Today we feature sophomore commuter-student Mia Shute from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County). Mia is working towards her bachelor of science degree in Biological Sciences, as well as an Honors Concentration within the John H. Martinson Honors College. Mia is here to tell us about her college experience and aspirations within the Biological Science field.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Biological Sciences?
I have to give my high school anatomy teacher a huge shout-out for being where I am today. I felt connected to learning about human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the physical and mental well-being aspects of the class with it. He taught me about getting involved, joining clubs, and helping others around me.
When making my decision, I knew I wanted to commute and stay close to home. I know that Rowan is constantly expanding, especially within the medical field. Once I build a strong foundation in my studies, I want to continue to grow and expand from that. I love being involved in a bunch of clubs and organizations on campus. Rowan is a perfect size, fit and program for me.
What is your favorite class that you have taken related to the Biological Sciences major?
I haven’t gotten into any of the upper levels yet, but I loved Cellular Biology.
We talked about cell signaling, which is how cells interact with each other, how they rearrange themselves, and how cell signaling works so your muscles can function properly. We even got to study real-world topics too; we did a whole unit on cancer. This course gave me some experience with real-life circumstances that other classes haven’t provided me with yet.
How has being a part of the John H. Martinson Honors College made an impact on your experience in Biological Sciences?
I love being a part of the John H Martinson Honors College. I got to participate in BLAST, which is the first-year experience leadership and service training, with a friend of mine. It was very helpful because it allowed me to open the doors a bit. I got to see what other honors students are doing in their fields, examples being Computer Science, Exercise Science, Business, Biomedical Visualization & Arts, etc. I got to hear from a lot of different people with unique perspectives, which helped me with my aspirations as well.
I also enjoy being around like-minded people. I have created study groups with my fellow honors students and worked with lab partners outside of class. The Cellular Biology course that I took was at the Honors level. I love the material that I have been learning about within all of my honors classes.
How would you like to utilize your Biological Sciences degree in the future?
I would love to attend medical school, specifically focusing on pediatrics and the family medicine realm. I had a positive experience with a shadowing experience at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Center City, Philadelphia right before COVID, so the summer heading into my junior year. This shadowing experience was very eye-opening to me because I learned that I wanted to focus on the clinical realm in my career path.
A key thing for me is to take other forms of science seriously. There are a lot of important concepts that are going to be helpful for me, so I can use my degree successfully in the future.
Do you have any advice for future Rowan students looking to pursue a career in Biological Sciences?
Definitely embrace your new college experience. I don’t have a very directional path yet, but take advantage of any opportunities that come your way. Take all of your science courses seriously to build that solid science foundation. Let yourself be interested in things, so you are more prepared and not cramming it all in later.
“Embrace the other forms of science and take them seriously.”
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Written by:
Jordyn Dauter, sophomore dance and exercise science double major
Photos by:
Valentina Giannattasio, sophomore dance and marketing double major