Today, we speak to Neha Alaparthy, a Translational Biomedical Sciences major from Princeton, NJ (Mercer County). Neha is a junior and looks forward to joining the club Active Minds. She talks about why she chose her major and her time here at Rowan. What inspired you to choose your major? Growing up, I have always […]
Science & Mathematics
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Future Chemistry Teacher Trevor Jones
Today we feature Trevor Jones, a senior first generation college student majoring in chemistry education. Trevor transferred his junior year and is from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County). He is a resident assistant at the Nexus apartments and is involved with various clubs such as rugby, Men of Color Alliance (MOCA) and Student Organization for Caribbean […]
#PROFspective: Bio Major Alyssa Putiri Talks Campus Life, Diversity of Clubs
Today we feature Alyssa Putiri, a senior Biological Sciences major with a Pre-Med concentration from Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County). She is a part of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS), Pre-Health Society, Leadership Rowan (LR) and Residential Learning and University Housing (RLUH). Tell us about one club, organization or group of friends that […]
Alumni Success: B.A. in Mathematics Grad Bri Arnold
Today we feature Bri Arnold, an alumna from the Class of 2019 who holds a B.A. in Mathematics. Bri transferred to Rowan from Monmouth University in 2016. She lived on campus during her sophomore year in Holly Pointe Commons and lived off-campus during her junior and senior years. Bri is from Toms River, NJ (Ocean County), and currently lives in West Chester, PA.
What made you want to come to Rowan? I met my current fiance, who is also a Rowan graduate, while he was a student at Rowan and I was a freshman at a different university. After visiting the campus so much and seeing all that Rowan has to offer, I fell in love with the University and I transferred. It was the best decision I ever made.
What field are you in? I graduated with a degree in Mathematics, but I am in the field of data analytics. I work for Chemours, a DuPont spin-off, based in Wilmington, Delaware, in internal audit, but I’m not really an auditor. I just do the fun stuff.
How did your degree help you get into the field of internal audit? My math degree helped me, but what really helped the most was my minor in Statistics. When you have mathematics as a degree, you usually go in one of two directions, which are theory math and applied math. I chose to go the route of applied math, and I went into the industry. The statistics helped me out because I learned how to analyze data sets; take large data sets and draw conclusions in the ways that my auditors want to see it.
Did you have any internships while you were at Rowan? The summer before my Junior year, I participated in a research program with the College of Science and Mathematics. When I was a senior, I was an intern at Chemours. They offered me a full-time job, and I am still working there today.
What did you love about Rowan? The best decision I ever made was transferring to Rowan. The location of Rowan is great, because it’s so close to Philly, it’s pretty close to Atlantic City, and Wilmington, and all these other places where there are job opportunities. It’s in a good area, and I don’t think I would have had the opportunities I had at Rowan at any other college. My professors were open and wanted to help, and they wanted to make sure that you knew the material, and not just that you went to class and then took an exam. They were totally invested in your education. Transferring to Rowan is the best decision I ever made, and I don’t think I would be where I am now if I never went to Rowan. I’m so grateful I transferred.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos provided by:
Bri Arnold
Beyond the Classroom: Meet Africana Studies Club President Nafisat Olapade
Today we feature Nafisat Olapade, president of the Africana Studies Club. She’s a Biological Sciences and Psychology double major and a first-generation college student. Here, she tells us more about the club and her leadership role in this campus organization.
Can you tell me about the Africana Studies Club?
Africana Studies Club is here to promote a higher level of consciousness for students when it comes to whatever path they decide to choose after Rowan. It’s important to emphasize Africana Studies as a major or a minor. It’s important to battle racial disparities in its forefront in whatever career you decide to get into.
Is the Africana Studies Club involved in any events?
We have events that are planned, currently this year we plan on doing volunteering programs. We’re partnering with NJAC, which is the New Jersey Abolitionist Collective; they work with the communities that are less funded and have less opportunities. They are also really big on advocating for the rights of inmates. We plan on doing a volunteering outreach programs with them.
What do you hope to get out of the Africana Studies Club for yourself?
Africana Studies itself allows me to learn more about how I can use whatever position I gain in the future to help people in communities that need help. It allows me to be aware of the disparities and just the structural racism that is in a lot of different fields in the world and how I can do my part from where I stand.
Does the Africana Studies Club have a different meaning this year with the Black Lives Matter movement?
I think right now we have a lot of people who care, and that’s something great to hold onto. I feel like this momentum is great for our club and it’s great for also gaining members. People need to translate their caring and social media activism into things that are tangible in real life. I think this momentum that we currently have could be used in the club and having people just gain awareness in what racism means in day-to-day life.
What is your favorite thing about the Africana Studies Club?
I really like that I’m friends with my e-board members, some of them are my roommates actually. I like the passion behind a lot of the members in the club and I like that I get to leave something at Rowan before I move on.
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Luke Garcia, junior music industry major
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
#PROFspective: Computing and Informatics Major Niyati Patel
Today we feature Niyati Patel, a junior Computing and Informatics major with a Computer Science minor and concentration in Data Analysis. Niyati is a first-generation college student from Burlington, NJ (Burlington County). She is also involved with Beta Alpha Psi honor society. What inspired you to choose your major? “I have an interest in technologies, […]
Beyond the Classroom: Fresh For All Coordinator William Hendrixson Reflects on Giving Back
Today we speak with William Hendrixson, a fifth-year senior from Egg Harbor Township (Atlantic County) who is currently on track to complete a dual major in Management Information Systems and Computing and Informatics. He also has a leadership role with the volunteer program Fresh For All. Learn more about William and his strong passion for helping the community.
William Hendrixson is the top coordinator in charge of Fresh For All, a food distribution program on campus with the goal of getting fresh produce to the campus and surrounding communities.
Will explains: “Fresh For All is a program where we work with a couple of different organizations to get fresh vegetables, fruit and sometimes dairy, to students and local community members who need it.”
The program is set up every Friday from 10-11 a.m. in parking lot D by the Engineering building. The food comes from an outside organization called Philabundance, which goes out to farmer’s markets and grocery stores seeking donations.
When asked who is eligible for free food, he says anyone at all. “You don’t need ID, you don’t need proof of need, or anything. We distribute every Friday, year round,” he adds.
According to Will, Fresh for All serves on average 150 families a week.
“Our highest is around 170,” he says.
In terms of the ratio of students to families, he explains, “It’s definitely more families. More from the local communities. I would say it can be up to about a quarter students, but the majority is definitely locals [who] need it.”
Will works with the Office of Volunteerism at Rowan, which put him in charge of the Fresh for All program. He says his individual responsibility on Fridays during distribution is to “make sure the event goes smoothly.”
Fresh For All has given William the opportunity to to go out and help people. Even though it has nothing to do with his majors or career, he still just enjoys the feeling of putting a smile on someone’s face.
When asked if this was something that he sees in his future, William responds: “Not necessarily as a career, because as I mentioned I’m kind of more from a tech background. But I want to be successful enough where I can give back to the community.”
Will’s favorite thing about Fresh For All is the genuine difference that it makes. He says, “You can kind of see on people’s faces that it really helps and that’s definitely it, just knowing that you’re making a difference in someone’s week.”
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Story and photography by:
Luke Garcia, junior music industry major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
From NY to NJ: Mathematics Major Dan Pakrad
Today, we speak to Dan Pakrad, a junior Mathematics major from Wingdale, N.Y. who is involved in Crew Club. Learn more about Dan, why he chose Rowan and his advice for future and fellow out-of-state students. What are some fun, off-campus things to do within 20 minutes of Rowan on this side of the bridge? […]
Beyond the Classroom: Generation Action’s Rowan Chapter President, Alexis Thompson
Today we feature Alexis Thompson, who goes by Lex, from Lawnside, NJ (Camden County). They are a senior, first-generation college student and Psychology major with a minor in Africana Studies and a focus on reproductive justice. Lex transferred to Rowan from Hampton University in Spring of 2018. Lex tells us about Generation Action, what their […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Computer Science Major Enkee Davaadolgor
Today we feature first-generation senior Enkee Davaadolgor, who majors in Computer Science along with a concentration in Cybersecurity. He is a commuter from Ewing, NJ (Mercer County) who transferred from Mercer County Community College. What wakes you up in the morning? My motivation to wake up each and every morning is definitely my family and […]
DE to NJ: Biochemistry Major Catie Cordell
Today we feature Catie Cordell, a junior Biochemistry major with a Psychology minor. Catie is a first-generation student from Middletown, DE. She is involved with the Women’s Soccer team, Flying First task force and Pre-Health Society. What are some fun off-campus things to do within 20 minutes of Rowan on this side of the bridge? […]
#PROFspective: Senior Psychology Major and Africana Studies Minor Cheyenne Uhuru
Today we feature Cheyenne Uhuru, a senior Psychology major and Africana Studies minor from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County). Cheyenne is a commuter to campus. She is a member of PsiChi, a Psychology Honors Society, and the Africana Studies Club. Can’t find her on campus? Meet Cheyenne at work at H&M in the Deptford Mall.
Why did you choose your major?
I’ve always really like giving advice to people, and I figured out over time that I can help people with what they are going through. I like helping with whatever issues are in their lives, especially African American adolescents. I feel like my experience can provide them the information they need to succeed in life and to get through what they need to get through.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
I would say that psychology offers a lot of insight into yourself as well as the people around you. It allows you to have a better understanding and have more empathy for people who may act a certain way towards you. It gives you a better understanding of why people are the way they are — also, insight into yourself and the way you act and the root of how you go about your daily life.
How does your field impact the world?
Psychology impacts the world in a very large way. All of our actions and the way we move about in the world really come back to our mind state and our environment growing up. The impact I would like to have on the world is giving African American people a better sense of belonging and understanding of themselves in this world because it does get hard. I would like to provide them with a sense of motivation and inspiration to let them know they will get through what they are going through no matter what their circumstances are. They have the ability to succeed.
How are you involved on campus?
Being a part of PsiChi Honor Society has given me a push because I am applying to grad school, so I think showing that I am dedicated to my major will help. It is helping me succeed for the future and my future career. Being a part of the Africana Studies Club also supports me in my pursuit of where I want to work with African American adolescents. The combination of the two helps me to succeed in my career and give me necessary tools.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a Rowan professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field.
Professor Chelsea Young was very connected to us as a class. She used pop culture references to help us understand the concepts we were learning about. I just really appreciate the time I had in her class, it was a really good experience.
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Story by:
Camryn Hadley, senior public relations and advertising double major
Photography by:
Quintin Stinney, sophomore Radio/TV/Film major
Psychology Major, Admissions Student Worker Latifah Tilus Tells Us About Work-Life Balance
Today, we speak with Latifah Tilus, a sophomore Psychology major from Hamilton, NJ (Mercer County). She’s an on-campus resident who lives in 220 Rowan Boulevard Apartments and works as an admissions assistant in Rowan’s Admissions office. She tells us more about how she started working for Admissions and how she maintains a work-life balance.
“I like everything about this job! I really love it,” Latifah says. “I enjoy helping people when they’re applying or helping people when they come to the desk. Even though a lot of people aren’t coming in right now because of COVID and everything, I really like helping people out.”
Latifah has worked in the Admissions office for a year. She says she heard about the position from her professor in her Rowan 101 course and decided to apply. Luckily, she got the job and has loved it ever since.
“I feel like this is a great job to have because I’m learning a lot of clerical [skills], and I get experience for any other jobs I would want in the future. I’ve never had a job before this, so I think this is a great first job to get!” Latifah says.
When she’s not greeting people at the desk or helping out students with their applications, Latifah answers questions through the chat box on the Admissions site and assists with Rowan’s text system.
When asked about the best part of the job, Latifah says: “It’s a pretty easy position to have, as long as you do what you’re supposed to and show up on time! I also really like my coworkers. I don’t see them much because we all have different hours right now, but I really enjoy seeing them.”
Latifah hopes to become a therapist in her post-grad future so she can continue to help others. “I want to help people with their mental health. I’ve been through some stuff, and I want to help people get through things too,” she says.
Latifah left us with some words of advice and why she finds it helpful to have a job while being a student.
“It’s really beneficial to have money while you’re in school. I’m paying off my interest while I’m in school! That’s where my money goes to.”
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Rowan Student Leaders Alexa Bassano, Sydney Ramos and JT Kurtz Share Their Insights
Read firsthand accounts from three Rowan students who talk about the benefits of their on-campus leadership positions.
First up is Alexa Bassano, a junior Biological Science major from Brick Township, NJ (Monmouth County). Alexa is a Resident Assistant at Mimosa Hall, a member of Rowan Emergency Medical Services and the Director of Collegiate Alumnae Engagement of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. She explains: “Each role has benefited me in a different way. Now more than ever, people are thanking me for my service with EMS. As an RA, my residents tell me how much they appreciate me referring them to resources or just showing them where a building is. To me, those little things are just me doing my job, but that gratification reminds me I am a part of something bigger. Being involved and helping people just makes me so happy, whether it comes with a ‘thank you’ or not.”
Next, Sydney Ramos is a junior Human Services major from East Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County). When talking about her role as a student leader, she shared her experience from the very beginning. “Overall, I have to thank Res Life for making me the leader I am today. As a freshman, I really kept to myself and didn’t explore what options were out there for me. But as soon as I found RLUH, I knew I was where I needed to be: in a family atmosphere with amazing people I really respect.” Sydney is a Resident Assistant at Mimosa Hall and a new member of the United Latinos Association.
JT Kurtz, a senior Computer Science major from Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County), is also heavily involved on campus. He is the Assistant Resident Director of Nexus Properties, a learning assistant for the Computer Science department, a researcher in the Psychology department, and a member of the Filipino Club. “In all of my roles, I want to be a valuable resource for the people around me,” he says. “I want to push people to be the best they can be and get them to success. By coming up with innovative ways to work and help others, I get to learn and grow every day.”
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
#PROFspective: English and Computing & Informatics Double Major Chris Finnegan
Today, we speak to rising senior Chris Finnegan. Chris is a double major in English and Computing and Informatics and is an on-campus resident. He’s also an admissions ambassador for Rowan University! Chris tells us more about why he chose Rowan and what a typical on-campus day is like for him.
Why did you choose your major?
Indecision. My advisors worked with me to find a path for me to pursue all of my personal and academic interests when I couldn’t bring myself to choose just one, which led to me landing a double major in English and Computing & Informatics.
Why did you choose Rowan?
Rowan was the third school that I visited, and as soon as I toured campus I could truly just see myself there. Rowan grants its students nearly full independence from the first day they move in and provides numerous avenues to pursue social and academic extracurriculars at your own pace.
