Where’s Home? Los Angeles

What are you concentrating in?  Biotechnology (Master of Science degree)

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?  Manchester, CT

What are you concentrating in?   Biomedical Engineering & Economics

I chose my concentration(s) because: I've always wanted to do engineering; building/creating/designing/fixing something and when I took biology in my junior year of high school, I feel in love with it, including medicine, so I decided that I would take on BME. Then, once I made it to college, I decided to take an introductory economics course and fell in love with those ideas, alongside the idea of building my economic/financial knowledge, so I decided that I would double concentrate and take on Economics as well.  

On campus, I'm also: A Community Coordinator, A Sales Ticketing Representative for the Athletics Department, Co-Vice President of the League of United Black Women & Logistics Co-Chair for the Biomedical Engineering Society.  

My favorite place to study is Friedman Hall; and my favorite place to relax is My Room/Bed :).

One of my favorite classes was: AFRI 1510: Making & Remaking Blackness with Dr Kim Gallon! 

I like to advise about: I would love to advise about concentrating (deciding whether to double concentrate or not), social advancement and time management! 

A formative college experience for me was/is:  One formative experience would have to be the internship that I did this past summer! I worked for 8 weeks at UConn under Dr. Kristin Morgan in the Biomedical Engineering Department. I worked in her Kinetics lab, mostly doing Matlab work, but also practicing data collections and learning new process(es) and about machinery, I did not come in contact with at Brown. Honestly, the most formative part of this experience was getting the offer to be the only undergraduate student in that lab, considering that my first two years of college felt a bit academically discouraging, as I was still finding out the type of *college* student I am. So, getting that offer definitely boosted my confidence and pushed me to work harder academically, instead of being discouraged. 

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: My biggest piece of advice is to put yourself out there!!!! Talk to those professors, those classmates, those TAs; trust me when I say everyone is here to help you! Also, show up to those niche events hosted by those niche clubs, even if they didn't fully pique your interest. You never know what you may find or how you might bump into.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Putting away the stress (likely homework or study materials) and unpacking the fun; whether it's in home (skincare, self-care, cooking, baking, eating) or outside (gym, friendly hangout, off campus activity).   

Where’s Home? Anhui, China and Seattle, WA

What are you concentrating in?  Music, Math, and Computer Science 

I chose my concentration(s) because: I've immensely enjoyed studying music at Brown and I love the supportive and fun community of music concentrators. I also love the problem solving and critical thinking skills that I develop in my STEM courses.

On campus, I'm also: A Physics tutor at the Sheridan Center, TA and DUG Leader in the Music Department, Grader for the Math Department, and member of the Brown University Orchestra and Chorus.

My favorite place to study is and my favorite place to relax is the Orwig basement or any greens on campus.

One of my favorite classes was: Intro Ballet

I like to advise about: Study and exam preparation strategies for STEM courses, time management, balancing coursework with extracurriculars, self-care and well-being.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Studying abroad in Paris in Fall 2024

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: It's never too late to try out new things!

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Taking a walk & listening to music

Where’s Home? Hamden, CT

What are you concentrating in? In undergrad, I was a Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Religious Studies double major!

I chose my concentration(s) because: I’ve always been curious about medicine as both a science and a story about people. In biology, I focused on autoimmunity and disease mechanisms, while in Religious Studies I explored medieval medicine and how cultural values shaped care. These experiences continue to remind me that medicine is not only about understanding disease, but also about honoring the human side of healing.

On campus, I'm also: a full-time medical student, part of the Population Medicine master's program, and active in the Graduate Muslim Students Association.

My favorite place to study is quite conveniently, the seminar rooms at the medical school, and my favorite place to relax is the pedestrian bridge by the water, especially in the evening when it's so lively.

One of my favorite classes was: The Occult Sciences, which explored natural, hidden forces in science, medicine, and religion across history. From Newton’s alchemy to Avicenna’s Canons, it situated medicine in a broader cultural and social context.

I like to advise about: Balancing personal life with professional and academic responsibilities, creating schedules for successful studying, networking, and extracurriculars, preparing for interviews and internship applications, navigating the premed journey (classes, applications, MCAT, etc.), and test-taking strategies and long-term academic planning.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Being involved in local community organizing on issues like student health and racial justice. It showed me how meaningful progress comes from listening, collaborating, and taking action alongside others.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Ask questions, explore, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Find mentors who support and inspire you. Discover what study strategies work best for you. Make friends and build your community. Have fun!

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Leaning on your support network—family, friends, and mentors. Staying active and getting outside daily to connect with nature. Grounding myself in a larger purpose or sense of meaning, whether moral, spiritual, or personal.

Where’s Home? Morgantown, West Virginia

What are you concentrating in? Neuroscience

I chose my concentration(s) because: I'm fascinated by all aspects of the human nervous system and its relationship to the body and the world around it. After exploring various departments at Brown, I found myself drawn to ground my undergraduate studies in the basic sciences, pursuing a more molecular, nitty-gritty approach (compared to something like cog sci). I've also had a wonderful experience with the professors and the community in the Brown neuroscience department!

On campus, I'm also: A TA for NEUR 0010, a Neuroscience Tutor Leader at the Sheridan Center, and a member of the Brown Outdoor Leadership Training (BOLT) community.

