurial journey. This scholarship provides both financial support and reaffirms my commitment to combining science with innovative solutions. It recognizes my passion for collaborating and encouraging my peers to think creatively and apply their scientific knowledge in meaningful ways to innovate and work to solve critical global issues. The Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship is a key step in transforming my ideas into real-world applications that can have a lasting impact and advance innovation in science.
What do you plan to use the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship for?
I plan to use the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance entrepreneurial initiatives. I will organize interdisciplinary hackathons and monthly challenges that allow students to combine their expertise to solve real-world problems, fostering a diverse approach to entrepreneurship and innovation. This is especially beneficial for students with combined majors, as they bring a diverse set of skills and perspectives that can contribute to innovative solutions and successful ventures.
Interdisciplinary College of Science hackathons would allow students to bring their entrepreneurial ideas to life in a vibrant community environment. Monthly challenges would enable students to engage in a friendly environment with one another and reach goals to drive impact.
By fostering entrepreneurship within the College of Science, I aim to empower students to think creatively and create solutions that can shape our future. This scholarship will allow me to implement these ideas, collaborate with like-minded peers, and contribute to a culture where scientific innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thrive.
How has implementing entrepreneurship impacted your view on science and/or your current research/study area?
Entrepreneurship has transformed how I view science by deepening my understanding of how pivoting can drive change, reinforcing my commitment to scientific and medical advancement. This led me to apply for Project-Based Exploration for the Advancement of Knowledge (PEAK) awards. I was awarded two PEAK awards for my project on Tracking Capacitance in Pavlovian Fear Conditioning to Measure Shock Delivery Precision. The project, with the support of the Shansky Lab, explores using an Arduino to track changes in the capacitance of the grid floor, which could vary based on how much of the animal’s body is in contact with it. By measuring these changes, I aim to understand further how the rat’s position influences shock delivery, helping refine our understanding of associative learning and the impact of shock precision in behavioral experiments.
Where do you see your entrepreneurship ideas going in the next few years?
In the next few years, I envision my entrepreneurial ideas growing through the promotion of cross-disciplinary collaboration within the College of Science. My vision is to inspire students from different disciplines to come together to resolve key global issues like access to healthcare and sustainability. By organizing interdisciplinary hackathons and monthly challenges, I aim to create opportunities for students to combine their skills and perspectives to develop innovative solutions. These events will foster an entrepreneurial and collaborative atmosphere, offering students an opportunity to see their ideas take shape in a nurturing, community-driven environment. I envision these initiatives as strides toward creating impactful change and driving the importance of entrepreneurship across the College of Science.
What advice would you give science students interested in entrepreneurship?
My advice for science students interested in entrepreneurship is to immerse themselves fully in the experience. The more effort you invest, the greater the rewards you’ll reap. Embrace every challenge and opportunity; surround yourself with passionate, supportive individuals who can guide you throughout the journey. The process can be exhilarating, but remembering to prioritize self-care is vital. Stay open-minded and proactive; your scientific background provides invaluable skills that can enhance your entrepreneurial journey.
Cultivate your curiosity—ask questions, explore new ideas, trust yourself, and seek out learning opportunities. Most importantly, remain present and engaged.
What is something that you are most proud of?
An accomplishment I am most proud of is that this past summer, I interned at the White House in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, contributing to research projects that assessed the impact of science and technology on underrepresented communities. I played a vital role in supporting the President’s Council of Science and Technology (PCAST). Specifically, I supported the following reports: A Vision for Advancing Nutrition Science in the United States, Expanding STEM Talent in the Federal Workforce, and Improving Groundwater Security in the United States. This experience deepened my understanding of how effective policy can drive innovation and belonging while deepening my commitment to promoting equity in science.
Also, this semester, my co-host and I received a COS Equity Action Fund Grant to implement our podcast, In the Know, designed as a resource for first-year students exploring diverse scientific fields and topics.
What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
My first co-op resulted in me pursuing my venture – Eden. Working as a front office administrator, I saw pain points on administrative workflows that affected physicians, admins, and patients alike. This resulted in me exploring current solutions in the space and after realizing that the solutions were outdated or did not solve the problem, I sought out innovative ways to solve this problem which resulted in me cofounding this venture.
