Where’s Home? New Orleans

What are you concentrating in?  Biotechnology

I chose my concentration(s) because: I’m interested in the subject.

On campus, I'm also: Involved in the Graduate Student Council (GCS) and working in a lab

My favorite place to study is and my favorite place to relax is Sidney Frank Hall

One of my favorite classes was: “Listening and Society” in the Anthropology department.

I like to advise about: Science, writing, history, and life

A formative college experience for me was/is: Tutoring because it deepens one's understanding of a subject.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Be open to new experiences. 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Exercise and reading books.

Where’s Home? Philadelphia Suburbs

What are you concentrating in? Public Health and Business Economics

I chose my concentration(s) because: Improving and analyzing our complex healthcare system is essential to maximizing well-being, and I belie;ve that economics is fundamental to understand as it impacts many spaces within our society.

On campus, I'm also: a Co-President of the Collegiate Consulting Group and a member of the University Chorus.

My favorite place to study is the Sheridan Center in the SciLi and my favorite place to relax is Fox Point Park.

One of my favorite classes was: “Listening and Society” in the Anthropology department.

I like to advise about: Prioritizing self-care and schedule organization.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Still continuing to connect with classmates and learning immensely, not just through my courses, but more importantly from others.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Explore a wide range of courses and extracurriculars as soon as possible and test out a variety of study spots until you find where/what works best for you! 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Crocheting, exercise, and trying coffee shops around Providence.

Where’s Home? Singapore

What are you concentrating in? Sociology & Computer Science

I chose my concentration(s) because: Sociology has always been part of my story. As the professor of my introductory course said, "In some fields, they study why people make certain choices. In Sociology, we study why people have no choices left to make". That has always stuck with me. On the other hand, I came into Brown with no CS experience. The inclusivity of the CS department really drew me to the discipline, and now I'm passing that on as a Teaching Assistant for an introductory CS course!

On the other hand, I came into Brown with no CS experience. The inclusivity of the CS department really drew me to the discipline, and now I absolutely love working on projects with my peers and professors.

On campus, I'm also: A dancer with Fusion Dance Company, a Computer Science Teaching Assistant, and an advocate for many causes :)

My favorite place to study is ... and my favorite place to relax is … My favorite place to study is any of the lounges on campus and my favorite place to relax is anywhere with my friends!

One of my favorite classes was:  ANTH0066J (So You Want to Change the World?)

I like to advise about: Anything that you need! I aim to tailor my work to my advisees, so I'm happy chatting about whatever might concern or interest you. In the past, I have advised on how to balance busy academic and extracurricular schedules, mental health and accessibility, CS course/career planning, and DEI.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Taking my first small seminar class. Coming from a high school where speaking up was not encouraged, it was eye-opening to be given the space to make myself heard. Even today, I am amazed every time I speak up and am listened to, and make a point of making space for others in return.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Do yourself proud! You owe your life to no one else, so do things at Brown that make you proud and happy – whether that be spending time on academics, hanging out with friends, or going wild on the extracurriculars.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Having a cup of hot chocolate with my housemates, dancing with Fusion dance company, and reading non-academic books!

Where’s Home? Clermont, Florida

What are you concentrating in? Computer Science and Behavioral Decision Sciences

I chose my concentration(s) because: I chose Computer Science because I love the problem-solving aspect of coding and the feeling of accomplishment I get from running a bug-free, completely functional program. Choosing to study Behavioral Decision Sciences was a more recent decision, but was mainly motivated by wanting to learn more about the various "whys" that influence human decision-making.

On campus, I'm also: A community coordinator, a part of the athletics ticket sales team, and a member of a variety of clubs/organizations.

My favorite place to study is the New Watson or the Rock and my favorite place to relax is anywhere with my friends.

One of my favorite classes was: STS 0702 (Invisible Labor in the Making of Science)

I like to advise about: Time management (balancing classes with jobs, extracurriculars, etc.), course scheduling, mapping out academic plans, managing tough course loads, and finding career-based opportunities

A formative college experience for me was/is: Seeing my sister's graduation from college at the end of my first year

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: The first two years are the perfect time to find out everything that Brown has to offer! If any course/extracurricular interests you in the slightest bit, try it out!