I chose to go to Rowan because I knew they provided the flexibility that I needed to explore many different interests.
Take us through a typical Rowan day for you!
Every day starts with lots of coffee, but if I’m not giving a daily tour at 11 a.m., you would probably find me getting a breakfast sandwich meal swipe from Peet’s Coffee in the student center. I try to take all my classes in the afternoon so that I can work and study in the morning, and go to Rugby practice and do my homework in the evening. If possible, I will try and eat every meal with friends, classmates, teammates or coworkers.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photo provided by:
Chris Finnegan, senior English and computing and informatics major
RA and Psychology Major Jeremiah Garcia Gives 5 Pieces of Advice To Incoming Freshmen
Third-year Psychology major and Urban Studies minor Jeremiah Garcia recently spoke with Rowan Blog about his freshman year experience. Today, the first-generation college student from Camden, NJ (Camden County) residence assistant (RA) offers his tips to new students.
1. When you come to Rowan, make mistakes and learn from them.
2. Recognize that you’re not alone. You get to meet new people with the same goals but different purposes.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when things are hard. During my freshman year, I felt like nobody was there, especially as a first-generation college student, and I blocked myself into a box. I realized there are resources but I was afraid to ask for help. I had a rough start, and I thought that I needed to learn everything myself. Know that it is okay not to be perfect. There are always people with knowledge that you don’t have, and they can help you. The resources Rowan has helped physically and mentally, not just academically. The Wellness Center and Rec Center are great resources too.
4. Step outside of your comfort zone and be the best version of yourself. Being involved helped me to step outside of my comfort zone. Getting involved helped me built confidence and leadership.
5. Don’t beat yourself up if your major isn’t right for you. I wanted to go into the medical field, but I wasn’t passionate about it. I took other opportunities and decided to switch my major to Psychology. Take other opportunities, explore and see what’s right for you.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos contributed by:
Jeremiah Garcia
#PROFspective: Biology Major Kait Fox on the Perks of College Close to Home
Today, we speak to Kait Fox, a Biology major with a minor in Psychology from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). Kait, who transferred from Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), commutes to campus. She tells us more about why she chose Rowan and what a typical day at Rowan looks like for her.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose to be a Biology major because I was already on track with the course load previously completed from RCSJ. I am interested in the medical field and thought that a degree in biology would cover all of the bases for graduate school.
Why did you choose Rowan?
I chose Rowan because it is close to home so I am able to make the commute to and from school, not having to worry about dorms or missing my family.
Another important factor is how affordable Rowan is, and that all of my credits from RCSJ are transferable to Rowan, so I transferred in as a third-year student.
Take us through a typical Rowan day for you.
A typical day for me usually starts mid morning (I try my best to avoid the 8 a.m. classes). I arrive at Rowan around 10:30 for my 11 a.m. classes. I like to be a little early instead of late, so I’ll relax in the lobby of whichever building my class is in. I have about three classes a day and usually one lab.
When I make my schedule I try to make my classes back to back, or at least have a minimum 1-hour gap between so I’m not waiting around all day for my classes. If I do have a gap, I’ll meet up with a few friends and sit with them and chit chat, check my email, update schedules, work on assignments, maybe snack a little and “rest my eyes.”
After my classes are complete for the day, I’ll eat lunch wherever I’m at for classes and then I leave Rowan for my internship at the health department.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos contributed by:
Kait Fox
#PROFspective: Rising Senior Psychology Major Callie DeMaria
Today we feature rising Senior Psychology Major Callie DeMaria. Callie is an off-campus resident from Little Egg Harbor, NJ (Ocean County). Callie is a first-generation college student.
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic, and social responsibilities are you juggling?
On my busiest day, I usually have two classes I have to attend, then I usually spend the bulk of my day in Savitz Hall in the Admissions Office either doing office work or giving tours at the Welcome Center, then I will usually attend an event my sorority would be hosting or compete in an intramural game, and finally, I usually get dinner with my friends. To end the day, I will go to the library for an hour or two to finish up on some homework.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?
I never had a moment of uncertainty within my major. I was very stressed about what I would do with my Psychology degree. Until last year, I had no idea. Then one of my professors introduced me to Applied Behavior Analysis. After hearing about it, I knew that is exactly what I wanted to do. Now, I am applying to graduate school to receive my Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you.
I knew Rowan was the right fit for me when I took a tour of the campus. My tour guide was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all my questions. I was very interested in a lot of the clubs my tour guide mentioned as well. As soon as I got to campus, I got heavily involved and through my involvement, Rowan became my second home.
Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges.
College was not an easy transition for me. I was a homebody in high school, so leaving my family was very hard. I won’t lie, the first few weeks were hard. But once I got involved, and started to meet new friends, I didn’t want to leave campus. Since I forced myself to go outside my comfort zone, it helped me to feel more at home and more comfortable at Rowan.
What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college?
The advice I would give my high school self would be to choose the college that feels like home once you step on campus, that has a ton of internships and opportunities for me, and the college that has a lot of extracurricular clubs and organizations I would love to join.
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Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
How I Chose My Major: Exploratory Studies To Psychology Major Sydney Basis
Today, we speak to rising sophomore Sydney Basis. She is from Marlboro, NJ (Monmouth County) and is an on-campus resident. Sydney is a former Exploratory Studies major who then made the decision to become a Psychology major. She’s going to tell us a little more about her experience as an Exploratory Studies major and how she eventually chose the right fit for her!
How and why did you find Rowan?
When the time came to start applying for colleges, I had not heard of Rowan yet. Some of my friends were talking about applying to Rowan because they had heard great things about it, so I decided to look into it. After looking around Rowan’s website, I decided to book a campus tour and immediately loved the campus environment. Before my freshman year started, I was still concerned that I could have made the wrong choice but after going to Rowan, I knew that it was the perfect choice for me and I couldn’t have picked a better school.
Why did you originally choose Exploratory Studies?
I chose Exploratory Studies because going into my freshman year, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was really excited to try out all different areas of study because I knew I would eventually find the perfect major for me, which I did. This program was so amazing because it really gave me the freedom to try out everything I was interested in and I was not stuck to just one subject matter.
What has been your favorite experience as an Exploratory Studies major?
My favorite experience as an Exploratory Studies major has definitely been meeting people throughout all of the different classes I have taken. Since you are taking so many different classes to find your interests, you meet people from all different majors and all different career paths. I also enjoyed the Exploratory Studies seminars that Rowan held to give students an idea of what each major at Rowan was like and it gave us the opportunity to speak with the advisors in charge of the majors. This was very helpful to me.
What major are you going into?
I decided to become a Psychology major because I realized that I would like to become an occupational therapist in the future. Although Rowan does not have an OT program, their Psychology program and other classes outside of this program will prepare me for graduate school, which is something I am very excited about.
How did you figure out what major was “the one”?
I was always very interested in psychology, but never really knew what could be done with this degree. I looked at the program guide on Rowan’s website and I loved the classes that it offered. I then looked further and researched the different career opportunities in the field. I found occupational therapy through my research and knew that’s what I wanted to do in the future. Searching around Rowan’s website helped a lot through this whole process.
Any advice to Exploratory Studies majors? Or general advice to Rowan students?
For any Exploratory Studies students, I would definitely tell you that this program is not just about finding what programs you do like, it is also about finding ones that you do not like. It may be disappointing when you do not enjoy a class that you thought you would be interested in, but it is ultimately bringing you closer to a decision because you were able to rule out that field. This will break down your choices and find the perfect major and career for you which is the main goal.
Also, if there are any fields of study that you do enjoy already, I would look into what careers you can do with that kind of degree. This is what helped me find my major and dream job. The Rowan website is very helpful, so you should check it out!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photo provided by:
Sydney Basis, sophomore psychology major
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Sophomore Reflects: Monica Torres Shares Her Freshman Experience and Advice
Today we feature rising sophomore Monica A. Torres. Monica is a Computer Science major with a concentration in Software Engineering from Jersey City, NJ (Hudson County). Monica is an on-campus resident. She lived in Evergreen Hall during her freshman year, and now will be living in the Edgewood Park Apartments for her sophomore year. Monica is a first-generation college student.
What did you most enjoy during your freshman year at Rowan?
The thing I enjoyed the most was getting a feel for everything. There are a lot of activities set up for freshmen not only for them to have fun, but for them to get a feel for the campus. One, for example, is Welcome Week, where many students from all grades come together to enjoy each other’s company and welcome the freshman and new transfer students to campus. I enjoyed meeting new people and seeing that Rowan is very diverse.
Could you share a happy moment you had with friends, professors, or other members of the Rowan community that made you realize Rowan felt like home?
One of my favorite memories was getting to know my roommate. We were familiar with each other through PCI (Pre-College Institute), aka EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund), over the summer, but we didn’t really talk. However, once I got to know her, we had a lot in common, and exploring campus with her was fun. I’m from Jersey City, so to have someone who is from South Jersey as a close friend is great, because we get to compare North Jersey and South Jersey.
What advice do you have for future freshmen looking at colleges right now?
My advice to future freshmen is that it isn’t about getting a good grade, it’s about understanding the material for your major. In addition, it’s okay to not know what you wanna study right off the bat because that is what advisors are for. They are there to help you explore and find a major that suits you.
What are you most looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I can’t wait for some of my friends from home to come to Rowan. I can show them around and help them get around. Plus, it means the friend group on campus gets bigger. It will be nice to have a few familiar faces from home on campus, to be honest, because I won’t be as homesick.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
RA and Psychology Major Jeremiah Garcia Reflects on His Experience as a Rowan Freshman
Today we feature third-year Psychology major and Urban Studies minor Jeremiah Garcia. Jeremiah is a first-generation college student from Camden, NJ (Camden County). Jeremiah is also a Residence Assistant (RA) in Evergreen Hall.
How does being involved on campus impact your college experience?
I am an RA and I am involved in the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS), and the Residence Hall Association (RHA). I was able to step outside of my comfort zone, learn leadership and confidence, and feel like I have my voice heard. As an RA I help incoming freshmen with things I had a hard time with. This has made me a better person and made me not afraid to use my voice.
How were you able to make friends on campus?
I made friends by going to the Rec Center. I was able to get my mind right at the Rec Center when things got hard and I met people there. I also met people at events, Rowan After Hours (RAH) and classes. Freshman year was competitive, but you have to be a leader in class and make study groups or say that you should get lunch together. It depends on the class, though. Some are more group-oriented than others.
How were you able to adjust to campus life?
I was able to adjust by getting help and using Rowan’s resources. Putting myself out there was the best way to adjust. It gave me confidence and a push to succeed.
What does inclusivity mean to you?
Some people are different, and it is important to have inclusivity so that people can make new friends and have the same opportunities as everyone else regardless of race, gender and appearance.
Do you think that Rowan is inclusive?
Yes. Everyone has the opportunity to be in leadership positions, they just need to do well academically and have the confidence to earn the positions. Rowan is inclusive.
What are you looking forward to next year?
Being on campus. I miss campus. I am also excited to get into new opportunities. I would like to try out for the baseball team and to get into an honors society. It will be my second year as an RA and I am looking forward to the experience. I am also looking forward to taking new classes, doing well in my major and getting better grades.
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Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
#PROFspective: Rising Senior Psychology Major Tiara Gbeintor
Today we feature rising senior Psychology major Tiara Gbeintor. Tiara is a commuter student from Beverly, NJ (Burlington County).
Why did you choose your major? I choose my major of psychology because this major has always been interesting to me. I knew with this major I could make an impact, considering my future goals in higher education.
Why did you choose Rowan? I chose Rowan University because it was truly my number one school. Many of my friends are alumni of Rowan University, and I felt at home. Rowan was a great choice for my bachelor’s degree. It has been an experience with no regrets.
Take us through a typical Rowan day for you. When I first transferred to Rowan University, I was an on-campus student. I would go to class from Monday to Thursday. After class, my friends and I would get lunch and finish up any projects or homework before I would head to work. I enjoyed my professors. I would have loved to join clubs but my hectic school and work schedule would not allow me. Hopefully this semester I will be able to join some clubs. My class schedule is a little lighter, and I will do my best to be in a lot more activities. Also, there are many awesome restaurants on campus that I can’t wait to try.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Junior Major Moments: Bio Major Michael Camacho on His Favorite Class and Rowan Clubs
Today we feature Michael Camacho, a Biological Sciences major with a minor in Psychology. He is a first-generation college student who commutes from his home in Pine Hill, NJ (Camden County).
What is your favorite moment with a faculty member or favorite experience in one of your classes? 
My favorite part was going to my Microbiology class and learning from Dr. Elizabeth Brooks. She taught her lectures in such a manner that not only excited me to learn, but also intrigued me. She has over 30 years of experience in her field and still has this spark of passion in her that is truly remarkable and inspiring to me. One day I hope to walk in her footsteps and become the passionate, caring, professional, and inspiring person that she is.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
I’d say the most amazing and interesting thing I’ve learned in my major is that the human body truly is amazing in that the physiology protects us every day.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth? 
Some of my pre-professional experiences include the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS) and Rowan’s Biology Club. Though, the one organization that has truly supported my growth is Alpha Phi Omega (APO).
We are an organization that strives by our principles of being a leader, being a friend, and being of service. Being surrounded by these individuals has truly made it feel like a second home and seeing the passion in each of us to be of service to our community is one of the many reasons why I enjoy APO so much.
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Passing the Torch: Psychology Major, Academic Coach Shares Her Parting Tips for Success
“Take advantage of every opportunity in the Psychology department. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed, too,” says Chelsey Fitton from Woodstown, NJ (Salem County), who recently earned her Psychology degree.
“I found the faculty and staff to be super helpful within the (Psychology) department. And it’s a family. The professors don’t really see you as a number, they know you by name. When I’d go in, they’d say, ‘Hi, Chelsey, how are you doing?’ That’s important, too,” she explains.
Chelsey, who transferred from Rowan College of South Jersey and commuted to campus, says to “stay involved as much as possible.” She was part of the honors society Delta Alpha Pi, for individuals with learning disabilities, and worked on campus as an academic coach with the Academic Success Center. Chelsey knows her future path will involve helping others.
“I really enjoy working with people,” she says. “And even during this COVID situation, I’m finding I’m not a fan of isolating. I have to be around people.”
Ready to move forward, Chelsey couldn’t forget a few people who helped her along the way.
“I’d like to thank my professors and my family for all their support because I definitely wouldn’t be where I am with a degree without them.”