What does winning a Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship mean to you?
Winning the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship provides us with the support to advance to the next steps. We can use the funds to pilot our product with our pilot partner and prove that what we plan to do can happen. With these funds we can acquire new clients and grow the business and get better care faster to patients.
What do you plan to use the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship for?
We plan to use the scholarship to accelerates our technological build and client acquisition over the next few months. We have built out three features already and this money will help us continue to build the remaining features.
How has implementing entrepreneurship impacted your view on science and/or your current research/study area?
Entrepreneurship has made me more open minded, and I see things a lot more differently. I think in science we sometimes get caught up with a micro level focus and in technical language, but through this venture I have learned to communicate effectively with broad, non-technical audiences – a key asset to any founder.
Where do you see your entrepreneurship ideas going in the next few years?
I plan to build Eden and grow the startup to a successful and sustainable business. I also plan to become a physician entrepreneur.
What advice would you give science students interested in entrepreneurship?
Don’t limit yourself to your textbooks, premed, or study track. Life begins on the other side of fear.
Explore new territories and challenge yourself. Don’t seek comfort or balance – Aggressive Growth is the product of imbalance. Just dive in and ask the obvious annoying questions – no one is an expert.
What is something that you are most proud of?
I am proud of my involvement in bringing entrepreneurship to COS while working with Assistant Dean Reisberg. I have been able to educate my peers about the benefits and importance of having business acumen, grit and persistence – I recently gave a TEDxNortheasternU talk on that very topic – The Growth Blueprint: Neuroplasticity, Grit, and the Power of Change.
What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
My passion for science ignited in high school when I was exposed to cancer research at the Ellison Institute of Medicine where I was a summer research intern. I then pursued an internship at the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) due to my interest in the growing opioid crisis in my community. These experiences inspired me to pursue my degree in cell and molecular biology.
What does winning a Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship mean to you?
Winning the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship is a moment in my scientific career and personal journey I will never forget. It is more than just a financial encouragement; it is affirming that my passion for scientific inquiry can be applied to real-world challenges. Knowing that the College of Science believes in the fusion of science and innovation inspires me to pursue my passions to an even higher level.
What do you plan to use the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship for?
I plan to use the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship to continue to fund my collegiate studies to help strengthen my scientific insights.
How has implementing entrepreneurship impacted your view on science and/or your current research/study area?
Entrepreneurship has allowed me to view science from a more creative perspective. I am allowed to think beyond traditional boundaries and explore theoretical research with real-world applications. Embracing an entrepreneurial mindset has challenged the way I approach my studies/research because now I see them as inventive problem-solving.
Where do you see your entrepreneurship ideas going in the next few years?
I see my entrepreneurial ideas expanding over the next few years. Now that I have a baseline of what can be accomplished, the possibilities are endless.
What advice would you give science students interested in entrepreneurship?
I would encourage anyone with any idea to pursue it. All it takes is one person to believe in your ideas and that one person must always be yourself.
What is something that you are most proud of?
I am most proud to be a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to serve the community that molded me into the person and scientist I am today.
For Dillon Nishigaya, a biology major with a minor in health sciences entrepreneurship from San Jose, California, being selected as the College of Science student speaker is more than just an honor.
“I am incredibly honored to be selected as the COS student speaker,” Nishigaya says. “I am very proud to represent the College of Science, and this will definitely be a highlight of my undergraduate experience.”
Growth Through Mentorship and Friendship
When reflecting on his growth at Northeastern, Nishigaya emphasizes the importance of relationships and expanding his horizons.
“I have grown in a multitude of ways during my time at Northeastern,” he explains. “I have had the opportunity to learn from some outstanding mentors and faculty at the university. I have also made some incredible friendships that I will cherish throughout my life.”
“I will greatly miss all of the amazing people and mentors that helped me along my journey,” he reflects. This appreciation for the human connections forged during his college years speaks to the supportive environment he found at Northeastern.
