What are the most impactful things you have done over the last four years?
The most impactful part of my college career has been my involvement in research. The summer after my first year, I had the opportunity to participate in the Simmons College Access to Research Program (SCARP). Through SCARP, I was introduced to common biological model organisms, foundational laboratory techniques, and, most importantly, Department of Biology faculty actively engaged in research. The relationships I built during that program made me feel comfortable in both the lab and in seeking mentorship from professors.
In my second year, I was able to build on a connection I made during SCARP and continue working with Assistant Professor of Biology Ling Xin. Professor Xin has been an incredible mentor to me, not only in research, but also in guiding me as I prepare to apply to medical school. I worked in her lab for two years, including participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). The skills and confidence I developed during that time ultimately encouraged me to step beyond Simmons and pursue new opportunities.
I am now completing my senior thesis (BIOL 355) at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology. There, I am working in female reproductive biology, a field that has historically been under-researched. I truly love the work I am doing and feel that I am contributing, even in a small way, to improving reproductive health for women.
I would not be where I am today without the guidance and support of the Department of Biology faculty I met through SCARP, especially Professor Xin, whose mentorship has shaped both my academic journey and my confidence as a future physician.
What is your major(s) and why did you choose this field of study?
I am majoring in neuroscience and behavior with a focus on neurobiology. I have known for years that I want to pursue a career in medicine, and neurobiology has allowed me to center my studies on human-focused science while developing a deep understanding of how cells, especially neurons, function. I have always been fascinated by the complexity of the brain and the intricate systems that allow the human body to work as seamlessly as it does. Studying neuroscience has given me a strong scientific foundation and challenged me to think critically about how cellular processes translate into behavior, cognition, and disease.
I am also minoring in public health, which has broadened my understanding of the systemic barriers and inequities that many individuals face when trying to achieve their best health. Through public health, I have gained insight into how social determinants, policy, and structural biases shape health outcomes in ways that extend far beyond biology.
Together, neuroscience and public health have given me two essential and complementary perspectives on medicine. Neuroscience provides the scientific depth necessary to understand the complexity of the human body, while public health equips me to advocate for patients within a broader social and systemic context. The combination of these fields is shaping me into a more thoughtful, informed, and compassionate future physician.
Did your course of study entail any internships?
Yes! As a neurobiology major, I am required to complete one semester of lab research (BIOL 350) or internship (BIOL 370) experience as part of my capstone. I chose to fulfill this requirement by conducting research in the Mitchell Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital. The lab focuses on the vaginal microbiome, and my specific project centers on Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), a condition that remains significantly understudied despite its widespread impact on women’s health and quality of life around the world.
Although I initially planned to spend just one semester in the Mitchell Lab to meet my capstone requirement, I quickly became deeply invested in the work. The idea of stepping away from a project that felt both meaningful and necessary was disappointing. Instead, I made the decision to extend my time in the lab and expand my capstone into a senior thesis. While this choice added a lot more work to an already busy final semester, it has been incredibly rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to advancing female reproductive health care in a field that urgently deserves more attention.
How did you find community at Simmons?
As a member of the Simmons Softball team, I walked onto campus at Simmons with an immediate sense of community. We spend 20-plus hours a week together at practice, lifts, and team meetings, but our time together doesn’t end there. You’ll still find us eating dinner in Bartol, studying in the library, and of course sitting together in the bleachers at Red Sox games. My closest friends are my current and former teammates, and I know the bonds we built through softball will last far beyond college.
Beyond my team, the Simmons Athletics department has been an incredible source of support. My coaches, athletic trainers, athletic directors, and even the other teams contribute to a culture that is both competitive and deeply encouraging. As a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, I had the opportunity to give back to that community by helping organize events such as cornhole tournaments, volunteer initiatives, and game-day programming to bring athletes together outside of competition.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to play college softball and to be part of the Simmons athletics community, which truly shaped my college experience in the best way.
What is your favorite Simmons memory?
Winning the Great Northeast Athletic Conference championship during both my freshman and sophomore years. We were the first team in Simmons history to win the conference title, and to do it consecutively made it even more special. Being part of a team that made history for our school is something of which I will always be proud.
Although we fell short in the semifinals my junior year, that experience only fueled us more. As I’m writing this, tomorrow is the first game of my senior season. We’re determined to fight our way back to the championship this year. So, keep an eye on the Simmons Softball team, we’re not done yet.
What advice do you have for current and incoming Simmons students?
I have the same advice many people give, but it’s definitely worth repeating: it goes by so fast, have fun while it lasts. College feels long when you’re in it, but suddenly you’re writing your senior reflections and wondering where the time went.
Stay in Boston for a summer if you can. Get a cannoli from Bova’s at midnight. Walk the Freedom Trail. Spend rainy afternoons in museums … And most importantly, buy the Red Sox tickets when you get that Student 9s text.
I may be from Massachusetts and had visited Boston countless times before coming to Simmons, but nothing compares to living in a city you love with your best friends right down the hall. Take advantage of everything, because these four years are more special than you realize while you’re in them.