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Passing the Torch: Biological Sciences Grad Reflects, Offers Wise Words of Advice
“Forge your own path. What does my mother always say? Be unapologetically authentic,” says Kira Malik, from Manalapan, NJ (Monmouth County), who recently graduated with a Biological Sciences degree and will soon continue her education in nursing.
Kira, who says she did not have a “traditional college route,” has loved healthcare since she was 3 years old. She began her college career at an out-of-state school, then moved to community college. When her best friend and Rowan student, Sean, suggested she apply to his school, Kira did so on a whim — and got in.
Kira says she never questioned what her major would be; she “always knew that biology was the route.” And on that, Rowan delivered. Her Intro to Ecology class expanded a love for plants. Stream Ecology class took her into on-campus waters for experiments in “big waders.” And Microbiology, while “amazing,” turned her into a “germaphobe.”
Rowan “has given me a broad science education, not just strictly healthcare or anatomy,” she says.
As an EMT in Sayreville, NJ, Kira will now expand on her healthcare experience and science education in pursuit of a nurse practitioner or midwife career. She says on the work ahead: “I’m just genuinely [interested in] helping people and just expanding my own knowledge of science and the medical field and research.”
Looking back on her last two years at Rowan, Kira has sage advice for fellow students: “Grades aren’t the only thing about college. There’s so much more to your college experience than just your grades and just studying. It’s so important to get involved and make a group of friends but not stay with that one group. You can still branch out, you can always meet new people.
“Smile at everybody, you never know who that smile’s going to touch.”
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Passing the Torch: Psychology Major, Prospective Grad Student Shares Tips For Success
“Get involved in clubs and really make it worthwhile being a Prof,” says Sarah Transue, a recent graduate with a degree in Psychology and minor in neuroscience who commuted to campus from Mickleton, NJ (Gloucester County).
Her advice for fellow commuters? “Get here super early before classes.”
Sarah, who transferred to Rowan, counts Perception as well as Psychology as a Profession and Practice among her favorite courses. She also enjoyed classes with Dr. Davis-LaMastro. “She really illuminated how each field of psychology is really different,” Sarah says.
She plans to return to campus in 2021 as a graduate student to pursue a master’s degree in mental health counseling.
“I want to be a counselor in marriage and family therapy. It’s really fascinating how that whole system works,” Sarah says. “I hope to start in fall 2021. I’m very excited.”
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Senior Reflects: Bio Major Aaron Krivchenia Prepares for a Career in Ecology
Today we feature recent Biological Sciences graduate Aaron Krivchenia. Aaron is from 
Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County) and shares his research experience during his time at Rowan.
Are you involved in any academic or social clubs?
I am a Brother of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. We do not have many brothers who study biology, but they are always there to extend a helping hand and aid in networking. I’ve done plenty of mock presentations in front of them, which helped me prepare for conferences I’ve attended.
What got you interested in your intended field?
I’ve always been interested in ecology. I grew up in the woods and would always search for stream beds. It grew my passion.
What is your favorite accomplishment?
When I presented a poster at the ESA International Conference in Kentucky summer of 2019. The poster covered a high-resolution spatial survey of cyanobacterial indicators: phycocyanin and chlorophyll in a small reservoir, Dow Lake, in Athens, Ohio. The data was from Dr. Ruhl’s dissertation, so old data but new questions. For ESA, about seven of us presented and for AAAS it was just me and Dr. Ruhl in attendance. For these, I mostly went to panels where people discussed their research. I’m more interested in the science being done. I wish I tried doing some more professional development, but now I have a better idea of what to do for next time.
What did your research beyond the classroom entail?
I worked in environmental conservation, which I started in second semester sophomore year. Professor Dr. Richmond of Bio 4: Intro to Ecology promoted the position and I immediately showed interest. My work at the lab includes seasonal sampling of small polymictic reservoirs for: seasonal zooplankton community composition, environmental tests, water quality tests, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, ph level, nitrogen, and phosphorus. For seasonal sampling, we went out weekly during the summer, typically on Mondays, to five reservoirs in South Jersey: Malaga, Elmer, Palantine, Parvin, and Rainbow, of which the latter four are in a series meaning they are a part of the same watershed, kind of like Russian nesting dolls. At each site we would toss buckets into the damn and outfall, collecting the data using a variety of probes and chemicals. We also ran 10L of water from each site through a mesh strainer to collect zooplankton for subsequent taxonomic identification in the lab.
We have a variety of projects being done with the data we collect. My specific project involved conducting a study with an ultimate goal of creating a predictive model for cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (cHABs) across South Jersey. I surveyed 26 small reservoirs collecting data for various environmental variables and photo indicators phycocyanin and chlorophyll. We also took raw water samples back to Science Hall and with the help of Dr. Carone, developed a qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) to account for cyanobacterial cell densities. This was also done for the weekly sampling which gave us temporal data — how the cyanobacterial composition varies across the season.
What knowledge or skills have you developed through this opportunity that you will take with you for future endeavors?
Everything I’ve done is applicable to my future in ecology. I learned GIS, analysis software, and my writing and public speaking abilities have improved. I’m more confident talking about science and my work in a way people outside of my industry can understand. I’ve also learned how to conduct good science, be diligent about methods and materials I’m working with.
What are your next steps or goals?
Right now, I’m searching for jobs in wildlife, private entries and eventually will attend graduate school.
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Sophomore Reflects: Tips from Computer Science Major Frank Ziegler
Meet Frank Ziegler, sophomore computer science major, who commutes from Gibbsboro, NJ (Camden County). Frank reflects on his years at Rowan and shares what he has learned.
When I first started school at Rowan, I didn’t understand how the online system (i.e. Blackboard, Self-Service, Starfish) worked. It took me some time to figure out the flow of things. For incoming freshmen, I’d suggest to look over these platforms before the semester starts or ask someone for help. Usually 9 times out of 10, they’re happy to help if you ask politely.
From my experience, people in the Rowan community are generally friendly and helpful. I’ve actually created friendships here by asking for help whether for an assignment or lesson I was struggling with.
Choosing a major for me was hard. My passion is making music, but I also really enjoy solving code. For me it was a decision of how to balance my passion with my career or turning my passion my career. For someone dealing with the same problem, I would suggest to consider what you enjoy and see yourself doing in the future. I’m happy with my major and hope you will be too.
If possible, I definitely would recommend living on-campus to fully immerse yourself in the culture, especially if you’re more of an introvert. Commuting hindered my social life, but I joined some clubs and found like-minded people I enjoy hanging out with.
Join Rowan Vocals if you can sing. Seriously. That’s how I made friends. I’ve never felt more comfortable with a group than I do with them. They are such great people. And if you can’t sing, join a group that fits your interests. It’s the best thing I did for my college experience.
My biggest piece of advice is to understand that going to college is a lifestyle change. I had a really hard time at first because I was dealing with mental health issues and lacked motivation. I wish I had more time to prepare and understand how to best manage my time. I work part-time, commute and do a lot of music production work, so every semester I adapt to the workload and class schedule.
College is in no way like high school, it’s like a full-time job. You need to fully commit to it and and learn how to manage your time to make the best of it. The faster, the better.
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Story by:
Frank Ziegler, sophomore computer science major
Photos courtesy of:
Frank Ziegler
Senior Reflects: Biological Sciences Major Brenden Finley on the Outdoors Club, Fossils and His Future
Today we feature Brenden Finley from Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County) who recently graduated with a degree in Biological Sciences. Here, Brenden shares his favorite Rowan memories and his plans for the future.
Could you please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
A favorite moment of mine happened in the course Edelman Fossil Park Experience with Dr. Voegele. Having the opportunity to uncover fossils in the research pit was incredible. I’ll never forget the first fossil I unearthed. It was especially memorable when I was able to record and map my finds in the log book.
What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?
I couldn’t pick just one moment at Rowan, so I have to say sitting around the campfire on every camping trip with the Rowan Outdoors Club. Serving on the e-board of the outdoors club has been a favorite part of my Rowan experience by far. Giving Rowan students a chance to escape and enjoy nature is incredibly rewarding. The friends I’ve met through the club will surely be lifelong.
What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?
I plan on becoming a surgical technician first, then going to physician’s assistant school. Dr. Supplee and Dr. Grinias helped me when I was having second thoughts about my original plan and helped me see that plans can change. This allowed me to rethink and make a new plan about my future.
Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?
I want to thank my family and friends for always supporting my decisions and for keeping me grounded, Katie Huber and Kristin Henderson at the Rec Center for always being there to help and listen, and Dr. Grinias and Dr. Jonnalagadda for inspiring me to continue when I felt like giving up.
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Header photo: Brenden Finley (left) with friends
#PROFspective: Double Major Gloria Sanckon, President of the African Student Association
Today we feature Gloria Sanckon, a junior Psychology and Sociology double major from Burlington Township, NJ (Burlington County). She transferred to Rowan from Burlington County College and is a first-generation college student. This year, Gloria lived on campus at the 114 Victoria Street apartments.
Tell us about one club, organization or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home.
I used to be the president for the Residence Hall Association, but now I am the president for African Student Association. What made Rowan feel like home was the group of friends I made through my organization. Everyone was extremely welcoming and supportive. There’s never a boring time at programs and meetings, and you can make great friends. For instance, when we don’t have a program coming up, we spend time outside of the club playing games, cooking, and chatting at a member spot.
What’s your favorite thing about your typical Monday at Rowan?
African Student Association (ASA) general meetings have to be one of the greatest things on Mondays at Rowan. As an e-board member, I have to go to general meetings and bring Rowan ASA together. We all meet up and do activities to educate African students.
What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you?
One thing that was a happy surprise to me about Rowan is that there’s always something to do. For instance, Rowan After Hours (RAH) hosts events every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for students on and off-campus. Before coming to Rowan, I was a homebody, but the events on campus are interesting and it forces me to come out and meet new people.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor or staff member in which you felt like they truly cared about your well-being.
During my first semester, I struggled horribly to stay on top of my work due to being a first-generation student with no support from home. Not because I was not hardworking, but because my memory was almost nonexistent. It did not imply if I went to class because I couldn’t concentrate. Not like, “Oh! I am just distracted,” but like, “Did I even go to class today? What did we talk about?” “How are my siblings back home?” “Who’s helping my mom?” It was scary and frustrating. But reaching out to my professors and communicating with them cleared my mind off a little.
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Story by:
Nicole Cier, writing arts graduate
#Rowan2020 Instagram Contest Winner Gianna Floria
Today we feature #Rowan2020 Instagram contest winner Gianna Floria. Gianna is a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Lakewood, NJ (Ocean County). Gianna lived on campus during her time at Rowan.
Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes.
My favorite experience with a faculty member was going to New Orleans with Dr. Chelsie Young and two of the other research assistants in my lab for the Society of Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) research conference this past February. It was my first time at a research conference and in New Orleans so it was thrilling!
What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?
My favorite personal moment at Rowan was giving my first lecture as a learning assistant this past fall. In preparation for this class, I was so anxious and I asked my roommates to sit through my lecture to rehearse at least four times. Each time they gave me feedback and empowered me to be the best I could be. The morning of, my roommate Jenna made me coffee and each of my roommates made sure to do something to wish me luck. The lecture went better than I could’ve ever expected, and seeing the students’ reactions as well as the reaction of the professor I was assisting, was incredible. I will never forget that feeling and each person that contributed to it.
What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?
After Rowan, I plan to go to graduate school to get a Ph.D. in research social psychology with a research emphasis in human sexuality studies. I want to use this research to eventually curate a more progressive, comprehensive, and inclusive sex education program in America. Rowan’s incredible psychology department introduced me to the broad spectrum of psychological studies and I’m forever grateful for it.
Dr. Lisa Farkas teaches the best Psychology as a Professions and Practice course and because of her, I had my curriculum vitae and personal statement ready for grad school! Kristine Sietz’s Psychology of Human Sexuality class opened my eyes to the enticing academic world of human sexuality and how truly awful the state of sex education is in America, which gave me my drive to change it. Dr. Chelsie Young introduced me to the world of social psychology when I became a student in her class during her first semester here at Rowan. After a couple of meetings with Dr. Young, she had helped me figure out my entire career path. I then became a learning assistant in her social psychology classes, discovered my love for teaching, joined her Rowan Emotions, Alcohol, and College Health (R.E.A.C.H.) Lab and discovered my love for research.
How did the clubs and organizations you joined at Rowan enhance your experience?
I didn’t join many clubs throughout my time at Rowan and that is the one thing I do regret. I was in the Animal Advocacy club for a short period of time, which introduced me to many friends. Joining the R.E.A.C.H. lab was probably one of the best things I have done at Rowan, as I met amazing peers and was able to learn so much from them. I also got vital research experience and career development skills through our weekly labs, and through this, I was able to submit research for and go to the SPSP research conference.
Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors, or mentors?
I’d love to thank my parents and family of course, for supporting me unconditionally throughout my college career. I’d like to thank my three roommates, Rachel, Jenna, and Elena, for not only being my friends and roommates, but for being the brilliant, ambitious, and admirable women they are. They have always pushed me to be the best I can be, and I’m so grateful for it. I’d like to thank my group of best friends in my hometown for being a safe haven of love and laughter when being on-campus became way too stressful for me. I’d like to also thank Dr. Chelsie Young for taking a chance on me. I had no idea what I was going to do with my degree when I met Dr. Young, and through her guidance, I know exactly what I want and how to get it. I aspire to one day be the patient and incredible mentor that she is.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
#PROFspective: Pre-Med Junior Andrea Owens on the Biological Sciences Major, Making Change in Healthcare
Today we feature Andrea Owens, a junior Biological Sciences major with a Chemistry minor and concentration in pre-medicine. Andrea is a transfer and a first-generation college student. She commuted from home before COVID-19 shut down campus. Andrea will share with us her #PROFspective on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.
On campus Andrea is a member of the Minority Association of Pre-medical Students (MAPS), The Tau Sigma National Honor Society, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (AKA). Off campus she works in retail at New York & Company. 
What inspired you to choose your major?
Since I was 5 years old, I always knew that I wanted to become a doctor. So, once I got to high school, I mastered biology and chemistry and decided to major and minor in them.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
My first advice to any transfer students who are majoring in Biology is to make friends who are within your major. The beginning of my first semester at Rowan, I did not have any friends in my major. I studied alone for everything, which caused a lot of stress. Once I made friends with people in my major, we formed many study groups and I found the biggest support system. The friends I have made are truly amazing, and I could not thank them enough.
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?