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Exploring Providence/New England, hanging out with friends, calling loved ones back home, thrifting, practicing color guard, dancing, trying new restaurants, reading

Where’s Home? Seattle, WA

What are you concentrating in? Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Modern Culture and Media

I chose my concentration(s) because: I find it intriguing how the beautiful simplicity of chemical reactions amass into complex biosynthetic pathways. At the same time, it is fascinating to me how popular media shapes the way we socially construct and perceive "human nature"/living, outside of the biochemical principles that govern life. So, why not have the best of both worlds with these two concentrations?

On campus, I'm also: As an undergrad, I was also a PLME meik, Bruno Leader with OWC, and a Teaching Assistant. Right now I'm involved in a few med-related interest groups.

My favorite place to study is ... and my favorite place to relax is … New Watson alcove; flower garden behind MCM building

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: PLME0400 Medical Illustration, CHEM1230 Chemical Biology, AFRI0300 Performing Ethnography

I like to advise about: Time management (both class scheduling and work-like balance), deciding between similar concentrations, study skills in STEM fields, communicating with professors

A formative college experience for me was/is: When my first-ever attempt at pranking a friend backfired, and I somehow ended up signing a contract to serve 3 years as their on-call silverfish exterminator

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Stay connected with both friends as well as advisors. I struggled during my transition to college, living away from home for the first time right during COVID lockdown. I wish I broke out of my shell sooner and started finding people I clicked with, as these people will be your biggest advocates and help you navigate the highs and lows of university life (both the academic side and the social side). It's a sign of courage and strength to want support and ask for help!

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Inventing new Frankenstein recipes with whatever ingredients are in my fridge, playing Dance Central, scouting out hole-in-the-wall boba shops with friends, suspense/horror movie nights

Where’s Home? Istanbul, Turkey

What are you concentrating in? Applied Math - Economics

I chose my concentration(s) because: I've always been fascinated by how people make decisions and navigate tradeoffs, which naturally led me to economics. At the same time, my love for math pushed me toward a more quantitative approach to understanding these processes — so Applied Math-Economics is the perfect overlap of my interests!

On campus, I'm also: Co-president of Brown Anime Society, member of the Varsity Women's Equestrian Team and Entrepreneurship Program, and staff writer for Brown Film Magazine

My favorite place to study is John Hay Library and my favorite place to relax is any cafe, like Coffee Exchange, Ceremony or Small Point!

One of my favorite classes was: ECON 1680: Machine Learning, Text Analysis, and Economics

I like to advise about: Schedule-planning, deciding on a concentration, mapping out requirements, time management, and absolutely anything you would like to talk about!

A formative college experience for me was/is: I’m having a hard time deciding between two equally incredible experiences: my first one was walking through the Van Wickle gates for he first time in spring 2023 as a transfer student, marking my official entry into the Brown community, and my second one was seeing Ethel Cain perform during Spring Weekend that same spring!

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Trust yourself and have confidence in your abilities — you’re more capable than you realize. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there and pursue what excites you, even if it may feel intimidating at first. Boldly go after whatever you want during your time here at Brown!

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Watching a wholesome movie or show, listening to music, going for a walk or run, and indulging in my favorite foods!

Where’s Home? Orange County, California

What are you concentrating in? Applied Math and Computer Science 

I chose my concentration(s) because: It allows me to channel my love for problem solving into tangible solutions and products.

On campus, I'm also: WiCS, Kappa Delta

My favorite place to study is Ceremony, and my favorite place to relax is the Blue Room.

One of my favorite classes was: CS300

I like to advise about: Balancing career and personal life, internships, navigating CS at Brown.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Studying abroad in Beijing.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Don't be afraid to ask for advice.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Eat a snack and take a nap :)

Where’s Home? Singapore

What are you concentrating in?  East Asian Studies, IAPA

I chose my concentration(s) because:  I have always been passionate about the history, culture, and politics of East Asia!