My favorite place to study is the ERC and my favorite place to relax is somewhere under some trees.

One of my favorite classes was: The Craving Mind (PHP 1890).

I like to advise about: Studying for STEM courses, STEM research, time management, staying grounded, and finding balance at Brown.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Studying at a Tibetan Buddhist university in Kathmandu, Nepal.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: The first few years here can be exciting yet overwhelming with everything Brown has to offer. For many of you, this will be a time of "figuring out": figuring out your academic interests, the groups you enjoy working with, the habits that keep you grounded, and the people who bring you joy. As much as you can, stay reflective and open to new experiences, and please don't hesitate to reach out to any of the many academic and personal support resources at Brown. We're here to lift each other up!

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Taking long walks, laughing with friends, and putting down my phone.

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? 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? Richmond, Texas

What are you concentrating in? Psychology

I chose my concentration(s) because: I've always been interested in understanding how people make sense of the world around. As I've grown older, I've become more interested in understanding how we can use this knowledge about human cognition and behavior to improve our society.

On campus, I'm also: Community Coordinator, member of the Brown Political Union.

My favorite place to study is the library in Lyman Hall, and my favorite place to relax is the Stonewall House.

One of my favorite classes was: HIST 0150: History of Capitalism.

I like to advise about: Balancing academic and personal commitments, time management, and connecting with campus resources.

A formative college experience for me was/is: During my sophomore year, I started going to small concerts by myself. Even though it may seem scary at first, I've found it's one of the best ways to connect with our local Rhode Island community.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Don't allow a fear of not being good at something prevent you from trying something you are genuinely interested in whether that be a class you have no background in or a new activity.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: I love taking yoga classes at the Nelson and baking in the residence halls.

Where’s Home? Hamden, CT

What are you concentrating in? Master of Medical Sciences

I chose my concentration(s) because: I chose Medical Sciences because I’ve always been curious about how and why the body works the way it does, especially when you zoom out and look at health in real people’s lives. Through my coursework, research, and experiences in clinical and community settings in both the U.S. and abroad, I realized I’m most interested in the space where science meets lived experience—how biology, environment, and access to care all shape health outcomes. This concentration gives me the flexibility to explore those questions while preparing for a future in medicine and public health.

On campus, I'm also: N/A

My favorite place to study is he Rockefeller Library, and my favorite place to relax is Coffee Exchange, especially for a good coffee break.

One of my favorite classes was: Patient Care in Complex Systems.

I like to advise about: Pre-med and pre-health planning, balancing STEM coursework with other academic and personal interests, time management, planning and thinking through graduate school paths.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Doing internships in India and Ghana, which broadened how I think about health, medicine, and care in different contexts.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Give yourself time to explore and trust that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Try different classes, talk to professors and advisors early, and don’t be afraid to adjust your plans as you learn more about what actually interests you. Building sustainable habits and asking for help when you need it matters just as much as checking boxes.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Listening to music, watching a favorite TV show, or getting outside for a walk around College Hill. I also practice mindfulness meditation and yoga, which help me slow down, stay grounded, and reset when things feel overwhelming.

Where’s Home?  Cambridge, MA & New York City

What are you concentrating in? Master of Public Affairs

I chose my concentration(s) because: Before coming to Brown I worked at a legal services nonprofit where I became interested in policy work, especially around justice reform. That led me to join the MPA program here to learn about developing policy solutions for complicated issues. 

On campus, I'm also: MPA Student Ambassador.

My favorite place to study is stacks at the Rock; and my favorite place to relax is India Point Park.

One of my favorite classes was: Statistics for Public Policy.

I like to advise about: How to build the confidence to explore and take advantage of the many resources that are available to get the most out of your experience at Brown. 

A formative college experience for me was/is: Participating in a summer program in the Dominican Republic after my sophomore year, which ended up reshaping my career goals after college and also made the Spanish I'd learned in classes up to that point fully click. 

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Take the time to explore and develop your interests, both in and outside the classroom. Don't feel too rushed! 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Going for a walk, even if it's quick - I like listening to audiobooks/podcasts or calling a friend to truly take a break before tackling things again.  

Where’s Home? Montego Bay, Jamaica

What are you concentrating in? History

I chose my concentration(s) because: I chose to study history because I love historical research. I find it fascinating to glimpse the past and to try to understand the decisions people made, how things change over time, and how those changes shape the way we live today.

On campus, I'm also: Full time PhD Candidate and former co-president of the History Graduate Student Association.

My favorite place to study is the Rock, and my favorite place to relax is Hazel Origin, where I can enjoy a nice chai as I get my work done.

One of my favorite classes was: History of Capitalism and Rethinking the Civil Rights Movement.

I like to advise about: Finding systems that work for you! I’m a fan of trying new ways to work with your brain instead of against it, and actually finding ways to encourage positive habits without shame or being too hard on yourself. 

A formative college experience for me was/is: Studying abroad in Madrid! It was my first time really living somewhere without close friends and family, and it forced me to do things outside of my comfort zone. 

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Focus on exploring your options as much as possible and being in community with people who inspire you to keep learning and growing. 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Spending time outside (if the weather permits!), listening to energizing music, and reading something funny or lighthearted. 

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!