The importance of the healthcare field is that the conditions of life are always changing, and as long as there are health care providers who are specifically trained in medicine, there will always be help. An impact that I would love to have in my field is to make minorities feel heard and important. In the medical field, there are thousands of stories on how African Americans do not feel as though they are getting the proper treatment when they are being treated or examined by health care professionals. I am going to make that change.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a Rowan professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field?
Dr. Kristen Barrett was my professor for Organic Chemistry I and II. She is a young African-American woman in her field, and she provided superb detail in everything she did while I took her courses. Her path of excellence inspires all her students, including me.
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Story by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, public relations and advertising graduate
Photos courtesy of:
Andrea Owens
#PROFspective: Biological Sciences Major Olivia Smithson
Meet Olivia Smithson, a senior biological science major from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County) who is minoring in German, neuroscience and psychology.
How have you gotten involved on campus?
I work as an Assistant Resident Director (ARD) in Chestnut Hall on campus, and have been involved as an undergraduate research assistant since my freshman year. I also participated in ultimate frisbee, the pre-allied health club, and GetFIT.
Describe your typical day on campus at Rowan.
My typical day at Rowan would start at 6:30 AM when I would wake up, eat a banana with peanut butter, and head to the gym by 7:00 AM. I would typically come back around 8:30 AM to shower and work on homework before class. I always have to eat before class too because I get extremely hungry super quickly! After my afternoon classes, I have office hours for my ARD position followed by dinner with friends, and then one night class. After I get back, I typically try to work on homework or fit in some volunteering as a Crisis Counselor for the Crisis Text Line. Before bed, I would give myself 30 minutes to relax and do my skin care routine and watch some funny YouTube videos (lately I’ve been into the TryGuys). I usually fall asleep around 12:00 AM, depending on how much homework I have.
What inspired you to choose your major?
I chose to major in Biological Science because my eyes are different colors, and I’ve been intrigued by genetics since I was a kid because of that. I feel that genetics is one of the most unexplored areas of science, and I knew I wanted to contribute to that field as an adult. Seeing that my older brother switched majors in college though, I wanted to keep an open mind instead of jumping into a purely pre-med concentration. I really enjoyed doing research on honey bees as an undergrad, but I definitely prefer more human-focused interactions every day! After shadowing this past summer at a few hospitals, my new goal is to attend medical school and specialize in pediatric genetics.
Describe for us one of your favorite things you’ve learned in your major.
One of the most interesting things I learned this year was in my Data Science for Biologists class, and it was that so many researchers and advertising companies filter or alter their data to convey the message they choose. We’re used to seeing scammers employ these techniques, but huge companies like Apple have even been guilty of manipulative data visualization. The thing I love the most about this class is that we can apply data analysis techniques to any industry, not just biology.
Describe for us a moment when you felt that Rowan was a good fit for you.
One moment where I felt Rowan was a good fit for me was when I sat on Bunce Green to do homework for the first time in the spring of my freshman year. I always wanted to go to school somewhere beautiful, and I didn’t always think that Rowan could fit that description. I grew up nearby, and got to witness a lot of Rowan’s expansion, so I never officially toured the campus. But when I sat on Bunce Green and started getting some assignments done that day, I looked up and realized how gorgeous Rowan really is. I felt at peace, and I knew I was going to be okay for the rest of my time here. Now I routinely go to Bunce when the weather is nice, and I get to experience that feeling all over again every time I go.
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Story by: Olivia Smithson, senior biological sciences major
#PROFspective: Computing & Informatics Major Robert Brown
Today’s #PROFspective features Robert Brown, a junior computing and informatics major from Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County), who lived in the Triad apartments until COVID-19 shut down the campus. He’s looking forward to being a resident assistant in Magnolia Hall when returning in the fall.
Why did you choose a university close to home? I actually commuted my first two years, which was best when it came down to cost. But now being on campus, I have the opportunity and flexibility to go home on weekends.
How do you get that “away” feeling while still being close to home? My involvement on campus has me more involved and focused on what’s going on here, so being close to home isn’t a factor when I’m busy. I make sure I’m out and exploring and discovering new things on campus when I’m here.
Where’s your favorite place to eat on campus? It’s hard to choose because everything in the Student Center is great but Freshens is always a go-to.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen or transfers? Talk to your resident assistant (RA), even if it seems intimidating. It’s their job to let you know what’s going on and how you can get involved on campus.I’d also encourage them to check out all of the Rowan After Hours events. I didn’t take advantage of them until sophomore year and wish I went from the beginning. The midnight hot bar is worth the trip. For transfers, I would suggest to reconnect with people you know already know to get a better understanding of the ins and outs of campus.
What’s the best decision you’ve made since you got to college? I don’t think I have just one. There hasn’t been just one decision that I thought was “it.” That changed everything. So many decisions have equal value that made me who I am and brought me to where I am now. They’re all important, even if it doesn’t seem that way.
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#PROFspective: Junior Physics Major Reinaldo Vázquez Jr.
Today we feature Reinaldo Vázquez Jr., a junior Physics major and Mathematics minor from Paulsboro, NJ (Gloucester County) who has an off-campus rental.
What clubs are you a part of on campus? I am the Vice President/Treasurer of Queer People of Color (QPOC).
Tell us about one club, organization, or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home. Queer People of Color, or QPOC, is a multicultural and LGBTQ+ support group on campus. I spent the last two semesters as Treasurer and Vice President with the goal of making QPOC a diverse community free of ignorance and judgment. I know every meeting that all of our members are going to feel safe expressing themselves and speaking what’s on their minds.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? When I came to Rowan almost two years ago, I was with a different major. I worked in the department, but it wasn’t a good fit for me. I felt disconnected and isolated, and I carried that feeling with me for my entire first semester anytime I entered the building. It wasn’t until I met my best friend, partner, and the President-to-be of QPOC, Jahnaya, at the start of the spring semester that I started to feel welcome at Rowan. Naya helped create an environment where I could feel comfortable, and proud, of who I am and does the same for everyone she meets.
What’s your favorite thing about your typical Monday at Rowan? QPOC meetings were always the best way to unwind at the end of a long day. Since the meetings were on my “off day,” I would do homework all day and then spend a couple of hours catching up with everyone else.
What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you? As a native of South Jersey, I had the opportunity to see Rowan University as it grew over the years. I can remember when the Nexus Apartments were home to Glassboro residents and Holly Pointe Commons and Rowan Boulevard were still just expansion plans for a small-town college. I came to Rowan primarily out of convenience but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is still growing every year, both in students and new projects like the one happening right now on 322. And despite this rapid growth, Rowan has managed to keep students closely engaged with campus life.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor or staff member in which you felt like they truly cared about your wellbeing. My Physics professor Dr. Carol Guess is hands-down my favorite professor thus far. Whenever I needed help, whether it was for her class or just guidance during a difficult time, her office door was open. When I wanted to change my major from Engineering, it was thanks to her help in class that I knew Physics would be a better fit for me, and it was thanks to her guidance outside of class that I was able to make the change.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
#PROFspective: Honors Bio Major Drusilla Appiah-kubi Sets Her Sights on Med School
Today we feature Drusilla Appiah-kubi, a Biological Science major, Psychology minor and Honors concentration student wrapping up her junior year. Drusilla is a first-generation college student from Old Bridge, NJ (Middlesex County) who lived in the Townhouses.
Academic or social clubs you are a part of: I’m the Vice President of the Rowan African Student Association
What inspired you to choose your major?
When I was little I would babysit my little cousins all the time, and I would play with them all the time until it was nap time. Even though taking care of babies is a pain :), I would always love putting a smile on their faces. I also loved it when I was younger my pediatrician would come to work so lively and energetically. At the end of the appointment, I would always receive a sticker and a lollipop, which always put a smile on my face. This showed me that they truly loved what they do and gave me a huge interest in that field.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
Being a Biological Sciences major isn’t easy, especially if your main focus is to go to medical school. One thing I’ve noticed is that if you like chemistry you’re not going to like organic chemistry so much. Every major consists of putting time into studying, but if you plan on majoring in science and going to medical school, you should put a lot of time into studying, be organized, and have friend groups where you guys can all study together.
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?
Being a pediatrician plays an important role in today’s world by taking care of children, making sure they’re well treated and healthy, and that their growth and development are where they should be in age. The kind of impact I’ll like to have on the world in my field is having my own office where kids will come and have fun.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a Rowan professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field.
I felt like I was working with a visionary in my field when I attended [one of my professor’s] office hours. I felt like I was able to talk to her and build a great relationship. Exchanging conversations back and forth made me realize that she truly cares for students and is willing to help her students succeed. Over the semester, I told her that I was planning on furthering my education by going to medical school and becoming a pediatrician.
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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Photos courtesy of:
Drusilla Appiah-kubi
Senior Reflects: Psychology Major Nicole Byrne Shares Her Favorite Rowan Moments
Today we feature senior Nicole Byrne, a psychology major and neuroscience minor from Brick, New Jersey (Ocean County) who used to walk to campus everyday from her home she called “Lil Bed.” She originally transferred from Stockton University.
Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? My favorite experience with a faculty member during my time at Rowan was being Dr. Martinez’s learning assistant (LA) for an entire semester. I had her as a professor and I loved how she taught. When I became her LA, our relationship expanded to something more. She was there for me through graduate school applications and through bumps in the road. I learned so much from her and I am beyond grateful for the relationship we established. She was a mentor that listened to me whenever I needed it. I loved hearing her hilarious stories about her kids and she loved my crazy stories about my family. It was an amazing experience to be able to open up to my professor.
What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? I was able to volunteer and be a ref at the Unified Sports this last semester. I had a blast. Being able to hangout and ref my favorite sport was one of the most memorable moments that I was able to receive while my time here at Rowan. The Green Team thought I was hilarious with the random and weird moves I would do with the basketball during time outs. It was the purest and the most fun I have had in a long time!
What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I was fortunate enough to be a student researcher at Rowan University’s Schizophrenia-Spectrum research lab. My fellow classmates, graduate students and Dr. Dinzeo taught me so much and helped me realize that I have a passion for research. I wouldn’t have gotten the necessary tools to get into my dream graduate program if it wasn’t for that lab and the members in it. They will always have a special place in my heart!
Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? I want to give a HUGE shout out to my little sister Brittany who is still at Rowan University and my other sister Chelsea who has inspired me every single day. I want to thank my friends, teammates, my “B-Town” longtime friends and Jeremy Brown. Without the love and support they all give me each and every day, I wouldn’t be where I am today!
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Senior #PROFspective: Serving Others & Finding Self
Today we feature Justin Roldan, a graduating biochemistry major from Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County), who is a first generation college student. Justin lived on campus, as a resident assistant at Rowan Boulevard Apartments.
On-campus Clubs: Alpha Phi Omega (APO) and Rowan University Philippine American Coalition (RUPAC)
Could you share with one happy moment you had with friends, professors or other members of the Rowan community that made you realize Rowan felt like “home”? Alpha Phi Omega is one organization that helped me turn Rowan into a house from a home. As a co-ed service fraternity, I joined for the service, but I stayed for the people. I became a brother in Spring ’17, and I can truly say every experience through the organization has been transformative. Every brother I met became a friendly face that I had the pleasure of getting to know, and these same brothers I met inspired me to hold two Vice President positions, and eventually become President. Completing service projects and being selfless for others releases all those feel-good hormones in your body, but completing them with people you care about truly spikes your serotonin levels.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? As transformative as APO has been for me, it was RUPAC that first showed me how welcoming the Rowan community can be. Just like any freshman looking to get involved, I reflected on interests and hobbies I hold close to my identity. Luckily, I came across a flyer in Science Hall advertising RUPAC’s first general body meeting; as a Filipino-American that hasn’t ventured too deep into his Filipino identity, this was a perfect opportunity to do just that.
When I arrived at the meeting, I was met with a room full of people that looked just like me, exuding bundles of energy and warm welcomings. They had just met me, but they showed genuine interest in getting to know me almost instantly. Thanks to them, I found a pamilya (family) that I can rely on for just about anything.
What is your favorite thing to do on a typical Thursday? Before the pandemic ensued, my absolute favorite thing to do on my typical Thursday was volunteering through Rowan’s Get FIT program. As a pre-Occupational Therapy student, this program helped get my feet wet for the profession. This program brings in young adults with cognitive and physical disabilities seeking to enhance their physical well-being through exercise. The young adults can even work out with their family members as well. During my short time in the program, I had the pleasure of being paired with a nonverbal client that brought joy to my face whenever we met. Seeing him smile from exercises I taught him brought me happiness, and helped reassure me that I was making the right career choice for future.
What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you? Coming to Rowan, one happy surprise was realizing how close the campus is to Philly. It was an even better surprise when I learned that Rowan has a free shuttle to Philly every Friday. This allowed me to venture into the city just about every other weekend, learning about different neighborhoods and people of the city. Through different networking opportunities offered by RUPAC, I met incredible people from the Filipino clubs of Philly schools. Ultimately, it was these networking opportunities that helped me decide on attending University of the Sciences in Philadelphia to earn my master’s in Occupational Therapy this upcoming May.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor or staff member in which you felt like they truly cared about your wellbeing. In my third and final year on staff with ResLife, my Resident Director, Bri Vogel, made me feel as though someone truly cared about my wellbeing. As RAs, we have biweekly one-on-one meetings with our Resident Director. These meetings turned into free therapy sessions between Bri and I; she fostered an environment in which we were comfortable sharing personal details about our lives both in and outside of ResLife. Bri was an integral part of my journey in coming to terms with my suffering mental health, and I can’t thank her enough for encouraging me to start counseling through the Wellness Center. When people say that some of the biggest lessons you learn from college come from outside of the classroom, I feel like this small snippet of my four years at Rowan is a true testament to that.
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Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
Senior Reflects: Biological Sciences Major, Future Veterinarian Kimberly Zullo
Today we feature senior Kimberly Zullo, a biological sciences major from Rockaway, NJ (Morris County) with an honors concentration.
Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? Working in Admissions, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know a lot of the professional staff in the Admissions department. Dr. Jessica Syed oversees the Admissions Ambassador program, and through my years at Rowan, I think my favorite moments were the conversations and meetings I had in her office. As a Coordinator, we have a LOT of meetings, but we always have fun and I will always cherish the time that I got to spend working with JP.
What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? I think my favorite personal moments at Rowan were spent with my service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. We have been able to participate in service projects both on campus and in the community, and the bond that I’ve created with my APO brothers is something that will last a lifetime.
What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I have dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since I was a child, and next year, I will be able to pursue that dream at Cornell University! I think the programs at Rowan have definitely helped me pursue this dream because they’ve given me endless opportunities both within my field and in extracurriculars. The programs at Rowan have allowed me to hone my skills in the sciences but also remain well-rounded by staying involved in clubs and music!
Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? Thank you to my parents and grandparents for always believing me and supporting me in everything that I do. Thank you to all of my campus family: Admissions Ambassadors, APO, Pre-Vet Club, the Hecht Research Group, and my Holly Pointe A-Pod squad, for keeping me sane and making life at Rowan something I’ll never forget. I would also like to thank all of my professors, especially Dr. Hecht, for pushing me to be my best.
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Senior Reflects: Chemistry Major Mia Meola
Today we feature senior Mia Meola, a chemistry major from Hackettstown, New Jersey (Warren County) who lived on campus in Whitney Center. She plans to further her education at Rowan next spring.
Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? The faculty at Rowan University is incredible. One of the greatest people I have had the pleasure of knowing at Rowan is Philosophy and World Religions Professor Dr. Whitney Cox. I have been able to take classes with Dr. Cox for the last three consecutive semesters. I have learned so much from Dr. Cox and had a lot of fun in her classes. Her office door was always open, and she was willing to listen and provide guidance no matter what it was about. She would never rush us or show any sort of disinterest in our thoughts or ideas. Even if I came to her office to vent for an hour about my life being a mess, she was there to listen, give snacks, and let me hang out with her dogs.
There was not a day I left her class or office without a smile on my face and a huge sense of fulfillment. She helped me in so many ways and fostered my passion for World Religions (I added it as a minor this year!). Dr. Cox is not only an amazing educator, but an amazing person. She truly cares about her students and it was refreshing to feel so validated. I have grown so much in my time at Rowan University, and Dr. Cox played a key part in that.
What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan? I had the privilege of being involved in Women Inspiring a New Generation of Scientists (W.I.N.G.S.) since my freshman year, serving as an e-board member the last two years. We had the opportunity to go to different schools around Glassboro to teach lessons and conduct experiments with students. We also held events for the local Girl Scouts. My favorite personal moments at Rowan are when I have gotten to work with these children and young adults. I will never forget the times that I have seen an interest or love for S.T.E.M. be born firsthand. Getting to play a role in this and being able to show young girls that they can be scientists too, has been so meaningful.
What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? After finishing this degree, I plan to continue my graduate studies at Rowan. I will be pursuing a master’s in S.T.E.M. Education starting next spring. My goal is to become a high school chemistry teacher. The people and programs at Rowan have been crucial to helping with these goals and aspirations. From being an e-board member, a learning assistant for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, working as an undergraduate research assistant, and to every class, club and event in between. Rowan has afforded me so many incredible opportunities to pursue my passions. There is nowhere in the world I would rather continue my education!
Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors? I would have never made it to this day without all the amazing people in my life. I’d like to thank my family, who have never stopped supporting me for a second. Every time I fell, they were right there to pick me back up again. And they have always celebrated even the little victories. I would also like to thank every professor, advisor, and faculty member I have had the chance to cross paths with at Rowan University. These people have pushed and inspired me in ways I never thought possible. I am forever grateful for every person, memory, and opportunity Rowan has blessed me with.
A huge shout out to the College of Science and Mathematics and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, (especially Dr. Gregory Caputo, Dr. Timothy Vaden, The Vaden Lab, Dr. Matthew Pilarz, and the ladies of W.I.N.G.S.). Lastly, to all the friends I have made along the way. You all have made me the person I am today. You have become my family and made Rowan my second home. Thank you for all the memories! The last four years have been a rollercoaster, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Congrats to the rest of the Class of 2020. Things might not have turned out the way we pictured it, but we did it.
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Senior Reflects: Computer Science Major Looks Forward To Her Career in Cyber Forensics
Meet Monica Mahon, a graduating senior from Northfield, NJ 
(Atlantic County) who majored in computer science and plans to continue her studies at Rowan with a master’s in computer science. Monica lived on campus since sophomore year, and Glassboro has been a home to her family before as her father attended Rowan University when it was Glassboro State.
Favorite moment with a faculty member: There are so many moments that stood out in my computer science classes, but one of my most memorable classroom experiences happened during my freshman year in Biology 1. My professor brought her two pet birds, a parrot and a pigeon, to class on the last day. The pigeon wore a diaper, and they flew around the classroom the whole time. It was a great last day of class.
How you met your closest friends: I met my best friend, Michael, in one of my classes my freshman year. We didn’t know each other, but we
just picked seats next to each other anyway. We became best friends. One of my favorite memories was waiting in the rain for Hollybash last year. It was pouring, and Michael and a bunch of our friends were all huddled together under a tent waiting for the free cheesesteaks that we ordered to be finished. The absurdity of 20-ish college kids huddled together under a 10×10 tent for free food in a thunderstorm makes this stick out.
Career Aspirations: My ultimate goal is to become a cyber forensics investigator in law enforcement. They’re the people who investigate criminals’ computers for digital evidence. My next step is an internship with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as an Information Technology Specialist, and then completing my master’s in computer science here at Rowan next May.
Shout Outs: I want to shout out all of the computer science professors and advisors; they’ve all helped me along my journey and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance. I also want to shout out my parents for being my #1 supporters throughout college.
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Senior Psychology Major Says Young Son Was “Motivation” For Her Degree
Today we feature Ashley D. Steever, a Psychology major from Atco, NJ (Camden County). A first-generation college student, she transferred to Rowan from Camden County College. Ashley shares her favorite Rowan moments and thanks those who encouraged her as she worked full-time and raised a family while studying at Rowan.
Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or favorite experience in one of your classes.
My favorite moment was from last semester while taking the course Drugs, Alcohol & Tobacco (which is my career field). The professor was very real and down-to-earth and seemed to really engage the students. She and I chatted often after class about relevant topics and our personal experiences. She actually asked me to do a Narcan presentation/training for the class. I was really excited to educate my fellow classmates and was really appreciative of the opportunity. She was a great professor and made a great listener.
What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?
Honestly, bringing my young son to Mommy’s school was a pretty meaningful moment. He was only about a year old, but it meant a lot to show him around campus. After all, he is my motivation for getting my degree and starting my career.
What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?
I am a Psychology major and did not know much about it when I first started. Rowan, and especially the Psychology as a Profession and Practice course, helped me to understand exactly what I could get out of a career and not just a degree. I am working toward my bachelor’s and then eventually my CADC to become a drug and alcohol counselor.
Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my family for all of their support through my very long educational journey. With working full-time and raising a family I have only been able to attend 2-3 classes a semester at Rowan. So it has taken me longer than expected to finish. My mom and my husband have supported me through it all and never gave up on me. I also want to thank my counselors, Megan Kately and Talia Musero, for always being there with answers, advice and feedback to keep me on track. It feels great to be so close to the finish line.
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Senior Reflects: Elementary Ed/Mathematic Dual Major Thanks Professors
Meet Jacob Kauffman, an elementary education/mathematics dual major who commuted from Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County.)
Favorite mom
ent: A number of favorite moments come to mind so with that in mind I’d like to take this time to thank the entire mathematics department in Robinson Hall for always being there and willing to answer any questions that I had about my math courses!
Most Meaningful Moment: The most meaningful personal moment that I had at Rowan has to be the friends I made while student teaching. I never would have made it through it all without them! You know who you are!
Career Aspirations: I finished my degree in mathematics and it was one of the most difficult things I had ever done. Once I finally start teaching, I can’t wait to help my students overcome the obstacles that I struggled with for so long. None of this would have been possible without a select number of extremely helpful and kind math professors.
Shout outs! I’d like to thank my family for supporting me all through my college career and I’d also like to give a special thanks to Dr. Charalampos (Babis) Papachristou and Dr. Edward Dougherty both from the Rowan mathematics department who always went above and beyond whenever I asked for help.
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Senior Prepares for Last Year of 4+1 Program, Gives Advice to Future Educators
Today we speak with Jacob Emig, a senior chemistry major pursuing a master’s degree in education as part of a five-year program at Rowan. Jacob transferred to Rowan from Rowan College at Burlington County and commutes to campus from his home in Marlton, NJ (Burlington County).
Why did you choose Rowan?
I went to Rowan College at Burlington County, and I knew a lot of my courses would automatically transfer over to Rowan, which made the financial aspect much better. I commute from home, which isn’t too far from Rowan, which makes it easier. My drive is usually around 30 to 40 minutes. I try to schedule my classes for two or three days a week, and stay on campus pretty much all day. This allows me to also work on the days when I don’t have classes.
What inspired you to choose chemistry and education?
I went into the chemistry major directly set on teaching — the end goal was to become a chemistry teacher the whole time. I studied autobody at a trade school, and I loved that, but I also had a love for chemistry and teaching in high school. Teaching came naturally to me, and I thought it could be a very rewarding career.
I am in the Combined Advanced Degree Program (CADP) with a BA in science for chemistry and a master’s in education, part of the five-year program. Over the past four years, I’ve been taking chemistry courses with some education classes mixed in, and next year I’ll be student teaching as part of the requirements for my master’s degree. I’ll be student teaching at a high school with students in the class probably ranging from freshmen to seniors.
How do you think your Rowan education will benefit your student teaching experience?
What I learned at Rowan will definitely benefit me. You usually don’t get the chance to understand teaching until you’re actually in the classroom environment. A lot of my courses explain how students learn information and the most beneficial ways of teaching, and it’s all helpful information. I was talking to one of my old high school teachers, and she suggested definitely going for a master’s and gaining that student-teaching experience. It’s very helpful to have a teacher guiding you as you learn your way through navigating the classroom and its challenges.
Tell us about your favorite class in your major that might have had an impact on your studies.
I had a lot of fun chemistry classes because I just find [chemistry] interesting. A lot of them go into in-depth studies, and my professors are great. My favorite is the one I am wrapping up this semester, STEM Teaching and Research Methods. I was disappointed it was transitioned to an online format because of Covid-19, because it’s a very discussion-based class. We talk about how students learn and the things to keep in mind while teaching. It’s given me a perspective that people wouldn’t normally think about while teaching, like the way you approach a lesson, and the ways you can answer a question. I got to see the opinions of not only my professor but also my classmates.
Have you had any mentors or faculty role models to guide you?
Professors can really influence your experience as a future educator. Professor Trevor Smith is always encouraging to us as students and seems to genuinely enjoy his job. He’s passionate about his subject matter, and being in his class and seeing the way he teaches and seeing how excited he was about teaching was inspiring.
Any advice for future educators?
When you get into the higher level STEM courses, they can become pretty difficult. If you’re in the field more for the teaching side, it can seem like more work than necessary to become a teacher. But if you’re passionate and genuinely care about helping students and making an impact in their lives, it’s definitely worth it in the end. You just have to put in the work to get you there.
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Meet #Rowan2024: Full Ride to Rowan
Today we feature Analiz Santana, an incoming freshman from Pennsauken, NJ (Camden County) who will live on campus. Analiz will be a biological sciences major, with a pre-med track.
Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because I was offered a full ride because of my academic achievements. It is also close to home and my sister is a student at Rowan as well and lives on campus so I will be around her more. On top of that, Rowan made me feel most comfortable, without any worries. Rowan allows for me as a student athlete to be able to have an academic life, social life and still be an athlete if I chose to be.
Why or how did you choose your major?
I chose my major after talking to my guidance counselor about options. I plan on being a OBGYN and this major will lead me in the direction of my intended career path.
What are a few things you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am looking forward to experiencing living in a dorm and handling an on-campus life. I also look forward to making friends at social functions like football games.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? (Or a new one you’d like to try?)
I have played high school basketball all four years. I am not committed to playing at Rowan but am planning on either trying out for the women’s team or playing club basketball.
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Meet #Rowan2024: Aspiring Athletic Trainer
Today we feature Bridget Richards, an athletic training major from Brick, NJ (Ocean County) who attended St. Rose High School in Belmar, NJ. Bridget will live on campus.
How or why did you choose your major?
I’m an athletic training major and I was inspired by my cousin who is an athletic trainer in Michigan.
Why did you choose a university relatively close to home?
Rowan is about an hour and a half away from where I live now, so it’s close but not super close! I also plan to live in NJ when I am older so going to a college in state just made more sense.
What are some things you’re looking forward to at Rowan next year?
I’m extremely excited to meet new people and make fun college memories next year. I plan on rushing a sorority in the spring of my freshman year!
Why Rowan?
Personally attending Rowan just made the most sense. I fell in love with the campus and everything it has to offer!!
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Meet #Rowan2024: Biological Sciences & Ice Hockey, George Genzel
Today we feature incoming freshman George Genzel of Clementon, NJ (Camden County), who will live on campus. George will be a biological sciences major and is interested in Rowan Ice Hockey.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? (Or one new thing you’d like to try?)
One activity I am planning on continuing at Rowan is ice hockey. I have been playing all my life and hope to contribute as much as I can to the program. Also I am open to joining clubs and meeting new people on campus.
Why did you choose a university close to home?
I chose a University close to home because of the activities in the area. Rowan is a short drive from many popular places like Philadelphia or Ocean City so there will always be plenty to do besides school work.
How or why did you choose your major?
I plan on majoring in biological sciences. I chose this major because in high school my sciences classes were more interesting to me than any other subject. Whether it was anatomy or chemistry I always took a liking to these classes.
Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because of the exciting atmosphere on campus and the many activities students can be a part of. Being able to pursue a degree while attending a university where there is always something new and exciting to do is important to me and I believe Rowan offers this better than many other colleges.
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Meet #Rowan2024: Maria Mousa Has Pre-Med Aspirations
Today we feature Maria Mousa, an incoming freshman from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County) who will be a biology major and live on campus.
How or why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because I have always wanted to go into medicine and I have always been really interested in science so Biology felt like the perfect choice for me. Rowan is also very well known for preparing students for going into medical school.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? (Or a new one you’d like to try?)
I played field hockey throughout high school so I am thinking about looking into playing club. I would also like to do student government because I did that in high school and I would love to continue that. I am also looking forward to joining other clubs. 
Why Rowan?
Rowan is a perfect school. The campus is the perfect size and there is a good amount of people. They have amazing pre-med programs and their own medical school which makes it even better.
What are a few things you are looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am looking forward to moving into my dorm room and meeting new people, I am also excited to join new clubs.
Why did you choose a university that is close to home?
I wanted to be able to move out and get that college dorm experience but at the same time I wanted to be able to come home whenever possible.
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Meet #Rowan2024: Ph.D. Aspirations from Brick, NJ Native, Rebecca Ingenito
Today we feature incoming freshman Rebecca Ingenito, who will double major in translational biomedical sciences and biological sciences. She is from Brick, NJ (Ocean County) and will live on campus.
