Emily Zhu '23
BS Biology, minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Pronouns: she/her
Where are you originally from?
Southeastern Connecticut (basically a ferry ride away from Port Jeff!)
On her major:
I have always been fascinated by the inner workings of living things and the natural
world. As a pre-dental student, biology, with its focus on understanding biological
processes and physiology, was a natural fit for me and gave me the opportunity to
pursue my passion for both science and medicine. I decided to declare my WGSS minor after my first women’s studies course during my
sophomore year. I found that the courses provided a balance within my science filled
schedule and emphasized having a deeper understanding of the importance of humility
and compassion in building a more inclusive and supportive community. Most importantly,
my WGSS courses helped me develop a more nuanced perspective on various social, political,
and cultural issues; topics that I care deeply about. These courses and experiences
have equipped me with the skills to approach societal challenges with empathy and
critical thinking, empowering me to do my part in making a positive difference in
my community.
Favorite Class:
BIO312 - Bioinformatics & Computational Biology with Dr. Joshua Rest was one of my
favorite classes in college. Despite my initial uncertainty about computational biology
as I had no coding experience, I found the course to be incredibly rewarding. With
guidance from my TA, Raisa Rizzieri, and professor, I gained insight into the field
and discovered my interest in research and building upon my technical skills. The
course allowed me to delve into the intricacies of biological systems and work towards
solving complex problems, motivating me to pursue research opportunities and graduate
studies in the field.
Greatest Achievement:
I consider my greatest achievement to be my independent project, “Study of Seed Dispersal
and Its Effect on Ecosystems.'' Through this project, I was able to expand on my critical
thinking skills, gain proficiency in research methodologies and scientific writing,
and continue to develop my coding and computational analysis skills. With that, I
owe a great deal of gratitude to Ariek Norford for his unwavering guidance and mentorship
as he provided me with invaluable support and insight into the process of conducting
research and analyzing data, but also the empowerment towards thinking critically
and approaching scientific questions with a fresh perspective. I am incredibly grateful
for the opportunities he provided me and the skills he imparted, which will undoubtedly
serve me well in my future research endeavors.
Plans for post-graduation:
I’ll be attending the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor this summer to do craniofacial
research and for my Master in Oral Health Sciences!
Career aspirations:
I’m still in a time of exploration, but I’m considering pursuing a PhD in Oral Health
Sciences or a DMD to become a dentist one day (or maybe even both!).
Clubs and organizations:
I have been a part of the Hall Council e-board for the buildings I’ve called home
over these last four years, and I’m the Director of Digital Marketing and Engagement
for a non-profit organization called Cultured Kids Cuisine.
Advice for potential Seawolves:
My advice to potential Seawolves would be to learn to love what you’re learning and
connect with everyone around you. Your undergraduate years will fly by so try to make
the most of it by maximizing your time doing something you care about; even if finding
that something is through trial and error! With that being said, as you get involved
and dip your toes into different experiences, connect with those around you. You’ll
learn so much about yourself, especially intellectually, through your peers and professors.
Take advantage of opportunities to learn from others and seek guidance from those
who have gone before you. You never know what insights or experiences they may have
that could enrich your own journey! Your undergraduate years are a time for growth
and exploration, and connecting with others can be a key part of that journey.