Perhaps most significantly, Nishigaya learned to embrace ambition.
Global Experiences and Lifelong Memories
Nishigaya’s Northeastern journey began with the N.U.in Program in Thessaloniki, Greece, setting the tone for a college career defined by global exploration and scientific discovery.
His co-op and internship experiences took him across the country and around the world. At Sana Biotechnology in South San Francisco, CA he developed novel allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies. Multiple collaborations with NASA brought him to the Ames Research Center, where he contributed to space biology research and mentored research associates through the Space Life Sciences Training Program.
Nishigaya’s NASA work continued with the Rodent Research-20 mission in Sarasota, Florida, conducting dissections on model organisms sent to space, and at NASA’s National Space Radiation Laboratory in Long Island, New York, focusing on oxidative stress and immune dysregulation.
His scientific pursuits extended to Harvard’s Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, where he conducted stem cell research, and Boston Children’s Hospital, completing observerships in vascular anomalies and pediatric dermatology.
Even his entrepreneurial interests took him abroad, interning with Stoelzle Glass Group in Vienna, Austria, where he focused on global business development.
“I have been able to travel all around the world, excel at my work experiences, and make lifelong memories with my friends,” he shares. This combination of global exploration, professional development, and personal connections has shaped his college experience.
Looking Forward While Appreciating the Present
With medical school applications on the horizon after graduation, Nishigaya takes a moment to share advice with incoming students that reveals his perspective on the college experience.
“I would tell my first-year self to enjoy every single moment and experience as much as possible,” he advises, emphasizing the importance of being present during these formative years.
When asked to describe his graduating class in three words, Nishigaya chose: innovative, inspiring, and dedicated—qualities that have clearly defined both his classmates and his own approach to his Northeastern journey.
For Kimi Nguyen, an applied mathematics master’s student with concentrations in data science, being selected as the student speaker for the 2025 College of Science Graduate Celebration represents a fitting conclusion to her Northeastern journey.
“It is a tremendous honor,” Nguyen says. “As a PlusOne student who also completed my undergraduate degree here, Northeastern has been a second home to me for many years.”
The selection holds special significance for Nguyen. “Closing out my time at Northeastern as the speaker this year is a bittersweet and meaningful way to end this chapter,” she reflects.
Growth Beyond Equations
While Nguyen’s academic journey has certainly strengthened her skills as a mathematician, her Northeastern experience fostered growth in multiple dimensions.
“I’ve grown as a person — in how I communicate, how I handle conflict, and overall, who I am,” she explains. “Each year, I find myself more different than the person I was the year before.”
This evolution from high school student to graduate student represents significant personal development that parallels her academic achievements.
Giving Back to the Math Department
When asked about her proudest accomplishment, Nguyen points to her contributions to the Mathematics Department. “It was never about recognition; I simply enjoyed it,” she says.
Her involvement spanned numerous initiatives, from participating in Bridge to Calculus to taking a leadership role in MathEMA and representing the math and PlusOne programs to prospective students. These efforts became especially meaningful considering that her undergraduate years began during the challenges of COVID.
“I am proud of how much I was able to give back to the community that gave so much to me,” she notes.
The Beauty of Late-Night Study Sessions
Some of Nguyen’s favorite memories revolve around late-night study sessions with fellow students. “Whether it was in the math lounge or at Snell Library, staying up late grinding through assignments with friends became a surprisingly special ritual,” she shares.
Though difficult in the moment, these experiences created lasting bonds. “We would get frustrated, tired, and hungry—but somehow, it bonded us. And even though, at the time, it was terrible and exhausting, we would all still show up the next day to do it all over again.”
This perfect encapsulation of the college experience—”It was the best of times; it was the worst of times”—reflects the unique camaraderie formed through shared academic challenges.
Campus Connections
As graduation approaches, Nguyen will miss the campus environment and the vibrant community of the Mathematics Department.
“I’ll miss running between office hours, the busy semesters spent side by side with friends and a whiteboard, and the small but meaningful moments — like sitting at Centennial Common after finals, reflecting on how far we’d come,” she says.