Why did you choose your major?
I just remember being about 11 years old, and asking my mom for a microscope because of my interest in the things we can’t see. I chose the major I did because for as long as I can remember I have been curious in hot topics in the biomedical field such as stem Cell research and CRISPR Genome Editing. I knew for about 7 years now that I wanted to pursue science and earn a Ph.D. I’m happy I finally get to pursue that.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? (Or a new one you’d like to try?)
In high school I did computer club where I learned about another huge interest of mine: cyber security. So I’ll probably join Cyber Security Club. I also intended on joining the Chabad Jewish Student Association.
Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because the graduation rate was better than other schools I previously looked at, I also love how the university is a very STEM based school. Because my intention is to earn a Ph.D., I wanted to attend a university that offered graduate programs and Rowan just seemed like the perfect fit for me.
Why did you choose a university that is relatively close to home?
Choosing Rowan did not have much to do with location. I was looking at schools out of state, but chose Rowan because of the great reputation they had.
What are a few things you are looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am looking forward to learning more about my passion and progressing in the field of STEM.
Meet #Rowan2024: D&D Fan Joining Our Team
Today we feature incoming freshman Aspen Mercado, a Haddon Heights, NJ (Camden County) resident who will major in computer science and commute to campus.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
I really want to continue playing D&D at Rowan because I’m relatively new at it seeing as I’ve only been playing for two years, but I enjoy it so much. I’ve really found out a lot about myself through playing, and I just have so much fun with it. I haven’t had so much fun with something as I do with D&D and even if I can’t continue through Rowan, I’m going to anyway because I’m not going to let it go.
Why did you choose a university closer to home?
I had chosen a university that is so close to home because I enjoy my hometown a little too much to leave just yet. Also most of my friends are staying within town and I want to be able to experience a few more years with them while I can. It also makes it easier for me to continue part time work to finance my education partially if I don’t leave town. Purely from a financial standpoint, it was simply just easier on me to not leave and I happen to enjoy NJ. 
Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because it was cost effective, and out of all the colleges I had researched for computer science, I had seen the biggest positive response from Rowan. I also looked at the campus and it was so pretty. As I’ve said previously, Rowan has appealed to me for quite a long while and it’s such a dream come true of mine to finally be attending. I’m a mix of extremely excited and terribly nervous, I can’t wait for the fall.
What are you looking forward to at Rowan next year?
There are a lot of things that I am looking forward to next year at Rowan, the thing I’m looking forward to the most I’d say is a looser schedule. Second to that, would be the opportunity to meet new people. A few friends of mine are also attending Rowan and seeking the same major, but I’m very excited to meet new people and make new friends, connections and memories.
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Biology Alum Thanks Professors for Guiding Him Toward Medical School
Today we speak with Nick San Juan, a former transfer student and biological sciences major who graduated in 2019. Nick commuted to Rowan for his undergraduate studies from his home in Deptford, NJ (Gloucester County), and is working his way toward medical school to continue his education.
You mentioned you were a transfer student and a commuter. Where did you transfer from, and why did you choose Rowan?
I went to Rowan College at Gloucester County originally, then transferred to Rutgers New Brunswick for a year and realized that it didn’t fit me personally. I wanted a school closer to home in South Jersey that was smaller and more personal, and so that’s why I chose Rowan.
My first class at Rowan was with Dr. Gregory Eaton. On the first day of classes, most professors like to get to know students, so we did one of those ice breaker activities. I told the class that I was a transfer and this was my first day at Rowan and that I was a little nervous. He took the time to ask me questions about where I transferred from. He shared that he also transferred to Rowan from RCGC, and said that if I had any questions about campus or the biology department to ask him. I really appreciate the time he took to make me feel comfortable.
How did you meet new people and stay involved on campus as a commuter?
I went to several club meetings and tried my hand in a few different clubs I was interested in. Because Rowan is a smaller campus, you get to see certain faces regularly and recognize them, and eventually build relationships with some of these people.
Do you have any advice for future transfer students or commuters?
I definitely recommend going to events and trying to be more involved. It can be lonely as a commuter and a transfer student because you don’t really know too many people right away and don’t stay on campus, so you have the mindset that you’re just here for class and not to make friends. But I think that’s a negative outlook, and I’d recommend getting out of your comfort zone and building up the courage to make new friends. College is a unique experience for everyone, and the way to get the most out of that experience is to meet new and different kinds of people.
How did you get involved in your major?
I didn’t have a linear path to biology or a conventional desire to pursue it out of high school. I initially studied math and engineering, until I realized that particular branch of science wasn’t for me. I decided to take a look into biology, and once I considered the potential careers [I could pursue], I decided that this was the major for me.
What has your career path looked like since you finished your undergrad?
I am applying to medical school this summer. I will be pursuing medicine, and aim to become a physician at some point. It’s still up in the air for me, which branch of medicine I want to practice, but I know I’ll have plenty of time to explore the different branches of medicine. The two institutions I’m primarily considering are Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.
[On the day these photos were captured], I [am] actually on campus to ask Dr. Gregory Hecht for a letter of recommendation. He’s very approachable and personable. My experience in his class was very positive. I’d go to his office hours every week and ask him questions. I think we definitely built a relationship to the point that I felt I could approach him to ask for a recommendation, because we got to know each other over the course of the semester I was in his class, and I think he was someone who took note of my work ethic.
What are your goals for the future? How do you feel that Rowan has prepared you?
I really enjoyed my time in the science courses at Rowan. My professors really developed me professionally and taught the material in ways that just made sense. Almost everything I was able to learn really stuck with me, and I think I can use that background and the things I have learned here in the medical education I will be fortunate enough to receive in the future.
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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Pharmaceutical Sciences Grad Student Discusses Her Research
A passionate graduate student who works on computer-aided drug and molecular dynamic simulations, Holli-Joi Sullivan’s research primarily focuses on different cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. First drawn into this field after taking a course with Dr. Chun Wu, Holli-Joi has been in love with the work that she does every day since. A graduate student in […]
Alumni Success: Psychology Major Natalie Torres
Today, we speak to Natalie Torres, from Morris County, NJ, who is a Rowan alumna. She graduated with a Psychology undergraduate degree in May 2016 and then earned her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in August 2018.
We speak to Natalie about why she originally chose Rowan and how Rowan has prepared her for her success as a child psychologist and her current pursuit in becoming a board-certified behavior analyst.
“I originally chose Rowan because I felt like I would not be just another number. The size of campus and the size of the classes were perfect for me. I didn’t have to take a packed bus to different locations just to get to class, and everything was close by.”
Natalie also had heard that Rowan had a great Psychology program. She instantly knew that with the distance, size, affordability and the great reputation, that this was the school for her.
“I always knew from a young age that I had wanted to go into psychology. So many people would come up to me asking me for advice, I enjoyed helping them and working through their problems. I find psychology to be extremely fascinating and helpful! When it came time to start thinking about college and what route I wanted to take, I discussed the possibilities with a teacher of mine. I told her I wanted to go into psychology but more specifically, I wanted to work with children who have autism.”
Natalie feels passionate about helping the education, growth and development of children with disabilities and behavioral disorders.
“Autism hits close to home for me and my family. So when she told me that Rowan had an applied behavior analysis concentration and a master’s program as well, I knew that Rowan was where I needed to be!”
When Natalie wasn’t studying Psychology in her classes, she was pushing her education even further with her on-campus job.
“I first worked for the payroll services at Rowan, then the Rowan mailroom for two more years after that. Then, I finally began working as a research assistant for my professors in the ABA program. During my master’s, I worked for the ABA center as well.”
However, Natalie admits, she has had her fair share of obstacles during her time as a college student.
“The biggest thing I had to overcome was my time management skills. Once I knew that I had successfully gotten into the master’s program, I knew that I had to juggle doing hours of research, staying on top of my classes and doing my assignments on time. Time management was essential for me!”
Natalie has achieved so much during her time at Rowan, so we had to ask, did the future seem bright?
“Throughout my time at Rowan, I was fortunate enough to have amazing professors who were willing to help me at any time. My professors were extremely credible and well-known in the field, so that gave my classmates and I the advantage of receiving great advice and mentoring. I not only felt prepared, but extremely confident that I would succeed!”
Natalie was not only successful in finding a great education at Rowan, but she also made an amazing connection and relationship too.
“I believe Rowan has not only prepared me, but also my boyfriend of seven years, Gene.”
Natalie’s boyfriend, Gene Maier, is also a Rowan alumnus with two degrees in accounting and finance. He now works for the accounting firm Baker Tilly in Philadelphia.
Natalie shares: “Rowan has really helped us both in building our careers. Currently, I’m working for a specialized school for children with disabilities in their autism campus. There, I work with children from various locations ranging from toddlers to adolescents. We bought our first house a year and a half ago here in Cherry Hill. We also got our first dog together too, Carsen!”
While Natalie has so much success around her currently, we still wanted to know what she has planned for the future.
“I’m currently working on taking the test to get my BCBA certification. Once I become a board-certified behavioral analyst, I can continue to help and support so many more families and children.”
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Story and photography by:
Bianca Torres, junior music industry major
#PROFspective: DJ and Resident Assistant JT Kurtz
Name: JT Kurtz
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County)
On campus resident or commuter: I am a resident assistant in Chestnut Hall
First-generation college student? Yes
Academic or social clubs you are a part of: I am a part of Rowan University Philippine American Coalition (RUPAC), I do research for the psychology department and College of Business, I am a learning assistant for Introduction to Computer Science, and I oversee the computer science learning community.
What inspired you to choose your major? I aspire to be a full-stack developer, which is a person who has the ability to design and develop both the front-end and back-end of a software program.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
Persevere. Going into computer science is challenging, but very rewarding. When you see results, you will recognize the work you put in, and it is a lot of work. Rowan’s Computer Science department has so many opportunities. There are so many internships, jobs and co-op program opportunities. Also, be independent, but don’t be afraid to ask people for help.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge? I can’t pinpoint a certain moment, but there come times where you really can’t figure things out and it gets tough. I got through it by having my RA staff around and being honest with them. 
They were motivational. Listening to music and getting in the zone helps. I learned to not be afraid to ask for help from some of my computer science major friends, then that translated into feeling comfortable asking for help from professors.
Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you. When I first stepped on campus, I felt at home. Rowan isn’t too big, or too small. It felt just right. During orientation, Professor Jack Myers really hyped up computer science, which motivated and influenced me to pursue my degree. He got me excited about the major and made me feel like computer science was what I wanted to do with my life. I also knew Rowan had the tools to help me go far.
How has DJing impacted your experience at Rowan and vice versa? I love to DJ. I DJ for on campus events, formals, and I also outsource to other
universities. When I outsource to other universities and in the outside world, I am representing Rowan. Being an RA has made me more confident and comfortable, as well as increases my interpersonal skills. These qualities are transferrable to my DJing. Both jobs have also taught me how to be adaptable and make people feel welcome. Also, DJing has helped me make many connections, and being an RA people reach out to me to DJ their events.
How will being a DJ and an RA affect your future career? Both jobs go back to the fact that I love technology and helping others. My goal to be a full-stack developer is to help people, and both jobs allow me to help others in different ways. For example, as an RA, I was able to redesign the duty system for housing. The system made scheduling a lot easier for everyone. Being a DJ, if a party or event is dying and starting to become slow, I rescue it and bring the event back to a party level.
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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
How One Professor Changed My Perspective on Math
Meet Adriana Simiriglio, a junior Elementary Education major specializing in Mathematics from Gloucester County. Today she shares how her mathematics professor changed her outlook on teaching and learning that ultimately made her a better problem-solver and soon-to-be teacher.
I’m an education major. This means that I will relearn nearly 12 years of schooling, but this time from another perspective.
I was a little hesitant to take my math class my first year. I was good at math, but I was never the strongest at it, and I was afraid that college math would be at least 50 times harder than what I experienced during my regular school years.
It wasn’t.
I walked into the classroom to meet my bright-eyed professor, William Smith, who welcomed me with open arms and was already practicing everyone’s names. He placed us sitting in different groups, where I was able to meet three other education majors who were scared of math just like me.
He started out by handing us all a pencil because he knew a lot of us would ultimately forget. However, it was what he had inscribed on the pencil that got my mind reeling.
“Math is not a spectator sport.”
Professor Smith began to explain what this math class really was. We had to relearn all of math, starting with regular addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and then next semester, we’ll continue with fractions and probability. I was shocked. I had to relearn addition and subtraction? That was a kindergarten skill that I had already mastered many eons ago.
I thought I knew it all. I was wrong.
To help support us, Professor Smith made his own textbook and made it available in a PDF form. He explained he would never to assign too much homework because assigning book problems that don’t give us an answer and show us how to solve the problem are useless because we will never learn that way.
As soon as he was done explaining, he put addition problems on the board. Simple addition problems, but this started the epiphany of why math isn’t as scary as it looks.
The problems were easy, 2+2, 5+5, 20+10. When he asked us to explain our answer, we just simply said that “we knew it.” There was no explanation.
That’s the problem. We are never forced to explain. We are robots to the common knowledge, but we don’t know why or how we got the answers to the problems.
Now for the big guns, 367+83. Everyone was amused by what we thought was humor. So, we grabbed our papers, carried and borrowed with confidence, and all came up with the same answer. When we were asked why, it was just because “we were taught that way.” We had absolutely no knowledge of why we did math the way we did math.
This is when he explained the pinnacle of what math truly is:
We are forced in our classes to memorize formulas, patterns, ways of solving problems the quickest. We are never taught to look at the problem, become problem solvers, and think of our own way to solve it. He asked how many of us were told by our teachers “not to use your way,” or “don’t use your parents way, just stick to this” even though we were getting the right answers. We were forced to copy the work of our teachers, and expected to get the right answers. All of us raised our hands. He told us he is going to guide us through this class, but he is not going to teach it, we are.
We are going to explain our thinking of answers to the class, share our own ways of solving the problem so others can try, and most importantly: scrap all formulas and shortcuts because they will never show you what math truly is. No more carrying and borrowing, no more solving from the right to the left. He taught us so many different ways to add, subtract, multiply, and divide so we could find what works best for us. Tests told us on every question to use the method that works best for us.
Throughout the semester, he had us volunteer to lead the class lessons, and as I started to feel comfortable and confident with my own work, I took strides and led the class multiple times, even within the first week of school. He told us that if we are going to be teachers, we have to get up in front of the class and explain something that is our biggest fear to our peers first.