On campus, I'm also: Chinese Language TA

My favorite place to study is the Rock and my favorite place to relax is the BCSC.

One of my favorite classes was: Urban Asia by Professor Lauren Yapp!

I like to advise about: GISPs, Managing extracurriculars, Leave-taking.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Joining Brown Taekwondo and heading to UC Berkeley for Nationals in Spring 2024.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Take things easy, explore as many classes as you'd like while you can!

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Napping!

Where’s Home? Philadelphia, PA

What are you concentrating in? I am currently a medical student but, in undergrad I concentrated in Public Health and Urban Studies 

I chose my concentration(s) because: I wanted to get an interdisciplinary education and learn more about the various upstream factors that influence health.

On campus, I'm also: Involved with Sex Ed by Brown Med

My favorite place to study is ... and my favorite place to relax is … the Hay and the beach.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: City Politics and Healthcare in the US.

I like to advise about: finding balance/maintaining wellness and study strategies for STEM courses.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Becoming a TA for one of my favorite classes.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: To take the time to explore their interests outside of academics and take advantage of all of the great opportunities Brown has to offer.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Going for walks and setting boundaries around how I spend my time.

Where’s Home? West Orange, New Jersey

What are you concentrating in? International and Public Affairs (Development Track) & French and Francophone Studies

I chose my concentration(s) because: I chose IAPA because I fell in love with its interdisciplinary structure. As I have a ton of academic interests and a fundamental desire to learn more about the implicit and explicit systems inherent within social functionings, IAPA was the perfect concentration to explore these passions. I chose French and Francophone Studies because I always had a great appreciation for the French language and Francophone culture. I knew I wanted to study abroad and improve my French skills, and I figured full engagement with the concentration would provide me with a rigorous and intellectually

On campus, I'm also: A Meiklejohn Leader and a UTA for different courses. I am also affiliated with several clubs such as Project LETS (a mental health advocacy organization) and Students for Educational Equity (SEE).

My favorite place to study is the Hay or the Kim Koo Library in New Watson, and my favorite place to relax is the Quiet Green or the garden outside of Rochambeau House.

One of my favorite classes was: Musical Youth Cultures (AMST 0170D; a sophomore seminar)

I like to advise about: Academic/extracurricular navigation as a student of color and neurodiverse student (such as finding a sense of belonging, accessing student accessibility resources, and building an asset-based approach to college exploration). - Time management skills in order to help students navigate their mental, physical, and emotional well-being with more resiliency and empowerment. - Building connections with professors and classmates - Seeking on-campus employment and post-grad opportunities

A formative college experience for me was/is: I can't think of one specific experience, but I will say I've gained some of my most formative memories in community with student activist groups on campus. There are so many incredibly passionate and intelligent students at Brown, and it is simply a pleasure to learn from them and enhance my ability to interrogate my own privilege as an individual and a Brown student. I am forever in awe by Brown students and it is a privilege to work with them everyday.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Take care of your mental and physical health, whether that means taking time off, reducing your course load, applying for accommodations, etc. Your wellbeing comes first, always. People are eager to make friends, no matter how much your social anxiety tells you otherwise! Invite your classmates out to a meal, go to a student club meeting alone, strike up a conversation with the Ratty dining hall worker that always gives you a warm smiles every morning. You never know what may happen Centers are great places to start!); enjoy all aspects of your undergraduate experience (it goes by fast!). 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Listening to music (I'm always down for new recs!!) while going on walks in nature (I like India Point Park!), leaning on my community (friends & family).

Where’s Home? Westchester, New York

What are you concentrating in?  Environmental Engineering

I chose my concentration(s) because:  Environmental engineering enables me to explore my love of the environment while finding tangible solutions to our most pressing climate issues. I'm most passionate about sustainable agriculture and love the collaborative nature of Brown's engineering community !