Her deep appreciation for the Math Department stands out in her reflections: “I am deeply grateful for my time at Northeastern, and I credit the math department, above all, for making it so special.”
Looking Forward While Appreciating the Present
Currently working full-time at Loomis Sayles as a Custom Income Strategies Associate, Nguyen plans to eventually apply to Ph.D. programs in mathematics, applied math, data science, or engineering. She’s also considering returning to Cambodia, where she completed her undergraduate co-op.
Looking back, she offers advice to first-year students that resonates with many graduates: “It’s so cliché, but I would tell my first-year self to slow down and enjoy the moment.”
Throughout her time at Northeastern, Nguyen was often focused on what came next graduating, building a career, and moving forward. Now at that transition point, she has a new perspective: “Now that I’m actually stepping into that next chapter, I look back with a sense of melancholy and gratitude for my time at Northeastern.”
Her parting reflection captures both the anticipation of a new graduate and the nostalgia of a completed journey: “While ambition is important, these moments—both the highs and the struggles—are what make the experience truly special. Because five years could not have gone by any faster.”
When Paola Pimentel Torres first arrived at Northeastern University from her hometown of Carolina, Puerto Rico, she was shy and overwhelmed by the prospect of standing out among so many talented students. Now, as one of the selected undergraduate student speakers for the 2025 College of Science Celebration on May 9th, the chemistry major with a concentration in chemical biology and a minor in Spanish for healthcare professionals reflects on a journey of remarkable personal and academic growth.
“Being chosen as the COS Celebration student speaker was truly unexpected, and it means more to me than I can fully express,” Pimentel Torres says. “It’s a reflection of the hard work, growth, and resilience that have shaped my journey over the past four years.”
While her initial goal was straightforward—get into medical school—her Northeastern experience provided far more than just academic preparation. Through her classes, she developed confidence and meaningful relationships with professors. She discovered effective study strategies and, perhaps most importantly, learned to believe in herself.
Chemistry Club Legacy
Pimentel Torres points to her involvement with the chemistry club as her proudest achievement at Northeastern. What began as a simple way to make friends and find support evolved into a leadership journey that saw her rise from member to vice president during her freshman year, ultimately becoming president by her senior year.
“I worked to transform the club into a more welcoming space for students of all majors, and I focused on creating activities that have since become lasting traditions,” she explains. Under her leadership, the club became more inclusive while she personally developed greater confidence in her voice and learned to advocate for her beliefs.
The connections she forged with faculty and peers through the club proved invaluable, creating a network that helped shape her educational path and personal development.
Finding School Spirit
Asked about her favorite Northeastern memory, Pimentel Torres recalls attending her first Beanpot hockey game—an experience that ignited school pride she hadn’t anticipated.
“I had no idea how big of a deal hockey was at Northeastern, and to experience a championship win firsthand was unforgettable,” she shares. “The energy in the arena was electric, and it sparked a genuine love for the sport in me.”
The experience deepened her connection to the university community, leading her to proudly wear Northeastern gear more often and embrace campus traditions.
Daily Traditions and Future Plans
As graduation approaches, Pimentel Torres will miss the small daily rituals that made Northeastern feel like home: stopping by Wollaston’s for a large mocha or double chocolate muffin (her favorite sandwich was always the “Lighten Up Francis”), attending classes with friends, and spending hours studying together at Snell Library or EXP.
“Having the freedom to see each other whenever we wanted, whether for schoolwork or to hang out, is something I’ll miss dearly,” she reflects. “It’s the simple moments with the people who became my second family that I’ll always hold closest.”
This fall, Pimentel Torres will begin medical school at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, fulfilling the goal that brought her to Northeastern originally. Before then, she looks forward to her first real break from academics, planning to spend the summer with friends and family.
Advice to First-Year Students
Looking back, Pimentel Torres wishes she had worried less about meeting specific expectations and checking boxes. “I would tell my first-year self to worry less and do more,” she advises. “I spent too much energy trying to fit into a specific mold.”
Her recommendation to incoming students: take risks, be curious, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t worry about what others think. The experiences that seemed most intimidating often became her most rewarding.
