Voices from the Summit
We talked with just a few of the students attending the summit on Saturday about their fields of study, their research, and why they love what they do:
Rama Aldakhlallah ’20, Stonehill College, biochemistry major
“I couldn’t see myself in either biology or chemistry alone. Biochemistry is the best of both worlds. As hard as it can be, it’s allowing me to think, to challenge myself; I can’t just be in my comfort zone. It’s opening a lot of doors for me.”
Stephanie Bryson ’20, Stonehill College, biochemistry major
“I’ve been interested in science, and how things work, since I was little. I didn’t even know biochemistry was a thing, and then I found out and it just flipped a switch on in my head. I love organic chemistry and reactions and seeing how things work. I can’t see myself doing anything else.”
Mackenzie Chiudina ’20, Wheaton College, chemistry major
“I enjoyed my science classes in high school, so when I came to Wheaton, I came in undecided and took some basic requirements and ‘Intro to Chemistry’ first semester. I really enjoyed that class, and just went to the next chemistry class, and now here I am declared as a chemistry major. I want to stick to the environmental side of things. I like being in nature, and I want to help the earth, as well as the people on it.”
Lauren Cressey ’18, Wheaton College, chemistry major / pre-med track
“Ever since my mother’s best friend died of breast cancer, I have been interested in cancer research. My research at Wheaton has allowed me to learn cell culture and the effects of environmental toxins, specifically methylmercury, on the progression of breast cancer. I already have a job lined up after graduation at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, affiliated with Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. For me, being a ‘woman in STEM’ means following my passions and dreams of one day becoming a doctor and hopefully working on a cure for cancer.”
Alex Marshall, University of Connecticut, molecular and cell biology major
“I’ve always been interested in biology; I’ve always been really good at it. The very first lab that I went into was a cell biology lab, and I absolutely fell in love with the work. It’s exactly what I want to be doing. I’m at a bench; I’m working with organisms; I’m working with different mechanisms; I’m coming up with my own experiments to test my own questions. I even love doing the analysis, because at the end of the day I have a result that nobody else will have.”
Rebecca Olivieri ’18, Wheaton College, biology major / pre-physical therapy track
“Over my four years I have not only taken physiology and anatomy, but I also have been able to take interesting courses such as ‘Evolution of Invertebrates’ and ‘Comparative Biomechanics’—two courses that are not required for the pre-PT track—but expanded my knowledge in the field and will set me apart. Through my research in Professor Ekstrom’s biomechanics lab, I have learned so many valuable professional skills, advanced techniques and lessons about the scientific method. Professor Ekstrom allowed me to be independent in certain protocols and learn and discover things for myself. This is what truly has allowed me to develop into a scientist.”
Amanda Swanson ’19, Wheaton College, biochemistry major
“I’m very interested in medicine. I want to be able to help people, and I also love science. Biochemistry was a great way to connect those interests. I’m doing organic chemistry research with Professor Kalberg—it’s the synthesis of new amino acids with green chemistry. It’s cool to work with amino acids, because they’re so important to your biological system, and this research has applications in the pharmaceutical world as well.”