On campus, I'm also:  A Meiklejohn, a Fundraising Coordinator for Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere and an avid soccer player at the intramural level

My favorite place to study is the Brown Center for Students of Color and my favorite place to relax is & any outdoor green space (as long as the weather allows !)

One of my favorite classes was:  PHP 1680I: Pathology to Power: Disability, Health and Community

I like to advise about:  Time management, prioritization and schedule design. I'm a big fan of the platform Notion which helps me keep everything I need in one place !

A formative college experience for me was/is: Joining Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere ! It's taught me so much about direct service and advocacy while getting me more involved in the Providence community

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is:  Try something new each semester ! College is such a wonderful time to put yourself out there, learn and grow. You'll meet great people and have a ton of fun along the way :)

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are:  Long walks around Providence !

Where’s Home?  Union County, New Jersey

What are you concentrating in? Applied Math - Economics

I chose my concentration(s) because:  I haven't declared a concentration just yet, but the tentative major I tell people is APMA-Econ. Largely, I chose it because I'm passionate about solving problems, and I'm interested in applications to business and finance.

On campus, I'm also: Project Consultant @ Black Consulting Initiative, Member @ Brown Dream Team, D&I Team Member @ Brown EP, Tutor @ Sheridan Learning Center

My favorite place to study is the Rock stacks/basement, and my favorite place to relax is the Main Green.

One of my favorite classes was:  HIAA 0065: "Introduction to the Built Environment"

I like to advise about: Setting goals, time management, researching academic opportunities

A formative college experience for me was/is: Spending nights watching films with my friends

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Explore! Explore! Explore! For many students this is their first time away from home in a new environment. This is your chance to learn more about who you are, who you like spending the most time with, and what you like spending your time doing. 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Moving your body whether it's through dancing to some good music or exercising. Or simply not moving it at all: through meditating, watching a good movie, or catching up with friends.

Where’s Home? New Orleans 

What are you concentrating in? Graduated in spring 2023 with an S.c.B. with honors in Health & Human Biology and Cognitive Neuroscience.

I chose my concentration(s) because: I loved the interdisciplinary aspect of the HHB concentration since it provided me with the hard science background I need to do well in medical school, while my thematic track in Social Context of Health and Disease gave me perspective on public health and allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of contributing factors to human health outside of biomedical factors.

On campus, I'm also: A medical student, karate team co-captain, and researcher.

My favorite place to study is New Watson, and my favorite place to relax is 85 Waterman Greenhouse.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: PLME800 Wilderness, Disasters, and Global Health, BIOL1120 Biomaterials, NEUR1650 Experimental Neurobiology 

I like to advise about: The medical field, managing a heavy workload, time management, studying strategies, succeeding in STEM courses, etc. 

A formative college experience for me was/is: Volunteering with Connect for Health Rhode Island. 

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: To take full advantage of the open curriculum and flexibility at Brown! Earlier on in your undergraduate journey, try to meet new people and explore new fields/classes you've never thought about before. Your undergraduate career at Brown is the most unique time to get this exposure, so keep an open mind when starting out and pursue something you feel genuinely passionate about. 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Swimming and spending time with friends and family!

Where’s Home? New Orleans

What are you concentrating in? Translational Regenerative Medicine, Sc.B.

I chose my concentration(s) because: I chose to create this independent concentration to further explore my interest in the intersection between regenerative medicine, translational research, and health equity!

On campus, I'm also: a BIOL teaching assistant, Connect for Health leader, Shotokan Karate Team Co-Captain, and Meiklejohn

My favorite place to study is New Watson, and my favorite place to relax is the Main Green.

One of my favorite classes was: BIOL 1120: Biomaterials

I like to advise about: STEM courses, the medical field, making schedules and time management, or anything else you need!

A formative college experience for me was/is: Advocating for health equity with PIH Engage

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Take time to really explore all of your interests through courses, extracurriculars, research, etc! Also, make sure to become familiar with all of the resources that Brown offers and never hesitate to reach out for additional resources, mentorship, or support to ensure that you can make the most out of your undergrad experience!

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Exercise (karate, swimming, hiking) and spending time with friends and family!