On Feb. 22, Naomi Rajput started her day by giving a TedX Talk in Northeastern University’s ISEC building. Rajput is fourth-year biological neuroscience major on a pre-med track; her 15-minute lecture, “The Growth Blueprint,” makes the case that facing challenges can make a person’s neural networks stronger, weaving together scientific studies and anecdotes from her own life.
“With effort, we can quite literally rewire our brains,” she argued in front of slides alternating brain scans and personal childhood photos. “The harder things you do, the stronger your mind becomes.”
Giving a Ted Talk would be a highlight of most undergraduate careers, but Rajput didn’t have much time to savor it. Later that day, she took part via Zoom in TigerLaunch — a national entrepreneurship competition for college students — pitching Eden, the AI health care startup she co-founded last year.
“We’re reimagining health care administration and bringing human connection back through AI,” says Rajput, recounting the company’s elevator pitch. The central idea is to leverage artificial intelligence to sort and complete mundane administrative tasks, like intake forms and call screening, so health care professionals have more face time with patients. It received an honorable mention at TigerLaunch.
And those two generally all-encompassing pursuits — a pre-med course load and research; building a startup — nevertheless represent a small part of Rajput’s interests and activities.
Read more from Northeastern Global News.
Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University
One year ago on May 24, Northeastern student and campus yoga instructor Evan M. Kenny stood on top of Mount Everest, took off his oxygen mask for a moment — and just breathed.
“In and out, 10 times,” Kenny says.
The temperature below zero and low oxygen saturation in the atmosphere made inhaling painful, he says. “It was piercing my nose.”
“But I just had to have that experience and just sit there and have a meditative period. The sun was rising and the full moon was setting in this perfect kind of tandem effect. It was like indescribable magic.”
What made the experience all the more rewarding was that just a few years earlier Kenny’s body had been too beaten down by years as a Navy rescue swimmer and hotshot firefighter to take on such an extreme physical challenge.
Enrolling at Northeastern under a program for military veterans and becoming involved in the university’s yoga and meditation program helped set him on the path to healing in body and spirit, Kenny says.
In more than one way, the behavioral neuroscience major’s path to the Himalayas started on Northeastern’s Boston campus.
Read more from Northeastern Global News.
Illustration by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University
Your typical college chemistry class is about following instructions and running lab tests, not actually experimenting with materials. But Chemistry 3100 is not your typical chemistry class.
Northeastern University’s new upper-level chemistry elective allows students to learn the chemical composition and structure of personal care products and then gives them the opportunity to develop their own.
“It really has been so interdisciplinary,” said Jillian Zerkowski, a fourth-year biochemistry major. “We got a comprehensive overview of what product forms exist and then we transitioned into products that we want to make and what there’s need for. It’s been really exciting to get to do that.”
The course originated from student interest. Leila Deravi, associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology, started a skin care company called Seaspire, inspired by her research on color change and cephalopods. Since founding Seaspire in 2019, Deravi said she’s received multiple emails a semester from students also interested in making their own cosmetics and learning the chemistry to do so. So she proposed an upper-level chemistry elective exploring the process of developing these products.
Read more from Northeastern Global News.
Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University
What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
After high school, I pursued a degree in biology, driven by my passion for the life sciences. However, my curiosity for technology, particularly software and computational tools, led me to explore the intersection of biology and data science.
Bioinformatics perfectly blends these fields, allowing me to bridge my biological background with computational techniques. Pursuing an MS in Bioinformatics has been the ideal way to satisfy my curiosity and deepen my understanding of this evolving discipline.
Have you participated in any co-op or study-abroad programs? How was that experience?
