Chelsea Laseana Rahiman '23
BS Biology, minor in Health, Medicine, and Society
Pronouns: she/her

How did you hear about Stony Brook University?
I knew a few alumni who spoke very highly of SBU, and that prompted meto do my own research and seriously consider applying.. 

On Stony Brook:
I chose SBU because of its value as well as its proximity to my home. Compared to other schools I was considering, SBU had the highest quality of education for a fractionof the cost. Additionally, I was hoping to study biology and was engaged in research during highschool, so I liked that SBU was a research institution and that it shared acampus with the hospital and medical school. 

On her major:
I developed a passion for biology in high school through my AP classes and research, so I knew Iwanted to pursue a degree in biology. I also sat in on a biology lecture on campus while in highschool, which I loved and further solidified my choice. Additionally, I’ve always enjoyed historyand I wanted to be more knowledgeable on social inequities, therefore, I wanted a minor thatwould emphasize these. I took several classes within different minors, but I ultimately fell in lovewith medical sociology after taking SOC 302 (American Society). It was a particularly impactfuland eye-opening experience because I took it during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thecourse did an excellent job of educating us on the disproportionate impact COVID-19 had onminorities. The health, medicine, and society minor combined all the things I loved learningabout. I was able to learn the history of health inequities through research andstatistics. 

Favorite Class:
One of my favorite classes was CHE 131 because it was one of my first big STEM classes atSBU and I learned a lot from it beyond the content. It was an experimental period for me indetermining which study style worked best in a college setting and how to manage other classes.I also had the opportunity to be an undergraduate teaching assistant for the course both duringour virtual period and during the transition back to in-person teaching. I valued this experience so much because I was able to help and guide many first year students who were in the same position I was in when I entered SBU. It was also great to see the course from a different perspective.

Greatest Achievement:
My greatest achievement at SBU was the approval of my senior honors thesis project resulting in receiving departmental honors in biology. I completed my thesis in microbiology and immunology on evaluating stress response variations in Candida albicans clinical isolates from the CDC. I am very thankful to Dr. James Konopka and the entire Konopka Lab, especially Kara Swenson, for their support and encouragement on my independent research project that I have worked on for the past year. I will be presenting a poster on this research at the Honors College Senior Symposium. Additionally, along with the Women’s Leadership Council, which is a mentoring network of SBU alumni and supporters, I had the opportunity to travel to Albany and meet with elected officials. It was an honor to meet Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker of the State Assembly Carl Heastie, and other state legislators to discuss the status of the state budget and the challenges facing New York state. 

Awards & Accolades:
Provost’s Award of Academic Excellence, Summa Cum Laude, Departmental Honors in Biology, Presidential Scholarship recipient, four-time recipient of the Academic Achievement Award, andDean’s List every semester at Stony Brook. 

Plans for post-graduation:
My post-graduation plans are to continue doing research and apply to graduate school. I hope to pursue a career as a physician. 

 Clubs and Organizations:
I joined Phi Delta Epsilon during my first year and held the positions of vice president ofprogramming, programming chair, and philanthropy/service chair. I am also a member of theWomen’s Leadership Council, which I joined in my junior year. Additionally, I have been a member of DeanSampson’s Student Advisory Council since my sophomore year. 

Advice for potential Seawolves:
There are so many excellent opportunities on campus including internships, mentorship, andclubs and it can often be overwhelming. I was a little different from many of my peers because Iwas a first-generation college student, so navigating college and being away from home was very difficult for me. I did not jump into clubs and internships right away because I wanted to makesure I was comfortable and could manage my time and workload. Once I felt ready, I jumpedright in, but I value the time I took to ensure I was ready and comfortable. Do what you feel is best for you and your future even if those around you seem to begoing at a faster rate. When you are ready, take every opportunity that comes your way because you never know where it might take you or the connections you will make. 

Favorite SBU memory:
What I will remember the most about my time at SBU is the people that I’ve met. I had the honorof learning alongside brilliant students who I know are going to change the world. I could nothave accomplished anything without the support of my parents, family, friends, advisors,mentors, and professors. I am so thankful to them all for their continued support andencouragement. I am deeply appreciative of every experience I have had here.