But why? Why did we feel confident? The answer is simple: We were allowed to let our brains work out and process problems in a way that we could figure out. We weren’t force-fed information that we had to mimic, but instead, we were given full range to expand our minds and understand what we were learning.
So yes, math is not a spectator sport. It requires effort, thinking, and problem-solving skills. But when you open your mind to the different possibilities that math has to offer, it is only the beginning of what you can accomplish. Not only did this class change my perspective on math as a future teacher, but it made me feel confident instead of belittled when I couldn’t solve a problem, it made me feel empowered that I could solve the problems the way that I saw fit, and most importantly: this class taught me that math isn’t something to be afraid of. It is only yourself that can make you afraid, but when you have the right teacher, math can be as easy as 3.14.
Interested in education? Learn more about our majors.
Story by:
Adriana Simiriglio, junior elementary education major
Beyond The Classroom: What It’s Like Being A Mummer
Meet TJ Ferry, a senior Computing and Informatics major and Rowan University Social Media team member from Gloucester County. Here, TJ shares how being part of the iconic Mummers tradition has changed his life for the better.
Most people ring in the New Year at midnight with a few choruses of “Auld Lang Syne” and toasting the promise of new beginnings and a new year. That is, unless you are a Mummer. We ring in the New Year with hundreds of thousands of plumes, feathers and instruments.
The Philadelphia Mummers Parade is a culmination of a year’s worth of imagination, hard work and practice that dates back to 1901. No one in the parade is a professional musician, but all take their craft very seriously. Participants in the parade range from eight years old up to 98.
It is a spectacle that entertains many, but to my family and me, it is much more; it represents tradition. The Mummers are so much more than what happens on New Year’s Day.
I was born into this unique hobby thanks to my grandfather. He was not only a musician, but for 32 years he served the needs of the Ferko String Band in a multitude of various positions including President, member of the Board of Directors, and as Ferko’s Delegate to the String Band Association. The String Band Judging Booth has been named in his honor since 2016.
As a tribute to him, I decided that it was my calling to play the banjo as he did. Fast forward to today and I am currently a member of the Quaker City String Band, where my grandfather began his Mummer career.
Early on Jan. 2, 2019, my cousin Joe Ferry was one of the three killed in an automobile accident. This tragic event shook the Mummers community to the core; however, it also showed that we are truly a community. In the honor of the individuals who passed away in this tragic event, a foundation was created to provide scholarships and funds to help those who are suffering in the Mummers community. The Mummers helped the Palandro, Ferry and Wiesley families cope with this event and make it through the tough times.
In Joe’s honor, the Joe Ferry Christmas String Band was created. This band is comprised of members from the Quaker City, Fralinger, Polish American and South Philadelphia String Bands. I was honored to be a part of this band on Dec. 14, 2019, when we spent the day bringing holiday cheer to various hospitals in Philadelphia. To me, this is what Mummery is truly about — spreading cheer and entertaining people, seeing people on the sidelines smiling while you are in a parade or someone dancing and clapping along in their seats while you are playing a concert makes it all worth it.
When I started this hobby, I truly did not expect to take it where it has taken me. Sure, it has educated me musically, but it has taught me social skills, public speaking, social media skills, marketing, you name it.
I continue to learn more every day from the leaders of the hobby. Mummery has brought me out of my shell. I went from being a shy 16-year-old to when I started this hobby to a well-rounded 22-year-old soon-to-be Rowan University graduate at the time of writing this article. I have met my best friends from this hobby, and no matter what, we are all family. Like a family, we don’t always agree on things, we fight sometimes, even drama goes on. We also laugh like family and kid like brothers and sisters.
For almost my entire college career, I have been a part of Rowan University’s Social Media team. This would have never happened without this hobby. I started working for the Ferko String Band social media department in a hand-me-down situation and was not really sure where to begin. Two years later, I created a successful YouTube channel and drove engagement to the band’s social media higher than it ever was before. This helped me land my job at Rowan.
I have also worked on web projects in different capacities for string bands due to my skills through my studies at Rowan. For the past few years, I have been co-operating a database that provides the history of the String Band division. This has taught me to work in a team and helped ease into my courses Applied Database Technologies and Intro To Web Development. Just recently, I was honored to receive Quaker City’s Class – Pride – Commitment award in 2019.
Story by:
TJ Ferry, Computing and Informatics major
Rowan University Social Media student team member
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Smaller Classes, Industry Connections Set Biochemistry Grad Jennifer Chin up for Success
Meet Jennifer Chin, a 2015 graduate from the College of Science & Mathematics. She is from Clarksboro, NJ (Gloucester County) and works for FMC Corporation, an agricultural sciences company, as an associate scientist doing formulations. Today, she will share with us her journey from her Rowan University experience to her work at FMC.
What inspired you to major in BioChem?
Initially when I started, I was pursuing teaching math. As I took courses, I felt like I needed something more. Then I switched to bio and then after that I was like, ‘I think this is OK.’
Then I saw biochemistry and said, ‘Wow, this is interesting.’ I switched to BioChem and I really loved it. I feel like at Rowan especially when I was here, it was much more chemistry based for biochemistry, which I really enjoyed and liked.
Why did you choose Rowan University?
I chose to come to Rowan because they offered smaller classes. I could get more information, it was more one-on-one. I know that for [larger schools] they have massive classes and I felt like I would have drowned, especially when I was first starting out because of my personality. I wanted something smaller, I didn’t want to get overwhelmed.
How has Rowan University impacted your life?
Rowan has given me more exposure — meaning, the people I have been connecting with, networking. When I was here at Rowan, I was under [Dr. Gregory] Caputo, he was my research adviser. It was my junior and senior year that I was in his research lab. In his research lab there were other students, and we all got really close. After college we all diversified, but we are still constantly learning from each other and meet up. Every person has their own industry experiences and we all talk about science. So, now post-college I still have all those connections and networks and still count with them.
How has Dr. Caputo impacted you?
I can’t even begin to say how much he has helped me. I think Dr. Caputo was my very first instance of how the industry actually works because there is a huge difference between academics and industry. By being in his lab, you get exposed to experiments that aren’t always going to work out 100% of the time, like they are supposed to. And I think that really helped me realize what to actually expect and to have that scientific mind of going through the process.
How well do you think Rowan prepared you to go into the industry?
I would say it prepared me in terms of knowing how to do research or how to figure out an answer. Academically it did prepare me for basic knowledge, but when you go out in the industry is a lot of how you figure out how you’re going to figure it out. So, I think Rowan helped me by knowing how to research a problem and how to figure it out.
What are you currently doing?
I work at FMC, and it’s an agricultural company. We make crop protection products like fungicide, insecticides and herbicides. Graduating college agriculture was nowhere on my list, I didn’t even know it was a thing. But then I got hired for a temporary position and I was under formulations. I got exposed to a lot of chemistry formulations and I absolutely fell in love with it.
What I tell a lot of people is yes, you want to enjoy your work, but find an environment where you are comfortable with the culture. It’s the people you work with and I feel like any job is 70% the people and 30% the job.
As a formulation chemist, what does your daily routine look like?
Recently, it has been going in really early, but it depends how much chaos happens during the day. The earliest I’ve gotten in, has been between 5:30 and 6 a.m. There have been times where I have been doing 80 to 90 hours a week. That is why you have to love what your doing.
My day consists of going in and checking emails, then I stay at the lab from sun up to sun down trying to get lots of things done. There’s formulation making, then physicals are performed on them, to see if they actually turned out the way you wanted them to be.
What is your favorite thing about Rowan or your favorite experience?
The people, and I think what I really loved was my research group. I would definitely recommend it to new students of biology and chemistry to join a research group, because that definitely has helped me a lot in the industry and it’s just great exposure to science.
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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major
Alumni Success: Health Promotion and Wellness Management Major Cory Bennett
“Rowan was actually my transfer institution. I went to another school for my first three semesters,” says Cory. “It was a liberal arts school, so I realized that it wasn’t the right place for me.” Cory had friends who attended Rowan and were raving about how they liked it. Since it was an in-state school, […]
Psychology Major “Breaks Labels” with Academic Success Center
Spend just five minutes with Matt Corsi, and it’s impossible not to smile — this Psychology major’s positivity and enthusiasm are infectious.
The transfer student from Deptford, NJ (Gloucester County) arrived on campus one week early this semester as part of College Compass, a program that provides students with disabilities with a transition into college life through early housing, workshops and campus tours.
Matt has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, but for him, helping others plays a far more important role than his own disabilities.
“I’m here to rip the label off, break the label. We’re more than that with hard work, with a heart, with passion,” he says.
A new student himself, Matt actually served on College Compass as a peer mentor. He received accommodations as a student at Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), which referred him to Rowan’s Academic Success Center (ASC, also known as the Disabilities Resource Center) when he enrolled at the university.
When he arrived at Rowan, he met with ASC Director John Woodruff, who said, “‘I want to have you on our peer mentoring team,’” Matt recalls.
In this role, Matt guided freshmen and fellow transfer students starting out at Rowan. He reveals he didn’t have to know everything on campus to be a good mentor; it was counseling students in areas where they struggled and helping them grow where he felt he could be most useful. Matt says he left the group with this quote: “Maximizing your potential will lead to your success.” He sees himself reflected in this message.
“If I can implement that to them, and they can see that I’ve done it, then I hope they’re more willing to do it, because they can, if they’ve really put everything into it,” Matt says.
Matt hopes to grow his leadership skills through Unified Sports, which he was part of at RCSJ for multiple years and for one as president.
“Unified Sports. That is my heart. I know Rowan has a championship school. It grows them socially and in so many aspects than in just sports. I have seen students who had anger issues who are now helping other students out,” Matt says.
Matt wants to be a mental health counselor post-grad, working with those with issues who he says “can [still] contribute” despite a social “stigma.”
So how does Matt stay so positive? He draws strength not only from helping others, but from defying the odds.
“Doctors told me my whole life I wouldn’t make it through college, and if I did, I would barely make it,” he shares. “And I graduated RCSJ and represented the whole class when I graduated.
“A lot of times we don’t know how much we can do. But when we say we’re going to give it our best and we do it — it doesn’t matter, that’s a victory.”
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#PROFspective: Vietnamese Student Association President Brianna Nghiem
Today, we speak with Brianna Nghiem, a junior Biological Sciences major from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County) who lives on-campus. Brianna will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.
Name: Brianna Nghiem
Major: Biological Sciences (3+4 BS/DO Program)
Minors and concentrations: Bantivoglio Honors Concentration in the Honors College
Year: Junior
Hometown and County: Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County)
Resident: Yes, I live in 220 Rowan Boulevard
Academic clubs: Bantivoglio Leadership and Service Training Program (Mentor)
Social clubs you are a part of: Vietnamese Student Association (President)
Share an “aha!” moment you’ve had within your major that made you feel passionate about your intended field. One moment in my major that made me feel passionate about my intended field was in my Intro to Cellular Biology class with Dr. [Gregory] Eaton. Learning about the different cellular processes in life and its complexity was an extraordinary experience. Although I have always known that I wanted to go to medical school, this class truly furthered my love for medicine.
Describe an experience you’ve shared with a professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field. When I was a freshman, I had a biology professor who I was very intimidated by on the first day of college. However, upon getting to know him during class and visits to office hours, it was apparent that he truly cared for his students and genuinely wanted us to all succeed academically and personally. Over the semester, he helped me develop proper study habits, manage my stress and ease my transition to college. He really helped to shape me into the student I am today. I have nothing but appreciation to have had him as a professor.
Describe an on-campus experience (academic or non-academic) in which you felt that your future goals are supported. When I was in high school, I was the President of my school’s Vietnamese Culture Club, where I developed passions for my culture as a Vietnamese American. During Summer 2017, as I was about to enter college, I always aspired to start a Vietnamese organization at Rowan with similar values to my high school club. The mission was to have an organization where interested students can unite and appreciate the beauty of the Vietnamese culture and traditions.
By fall 2018, three other students (Catherine Nguyen, Jessica Do, Jessica Liu) and I worked together to form the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). Dr. Thanh Nguyen, our advisor, has been incredibly supportive with this journey and with all of VSA’s goals. I am so blessed to have met such amazing individuals who are my biggest supporters and who constantly push me to become a better person of myself. As a result, VSA has made me realize my true potential and capabilities as a leader, as well as becoming my platform to connect with and provide support to others.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? Through the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), I was able to meet a family of unique yet compatible individuals, each of whom I am so grateful for. VSA embodies empowerment, inclusivity and cultural advocacy. Over this past year, VSA has become an outlet and safe space for not only my creativity, but also for my growth as an individual. The people I have met through VSA have helped mold me into the person I am today. I’m so privileged and honored to go through this journey in celebrating such a beautiful culture with them. Everyone in VSA has made me feel at home at Rowan.
Why did you choose Rowan? While I was applying to colleges, I had a close friend who was completing his education at Rowan. He shared with me his experiences and all of the wonderful opportunities he received through Rowan. As I researched more, I found that Rowan would provide me the best college experience in preparing me for medical school. The 3+4 BS/DO Program with Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine allows me to receive my bachelor’s degree and medical degree in seven years. Being here, I have met a community who is incredibly supportive of my dream and passion in becoming a physician. Deciding to come to Rowan was one of the best decisions I could have ever made.
What’s your favorite thing about your typical Monday at Rowan? My favorite thing about a typical Monday at Rowan are the Executive Board meetings for the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). Normally, our E-board meets on Monday mornings and everyone brings their favorite breakfast foods. At the meeting, we eat together, plan for upcoming events and bond with each other. My goals during these E-board meetings are not just to plan for events, but also to have time to connect and support each other on a personal level. VSA is more than a just club, it is family!
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling? Along with a full course load, I am currently studying for the MCAT, which I plan on taking in January. On a typical day, after doing MCAT practice, I usually take time in preparing for Vietnamese Student Association events, where each task varies depending on the upcoming meeting. In addition, I am a mentor for the Bantivoglio Leadership and Service Training (BLAST) Program, where I have the privilege of mentoring first-year students in the Honors College. My hope is not only guide them, but also to encourage and support them in the best way I can. Lastly, as a Music Director of the South Jersey Vietnamese Alliance Church, I spend a portion of my day coordinating plans in preparation for the next weeks.
Interested in joining the Vietnamese Student Association? Follow them on Instagram to get connected!
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Story and photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
#PROFspective: Bioinformatics Major Anne Marie Fernandez
Name: Anne Marie Fernandez 
Year: I would say that I’m a “super senior,” but I’m in the graduate portion of my combined BS/MS degree program.