I am currently seeking a co-op position for Summer 2025 and actively applying to various opportunities. In Summer 2024, I completed a pre-co-op course that equipped us with essential skills for the co-op application process, including resumé/CV reviews, cover letter writing, and interview preparation. I found this course invaluable in understanding the significance of every keyword in a resume or cover letter, ensuring a more strategic and effective approach to job applications.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I currently serve as a student representative for the Bioinformatics program in the Program Advisory Committee (PAC). Additionally, I represented the College of Science (COS) as a student representative at Northeastern University’s Open House event. These roles have allowed me to actively contribute to the program and engage with prospective students, providing insights into the curriculum and student experience.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
My journey in COS has been incredibly rewarding. Although our campus is small with limited infrastructure, the faculty and staff have been exceptionally supportive. They are quick to find solutions and always guide us in a clear, positive direction. Additionally, the on-campus activities organized by COS have been invaluable in helping students like me build connections and expand our network within the campus community.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
From my first semester in Bioinformatics, Professor Oyeronke has had a significant impact on me, shaping my thought process and encouraging me to think outside the box. She takes the time to understand our challenges, provides clear solutions, and pushes us to go beyond our limits.
At the beginning of the semester, Professor Oyeronke told us that she wouldn’t spoon-feed us; in a master’s program, we needed to change our way of thinking. This advice has been incredibly valuable in all my subsequent learning.
Yash Maheshbhai Patel ’25, MS Bioinformatics
Additionally, Professor Oyeronke has always been accessible, allowing us to reach out to her on Teams whenever we face issues. She responds promptly, offering the guidance we need. Her approach is truly inspiring, as she focuses on fostering genuine learning rather than just completing assignments for the sake of the curriculum.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you?
Over the past year and a half, I have experienced significant growth. Starting as a novice in bioinformatics, I have developed a strong understanding of programming in Python and R, and gained hands-on experience working with real-world genomic data. After graduation, I look forward to pursuing a career as a computational biologist or junior bioinformatics scientist, as part of my first professional role.
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
After graduating from Northeastern, I will continue serving as a PAC member until 2027. During this time, I aim to make a positive impact on the curriculum, enhancing its learning criteria to benefit future students. As for my personal aspirations, it would be a dream come true to work in the bioinformatics field, particularly in rare disease research and cancer studies. I hope to contribute to research efforts that can make a meaningful difference and help people in the future.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
I’ll be honest with you: pursuing a science degree is not just an opportunity, it’s a privilege. You’ve worked hard to get to this point and earn your place in the world of science, but the journey ahead will be challenging, perhaps even more than you expect. However, believe me, all the hard work and struggles will be worth it in the end. You won’t just gain knowledge, but you’ll develop new ways of thinking and approaching problems. You’ll level up your skills in ways you can’t even imagine right now.
Think of yourself as raw gold subjected to heat and pressure in the furnace of this journey. Though the process may be tough, just like gold, your value will only increase, and you’ll emerge stronger and more refined. Keep going, it’s all part of the transformation.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I would like to give a special shout-out to the tours organized by the university. One that stands out to me was the visit to the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), which was truly inspiring. It provided an incredible opportunity to witness cutting-edge biotech and bioinformatics research in a real laboratory setting. Additionally, the university also arranges recreational tours, such as trips to the Ripley Aquarium and Niagara Falls. These tours are a great way to bond with peers and enjoy some time together outside of the academic setting.
What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
Having lived in such a wild environment myself, I’ve always felt very connected to the natural world and the ocean. From a young age I knew I wanted to become a scientist to study and learn from nature.
In high school I studied the influence of marine plastic pollution and the regeneration of sea stars. After witnessing a curious case of sea star wasting disease throughout my own experiment, it became even more clear that I wanted to explore anthropogenic influence on natural environments.
Seeing environmental change in my hometown and the heavy hand we play in degradation, I’ve grown passionate about a future with sustainable co-existence and mitigative practices inspired by nature.
Have you participated in any co-op or study-abroad programs? How was that experience?
During my undergrad co-op, I worked as a sustainable battery engineer for a start-up company. I learned so much about energy and the potential impact a sustainable approach to energy storage could have in the world of renewables.
The summer of my junior year, I participated in a Dialogue of Civilizations program that traveled to Iceland and learned about the local geology, geothermal energy, Icelandic history, and their environmental significance. I’ve never seen such immense and overwhelming demonstrations of both the earth’s power and beauty like I did that month of camping around Iceland.
