From discovering a passion for cellular biology to building lasting friendships, Rowan University Biological Sciences major Max shares how his college experience has shaped his academic interests and personal growth. Through supportive professors, academic advising and campus involvement, Max reflects on the opportunities that helped him find his place at Rowan.
Getting to Know Max
Name: Max
Major: Biological Sciences
Year: Junior
Off-Campus resident: Yes, I live in a house off-campus
Social clubs: Tau Delta Phi Fraternity (Executive Board Position: Steward)
Discovering a Passion for Biological Sciences
Share an “a ha!” moment you’ve had within your major that made you feel passionate about your intended field. My first “a ha” moment in my major happened in my first semester of sophomore year during Biology 3: Intro to Cellular Biology. I was introduced to a lot of the biological processes that occur on the cellular level in living organisms, which stimulated my interest in medicine more than it had already been. A multitude of the pathways and mechanisms I learned about in that semester have powerful implications to real life medicine which inspired me to learn more about these biological processes.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field. I was lucky enough that in my first semester of freshman year my professor who was teaching Biology 2: Intro into Genetics earned his PhD for his research on mice. This was inspiring to me in my first semester of college because it made me feel increasingly fortunate to be learning from such an experienced scientist. His deep insight into the fields we were studying helped make that semester into one of the most educational periods of my student career.
Finding Support and Community at Rowan
Describe for us an on-campus experience in which you felt that your future goals are supported. When I first met with my academic advisor at Savitz Hall. I spoke with her several times during my freshman year and she truly helped me with the transition I made from life in high school to college. The support network at Rowan University truly is remarkable in how there are so many people you can turn to in times of need.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? While living in Willow Hall my freshman year, I met the network of friends that helped turn Rowan into my home away from home. I came to Rowan without knowing anybody else, and by the end of the first week, I already had a group of 6 friends I knew I could go to for anything. I had no clue that these 6 people would become my best friends for years to come, but they truly made me feel welcomed here.
Why did you choose Rowan? I applied to about 10 colleges, but after visiting Rowan I knew this would be the most enjoyable environment. The nice thing about Rowan is the classes are relatively small. I never had a class of more than 50 students. This may seem like a small factor, but I think the relationship formed between professors and students here at Rowan is more robust than what would form at universities with large lecture halls. Additionally, I heard about the rapid expansion Rowan University had been undergoing, making it a very exciting school environment to be a part of.
Balancing Academics and Student Life
What’s your favorite thing about your typical Monday at Rowan? Having the time to go to the fitness center on Victoria Ave. The state-of-the-art facilities at the fitness center help make living a healthy and activity filled lifestyle easier and more enjoyable. Although my work load makes it difficult to get to the gym every day, the equipment at the fitness center help make it something I look forward to whenever I have the opportunity.
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling? Wednesdays are by far my busiest academic days. Wednesdays I have a 9:30 am chemistry lecture to start the day. After, I go home and make myself breakfast before getting ready for my Bio 4 Introduction to Ecology Lab from 3:30-6:30 pm. I then eat dinner quickly before my 8:30-10:45 pm health and wellness Lecture. I typically spend the rest of the night either doing homework or unwinding with friends. I’ve found that time management is the most important skill for balancing a very long and busy day such as this one.
Story and photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, junior public relations major
About Rowan’s Biological Sciences Major
Students studying biological sciences explore the living world, from cells and genetics to ecosystems and human health. Through coursework in biology, chemistry and laboratory sciences, students develop the scientific knowledge, research skills and critical thinking needed to investigate complex biological questions.
Experiential learning through research, internships and fieldwork gives students opportunities to apply classroom knowledge while preparing for careers in healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, research and beyond.
The bachelor of science (BS) in biological sciences gives future researchers and medical professionals a solid foundation for future graduate study and professional experience. The bachelor of art (BA) in biological sciences is ideal for students who do not plan to pursue careers as scientific researchers, and will instead pair the degree with a complementary discipline applicable to their professional path. Both programs are available on Rowan’s Glassboro, NJ, campus. In addition, Rowan Online offers a BA in biological sciences.
About Rowan
Since its founding in 1923, Rowan University has evolved from a teacher preparation college to a public research institution ranked among the top 100 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral degrees and professional certificates in person and online to nearly 25,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro and its eight other locations in southern New Jersey. Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business, while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. The University has earned national recognition for innovation; commitment to high-quality, affordable education; and the development of public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan is the fastest-growing public research university in the Northeast and among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 2025, Rowan opened New Jersey’s only veterinary school and is one of only two universities in the nation to offer M.D., D.O., and D.V.M. medical degrees.