Emily Zhu '23
BS Biology, minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Pronouns: she/her

Where are you originally from?
Southeastern Connecticut (basically a ferry ride away from Port Jeff!)

On her major:
I have always been fascinated by the inner workings of living things and the natural world. As a pre-dental student, biology, with its focus on understanding biological processes and physiology, was a natural fit for me and gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion for both science and medicine. I decided to declare my WGSS minor after my first women’s studies course during my sophomore year. I found that the courses provided a balance within my science filled schedule and emphasized having a deeper understanding of the importance of humility and compassion in building a more inclusive and supportive community. Most importantly, my WGSS courses helped me develop a more nuanced perspective on various social, political, and cultural issues; topics that I care deeply about. These courses and experiences have equipped me with the skills to approach societal challenges with empathy and critical thinking, empowering me to do my part in making a positive difference in my community.

Favorite Class:
BIO312 - Bioinformatics & Computational Biology with Dr. Joshua Rest was one of my favorite classes in college. Despite my initial uncertainty about computational biology as I had no coding experience, I found the course to be incredibly rewarding. With guidance from my TA, Raisa Rizzieri, and professor, I gained insight into the field and discovered my interest in research and building upon my technical skills. The course allowed me to delve into the intricacies of biological systems and work towards solving complex problems, motivating me to pursue research opportunities and graduate studies in the field.

Greatest Achievement:
I consider my greatest achievement to be my independent project, “Study of Seed Dispersal and Its Effect on Ecosystems.'' Through this project, I was able to expand on my critical thinking skills, gain proficiency in research methodologies and scientific writing, and continue to develop my coding and computational analysis skills. With that, I owe a great deal of gratitude to Ariek Norford for his unwavering guidance and mentorship as he provided me with invaluable support and insight into the process of conducting research and analyzing data, but also the empowerment towards thinking critically and approaching scientific questions with a fresh perspective. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities he provided me and the skills he imparted, which will undoubtedly serve me well in my future research endeavors. 

Plans for post-graduation:
I’ll be attending the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor this summer to do craniofacial research and for my Master in Oral Health Sciences!

Career aspirations:
I’m still in a time of exploration, but I’m considering pursuing a PhD in Oral Health Sciences or a DMD to become a dentist one day (or maybe even both!).

Clubs and organizations:
I have been a part of the Hall Council e-board for the buildings I’ve called home over these last four years, and I’m the Director of Digital Marketing and Engagement for a non-profit organization called Cultured Kids Cuisine.

Advice for potential Seawolves:
My advice to potential Seawolves would be to learn to love what you’re learning and connect with everyone around you. Your undergraduate years will fly by so try to make the most of it by maximizing your time doing something you care about; even if finding that something is through trial and error! With that being said, as you get involved and dip your toes into different experiences, connect with those around you. You’ll learn so much about yourself, especially intellectually, through your peers and professors. Take advantage of opportunities to learn from others and seek guidance from those who have gone before you. You never know what insights or experiences they may have that could enrich your own journey! Your undergraduate years are a time for growth and exploration, and connecting with others can be a key part of that journey.