Windsyr Maughan ’25, MS Environmental Science and Policy
The summer of my junior year, I participated in a Dialogue of Civilizations program that traveled to Iceland and learned about the local geology, geothermal energy, Icelandic history, and their environmental significance. I’ve never seen such immense and overwhelming demonstrations of both the earth’s power and beauty like I did that month of camping around Iceland.
It’s so exciting to work in a field that continually offers new inspiration and wonder.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I’ve been on the Women’s Varsity Rowing team for four years, explored numerous outdoors and environmental clubs, and been involved with Northeastern’s songwriting club.
Recently, I started working as a volunteer in Professor Brian Helmuth’s lab under PhD candidate Angela Jones where I’ve been able to learn about sea star morphology and begin investigating sea star wasting disease along the Northeastern Coast.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
I have truly enjoyed expanding the scope of my knowledge while in COS. There are so many interesting courses that have given me a broad background of inspiration and appreciation for environmental processes. Hands-on field work, learning, and friendships from my Dialogue of Civilizations program as well as research and diving at the Marine Science Center were definitely highlights of my COS experience.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
I was really inspired by Professor Dan Douglass’s energy and excitement for Earth Systems. During my Dialogue of Civilizations, I was impacted by Professor Malcolm Hill, learning about his career journey and Icelandic connections. When deciding on my master’s and future career path, Professor Ben Dittbrenner was so insightful and helped me get to where I am today. Working with Professor Brian Helmuth, I’ve been inspired by the far reaching societal and scientific impacts of his research and collaborations.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you?
After graduating from the Environmental Science and Policy PlusOne program with a master’s degree, I would love to gain international experience working with the UN / UN’s Environment Programme while also exploring a career in restoration and scientific diving. I hope to also have an opportunity to study the implications of climate change within the environment and mitigative solutions.
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
After my time here at Northeastern, I hope to be able to create global impact and contribute to healing relationships between humans and the environment. I hope to be influential with my knowledge of the natural world and contribute to climate change mitigation.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
Don’t be afraid to explore different paths and fields of study, take every opportunity for hands on experience, and maintain the connections you make along the way. You never know what path an opportunity might lead to, and even something that seems unrelated could prove beneficial to your future career path. Interdisciplinary collaboration plays a large role in expanding the world of science and innovation so be curious and think outside the box.
What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
My inspiration stems from a desire to help people achieve a better quality of life while dealing with incurable diseases, or at least to offer them hope that future advancements may enable them to overcome these challenges.
Have you participated in any co-op or study-abroad programs? How was that experience?
I recently started looking for a co-op program that would allow me to reinforce my knowledge. This process has been very inspiring and, above all, very challenging because often the answers are not what I expect. However, when the answers do come back, it motivates me to continue.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I was a Student Ambassador, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with several prospective students, sharing my story and what we did in the program. I found it to be a great experience in terms of communication.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
The highlight has been the opportunity we have had to share our stories from each semester with our career director and associate director of graduate operations. This interaction has made the career very enjoyable because they have always been concerned about us and, above all, have always helped us.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
I think that first of all Suzzette Turnbull and Sahar Tavakoli have been the people who have helped me the most in this journey since I started, they have had a good communication with everyone and have helped us, but above all I think they are an inspiration to show every day the good direction of a race.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you? (i.e., dream job, next steps such as a graduate program)
I believe the next step in my career is to join a co-op program at a biotech company that will enable me to conduct research and, above all, learn much more.
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
I want to help people by being part of a research team that seeks cures for diseases that currently have none, which can enhance life, especially in countries where therapies are less advanced, and most importantly, make prices more affordable.
Valery Pamela Trujillo Benitez ’25, Cell and Gene Therapies
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
Studying science is challenging, and when conducting research, the results are often not what you expect. However, you can start from scratch until you succeed, so I believe perseverance is something that no one should disregard when entering the field.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
My favorite moment was when the university showered us with foam snow and showcased various talents, including the cheerleaders. The photo at the top captures that moment, while the photo at the bottom resembles one of my favorite places, Boston Common. My favorite moment was when the university showered us with foam snow and showcased various talents, including the cheerleaders. The photo at the top captures that moment. while the photo of the bottom resembles one of my favorites places the Boston Common.
