Navya Malapanagudi '24
BS Biology, BS Psychology
Minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Where are you originally from?
I am from Monroe Township, New Jersey.

How did you hear about Stony Brook University?
One of my friends had attended this school and encouraged me to apply due to their fantastic science curriculum and classes.

On Stony Brook:
I aspire  to become a physician in the future and wanted to attend a university that not only was recognized for their academic excellence, specifically in science courses, but was also financially affordable to my low-income family.

On her major:
I chose my major because I  plan to attend medical school in the future. The combination of majors allowed me to take several of my prerequisites in a timely manner while also counting towards my degree. I chose my minor because I had a strong passion and interest in women's rights, specifically being a woman of color.

Favorite class:
I loved taking WST 102/103 as it definitely encouraged me to minor in women's studies due to how interesting the course content was and how supportive the professors were. The class also allowed me to meet people with like-minded interests. Some of my long lasting friends are those who attended these classes with me! 

Interests and accomplishments:
I love to read and have danced for more than 17 years. Some of my accomplishments include being the first member of my family to graduate college with a bachelor's degree. In addition, I have held several leadership positions for multiple organizations on campus as well.

Greatest Achievement:
My greatest achievement is graduating college in three years because I was able to get a head start on my medical school application and save a lot financially. This allowed me to double major and minor in a short period of time, while also saving money! Although it was extremely hard, I am thankful to all of the professors and staff members who were extremely supportive and made it possible!

Awards & Accolades:
-NSLS Honors Society Award
-Order of Omega Honors Society Award
-CPO Upstander Award
-Resident Assistant Award
-Teaching Assistant for General Chemistry

Plans for post-graduation:
I will be applying to medical school.

Career Aspirations:
I would like to become a Neuropsychologist or Interventional Radiologist.

Clubs or Organizations:
On-Campus
Resident Assistant
VP of 5-star and Scholastics for Sigma Delta Tau
Order of Omega Honor Society
NSLS Honor Society
Secretary of Health Science Association
Neuroscience Axis
Junoon 
Research with Stony Brook Medicine + Stony Brook Cancer Center 

Off-Campus
Healing Tree Nonprofit Organization 
SEWA Nonprofit Organization 

Advice for potential Seawolves?
Spend your first year taking unique classes, join different organizations, and involve yourself in campus activities! Some of my best friendships were made from classes that I never thought I would take, or organizations that I would not join on first instinct. Give yourself the chance to figure out what you enjoy the most, and the rest will work itself out. 

Favorite SBU memory:
My friends and I attended a popular SBU event, Wolfieland, and had a great time! A photographer took a picture of all of us and a year later, they hung up the picture in front of the Dunkin Donuts and SAC! A memory that I will truly cherish forever.