What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
The excitement of studying and working on something like genetically manipulating diseases, which seemed like a far-fetched dream, but now is a reality, is what made me choose this degree. Realizing that it might not be my entire future, I’m glad I made the decision to pursue this field of study. It turned out to be a thrilling and exciting journey of cell and gene therapy lessons and professional life lessons.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
Us Cell and Gene Therapies students had a different experience than the other COS students. One of the highlights includes our semester dinners with Professor Sahar Tavkoli and Associate Director Suzzette Turnbull. These moments of communication and working through things boosted my confidence throughout the year from being a girl with mild social nervousness to speaking my thoughts in an open forum.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
I currently work part-time at the BATL/Life Sciences Testing Center on the Burlington campus. My manager, Mike Stanger, and supervisor, Eduardo Sanchez, have been my mentors since I started volunteering during my first semester. Being a part of their team has greatly impacted me professionally and personally.
Working in an extremely dynamic environment on a daily basis has taught me how to stay on my toes, manage my time, navigate through a team, and develop many other skills one would expect to have in one’s professional journey.
Subhiksha Srinivasan ’25, Cell and Gene Therapies
The experience was an eye-opener in my life, for which I’m very grateful.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you?
It is a bit uncertain now, but I’m pretty sure I’ll figure it out before I complete my co-op.
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
I love explaining or educating people who don’t understand too much about technical life science. I hope to continue doing what would be a means of helping people and maybe kick-start the development of life science enthusiasts.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
Science is all about being passionate about how the world works and trying to be a part of the play. Taking advantage of every resource (even if it is the age-old encyclopedia) provided to you would be my first and most important advice. The rest will always follow about where you want science to take you. It also tests one’s patience, so not giving up is also a piece of advice I’d give anyone who wants to pursue science.
What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
Initially, I aspired to become an oncologist, but circumstances led me to a different path. My deep-rooted interest in life sciences and my passion for advancing biological research drew me to biotechnology. The field offers limitless potential in understanding diseases, developing therapeutics, and innovating healthcare solutions, making it a perfect fit for me.
Have you participated in any co-op or study-abroad programs? How was that experience?
Yes, I am currently completing my co-op as a Quality Control Operations at BlueRock Therapeutics.
The experience has been exceptional, allowing me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting while gaining hands-on expertise in quality control, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency within a biopharmaceutical company.
Sreenithi Giri Gogulan ’25, Biotechnology
The role aligns well with my interests and educational background, making this journey truly rewarding.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I am currently learning Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form that demands discipline, grace, and dedication. Additionally, I am an avid reader and enjoy watching movies in my free time, which helps me unwind and stay creatively inspired.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
Some of my most fulfilling experiences include securing a co-op at BlueRock Therapeutics, serving as a Graduate Student Ambassador for the College of Science, and mentoring peers as a Peer Mentor. These roles have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to my academic community while refining my leadership and interpersonal skills.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
Absolutely. Several mentors have played a pivotal role in my academic and professional journey:
Aswin Sundarakrishnan, who provided invaluable guidance during my co-op interview process.
Carol Hannam, a constant source of support and motivation for students, fostering both academic and professional growth.
Tricia DeYoung, who continuously encourages and challenges students to reach their full potential.
Their mentorship has significantly shaped my confidence and career aspirations.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you? (i.e., dream job, next steps such as a graduate program)
I haven’t fully figured out my next steps yet, and I am completely okay with that. However, I do know that I want to build a career in Research & Development within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
I want to represent Northeastern’s values of student development and empowerment. My journey is a testament to the idea that growth happens at the right time, and with confidence, hard work, and adaptability, success is inevitable. I hope to inspire future students to embrace challenges, trust the process, and remain committed to self-improvement.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
Science is an ever-evolving field that thrives on curiosity, resilience, and innovation. It is not just about learning facts; it is about problem-solving, critical thinking, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Research, in particular, is a highly creative process that challenges you to think beyond conventional frameworks. I encourage students to embrace uncertainty, enjoy the process of discovery, and remain passionate about their pursuit of knowledge.