Major: Bioinformatics
Hometown and county: Stratford, NJ (Camden County)
On-campus resident or commuter: Commuter
Where do you live (on or off campus): I live off-campus, at home, with my parents and younger sister.
First-generation college student?: Kind of! My mother graduated with her nursing degree in the Philippines, but I’m the first in my family to go to school in the U.S. and graduate with a degree.
Academic clubs: I am a member of the Tau Sigma Transfer Honor Society, Biology Club and Rowan University Philippine American Coalition (RUPAC).
Job on campus: I work in the Holly Pointe Commons office as a Service Assistant.
What inspired you to choose your major and the 4+1 program? When I was in the process of transferring to Rowan I was torn between Translational Biomedical Sciences and Bioinformatics, but the interdisciplinary aspect of bioinformatics is what won me over.
During the spring semester of my junior year, I felt that I wasn’t prepared enough to go into the job market after my senior year and I also was interested in taking more classes. Those two reasons pushed me into applying for the 4+1 program. I was especially interested in the new biology classes that were offering in the fall at that time, which are now offered under the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) department.
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field? The field of bioinformatics has ties to several different disciplines in the scientific community. A few major ones are: biology, chemistry, computer science, information technology, mathematics and statistics. Most research is based on biological or chemical data done on a molecular level. In the biological aspect, research is usually done on genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge? I feel that every student at one point questions whether they chose the right major, and I was definitely one of them at several points of my undergraduate career. When that happens, for me personally, it’s usually because I’m burnt out due to school and stress. To get through it, I typically take a break from my work and go over the reasons why I chose my major in the first place and recall all the great experiences I had by choosing this path, such as the people I met and made connections with and all the interesting topics I learned during the courses 
I took. But the major proponent that always puts me right back on track is my family, and how I would choose bioinformatics over nursing in a heartbeat.
What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you? I loved the feeling/vibe the campus gave off. I’m not much of a city girl and can only withstand the busy atmosphere for short spurts of time. So, I really wanted to go to a university with a suburban feel like the community college that I attended, and Rowan ended up being the perfect fit for me.
Tell us about one club, organization or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home. I already felt comfortable with Rowan when I transferred, but what really made it feel like home were the friends I made through RUPAC (also known as PAC). The club and its members are so welcoming and lively that there’s never a dull moment at general board meetings (GBMs).
But the great thing about PAC is that the time spent with members is not solely isolated to club meetings. You are able to create connections on a deeper level (if you choose to do so) with them due to the time spent with them outside of GBMs just by playing games, studying together or just by talking with each other about anything and everything. The people in this organization really do create a safe space for others to flourish and be themselves and this family atmosphere is what makes Rowan feel like home to me.
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Story and photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
#PROFspective: Molecular and Cellular Biology Major Amaal Khan
Meet Amaal Khan, a sophomore enrolled in the BS/MD program through CMSRU who is majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She is from Moorestown, NJ (Burlington County) and lives on Rowan Boulevard. Amaal will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be enrolled in the BS/MD program and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.
Name: Amaal Khan
Year: Sophomore
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Hometown: Moorestown, NJ (Burlington County)
On Campus or Commuter? Lives on Rowan Boulevard
Academic clubs? Rowan Pre-Health Society
Social Clubs? Rowan University of Philippine American coalition (RU PAC) and Rowan Rangeela
Why did you decide to major in Molecular and Cellular Biology? Molecular and Cellular Biology seemed like a different major, it wasn’t something I saw in a lot of schools and the curriculum involved other classes that reached other subject areas. It’s a different experience, because I just didn’t want to be with STEM majors, I wanted to be with people who were outside of wanting to be doctors. Currently I’m taking bioinformatics and that’s with a lot of bioinformatics majors, so I get different aspects of programming. A little bit of statistics and a little bit of engineering, so it’s a much more variable major.
Where do you see yourself in eight years? I know I will be a doctor, but I don’t think I want to work in a hospital. I do think I want to do research for a few years and maybe get a Ph.D., then probably work in a private practice, somewhere underprivileged … areas where it’s a little more difficult for people to get inexpensive healthcare.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major? I would tell them that Molecular and Cellular Biology is definitely a little harder than regular biology, because the engineering base classes, or statistics-based classes, are harder than the classes that biology students take. I would say that you get a better variety of subjects, you get to learn so many other things than what a regular bio major does. If you are looking to branch out in college in your education, but not to an extreme degree and if you don’t have enough time to take on a minor then taking a major where you have some flexibility in your classes is really good. If you want to experience something else besides regular science classes, then you should try Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Would you recommend someone to do the BS/MD program? Definitely, only if you are set on being a doctor. This is my career path, so it makes sense in saving a year of college. I know I want to be a doctor, but if you’re in this program you should be sure you’re going to be a doctor; otherwise you just waste your time.
How does your field impact the world? It’s very research based A lot of my professors that teach my classes actually do research, like cancer research, different blood pathogens research, different diseases research. There’s a lot of research that goes into it.
What impact would you like to have on the world in your field? I definitely want to work in an area with underprivileged people or low-income people. Where I can provide healthcare for them at an inexpensive cost, because I know that is super difficult nowadays. I don’t think I’ll ever find the cure for cancer, but I do want to help study diseases, [to] try to find the best diet that is safe for people with diabetes, since that runs in my family. Bettering the quality of life — that’s the impact I want to have.
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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major
Beyond the Classroom: Interning in Israel
Meet Alyssa Salera, a junior from East Greenwich, NJ (Gloucester County) majoring in Biochemistry from the College of Science & Mathematics. This summer, Alyssa interned in Israel at a rehabilitation hospital, where she worked closely with physical therapists and patients. Today, she will share with us her experience abroad.
Where did you intern this summer?
“The hospital is called Herzog Hospital and it’s in Jerusalem, Israel. It’s a rehabilitation hospital.”
How did you hear about this internship?
“I went to Israel last summer on a trip called ‘Birthright.’ I was at Barnes and Noble getting coffee with the on-campus Rebbetzin [a rabbi’s wife or a teacher], and we talked about ways on how I could go back to Israel. I told her that I want to go to PA (physician’s assistant) school or med school one day, and she told me about this program that would get me back to Israel and they would set me up with an internship where I could be in a hospital and get both things that I wanted.”
What’s the name of the program, and how was it structured?
“The program is called ‘Onward IsraeLinks,’ and it is a mixture of an internship component and also with that a learning portion. We had a Rabbi and Rebbetzin on the trip with us, who were from Georgia and who taught us in the first 10 days. We talked about what you’re supposed to believe as a Jew and how that translates to life now and modern society. And the last six weeks was just straight internship.”
What kind of things did you do at the rehabilitation hospital?
“I worked with a lot of chiropractic patients, who had just had strokes, and I worked with a lot of kids who were in the ICU. With the chiropractic patients, we worked on getting them started to being able to sit up on their own, to stand up and to walk with our assistance.
There were a few patients, but one in particular, she could barely open her eyes on her own when I first got there; by the end we were able to have her walking on her own with a walker. There was another patient I worked really closely with and he again on my first day in the hospital could barely lift his legs. I worked with him and the physical therapist to have him standing. And on my own we did our own stretches together and exercises. I got to choose pretty much what I wanted to do with him and by the end of the summer he got his red dot, meaning that he can walk on his own with his walker unassisted. So, I was just an extra set of hands, I would get to help them with different sections.”
What did you learn or gain from your internship in Israel?
“It Is really hard to communicate with people who don’t speak the same language as you, and I know very little Hebrew, so it really helped me gain a greater appreciation for working with people who come from all diverse backgrounds and who don’t have the same story as I do. And it just really taught me a lot about confidence in what I’m doing and in that this is what I want to do with my life.”
What’s one memory you will always remember from interning at the hospital?
“That one patient who got his red dot saying that he could walk. I was the one to give him his red dot, because I worked with him every single day over the summer and just watching him barely being able to move his legs and then being able to walk on his own, that was incredible.”
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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major
#PROFspective: Biology Major Sarah Sosa
Name: Sarah Sosa
Major: Biology
Minors or concentration: Environmental Studies and Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Year: Junior
Hometown and County: Elizabeth, NJ (Union County)
Resident: Rowan Boulevard Apartments
Academic Clubs: Pre-Vet Club, REAL Club
Tell us about your travel home up to North Jersey and how you get there using public transportation:
The first time I had to go home from Rowan to Elizabeth, I think it was just to see some friends. I didn’t have a car so I didn’t know what to do. We always talked about “How am I supposed to go home?” Nobody knew and nobody was going to volunteer to come pick me up and take me all the way home. So I went to the front office of the Student Center and I asked them about the route to go home. They showed me the route and what to do. They had bus schedules and maps that I could take a look at … but I also did my own research too.
I downloaded the NJ Transit app (this was before I knew about the Rowan-Camden shuttle), but for my first entire year I would take the NJ Transit bus that stops at Campbell Library to Camden. Using the public bus does take a little longer than the shuttle. However, I didn’t find that out until the end of the semester when I had missed the bus and finally used the Rowan shuttle.
From Camden, I take another bus from the Camden-Walter Rand Transportation Center to the Trenton train station, which is about an hour. From there you take the Northeast Corridor line which goes all the way to New York City, but I take it to get to the second-to-last stop, Elizabeth.
I always let people know about my commute and let them know that it does take about three hours, but I’m so used to it already it doesn’t bother me that much! I usually go by myself, but recently I bumped into a friend who was going home too, so we ended up leaving together. It’s nice to have a buddy to go with you for the long ride.
Why did you choose Rowan?
I chose Rowan because I liked being someplace not too close but not too far away from home. There’s a good amount of distance. I also felt like Rowan was the only school really reaching out to me. There was a program called the Rowan Select Program, which helped students get more of a push into college life. I liked that Rowan had a program like that and that my Rowan Select orientation was two nights and three days so we could get more assimilated. During that orientation we actually started listening to lectures and during the summer we took a two-credit online class, which was a good head start. I liked that Rowan was doing something different.
Why did you choose Environmental Studies?
I have always been into the environment — green everything, conservation biology, animal extinction and the reasons why they’re going extinct. I’ve also just been interested on how pollution and climate change are affecting us.
What advice would you give to your high school self about choosing the right school?
Just relax! It’s not the end of the world. I can’t remember how many times I stressed out about deciding before May about what I wanted to choose! I thought I had to choose an entirely different lifestyle for the rest of my life. You have options! Be confident about your decisions, and don’t be afraid to do whatever you want to do.
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Story and photography by:
Bianca Torres, junior Music Industry major
First Year Voices: Biological Sciences Major Jace Robinson
“I’m hoping to become a veterinarian, so I’m excited to get to work in a lab and start my career.” — Jace Robinson, an incoming Biological Sciences major from Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County).
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Story and photography by:
Chad Wittmann, senior Journalism major
Beyond the Classroom: a Biophysics Lab Experience
Meet Gaspare Carollo, a senior from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County) majoring in Biophysics from the College of Science & Mathematics. This summer, he was able to partake in an research internship at Rowan. Today, he will share with us his experience working at the lab and some of the projects he worked on.
Gaspare is a transfer student from Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC). He earned his associate degree in Chemical Engineering and now plans to get his bachelor’s in Biophysics.
“Biophysics is a combination of many sciences — biology and physics for the majority. It looks at things on a molecular level. And it takes the physics on what’s going on, why is it happening and you kind of figure out why and how things work,” Gaspare said.
After talking to Dr. Nathaniel Nucci, assistant professor from the departments of Biomedical & Translational Sciences and Physics & Astronomy about the different summer programs he was looking into, Dr. Nucci told him about the summer internship offered at Rowan.
“I told him I was a senior and hopefully going into the workforce soon. I was just trying to get my foot in the door and get hands-on experience because you can get all the A’s and B’s you want and have a 3.3 or 3.6 GPA, but without the hands-on experience you’re going to go onto the working field lacking,” he explained.
This summer, Gaspare got the chance to work on two projects. The first project had to do with purifying proteins, which Gaspare explained it as:
“One of the things about the protein purification that we’ve done is that they fluoresce. It’s one of those things we do for bioimaging. If we want to know where this medicine is going or where this disease or tumor is located, you inject the patient with a particular protein that we know fluoresces at a certain wavelength or fluoresces at a certain light. Basically, the thing you want to see will glow, and that is the whole point of the proteins we are looking at. There are many other reasons for purifying proteins, but that’s the one we were looking into.”
The second project Gaspare worked on had to do with quantum dots. Quantum dots are used in a lot of electronics and medical issues. “What we are trying to do is find a better, more feasible way to find quantum dots,” Gaspare said. “They are made in high pressure and high temperatures, which is very expensive and dangerous, and we’re trying to find a way to make them in room temperature and atmospheric pressures.”
Gaspare is doing his work under a hood at regular temperature and regular pressure, because it’s much safer and financially achievable for most labs.
“If we can perfect and control the size of quantum dots then we can control what kind light it fluoresces and from there fabrications are all over the place,” he said.
Gaspare would like to do research and development after he graduates. He would love to be part of a team that would eventually come up with something to make a difference in the way people are medically treated. He says, “What if we can do chemo where it doesn’t hurt the individual, what if we can do chemo where it only hurts the tumor and doesn’t make them sick? To be a part of something like that and make a difference would be amazing and to be a part of that would be a dream.”
Gaspare’s advice for anyone wanting to major in Biophysics is to not expect an easy ride, but if you are willing to put in the time and the effort then the outcome and final result will all be worth it.
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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major
Alumni Success Story: CEO Steve McKeon
An entrepreneurial mindset paired with an interest to solve problems prepared Steve McKeon, a first-generation college student, for a future in the technology business. As CEO of MacGuyver Media, Steve discusses how Rowan University taught him the networking skills and technical foundation that led to the success he finds today leading a software development company from his home office.
“I’m hoping that in five to 10 years MacGuyver Media will be a $50 million company with 300 employees. I hope that many of them come from Rowan University,” he said.
As an Engineering major turned Computer Science major, Steve knew that problem solving would be his biggest asset in information technology and that his degree would support him. Because technology is always changing, he found it important to emphasize learning how things work so he could always stay ahead of the technology curve.
“Computer science taught me how to learn and comprehend things quickly. It’s important that I’m continuously learning and reading new things to stay on the cutting edge of technology,” says Steve. “I see what people are looking for and I always try to be a little ahead of the trend. I’m always making sure I’m not just following them, I’m leading them.”
In 2015, Steve launched MacGuyver Media, a software development company dedicated to being on the forefront of technology. To be a leader in his field, he’s immersed himself in all things technology since he wrapped up his degree in 1998.
A benefit to being a business owner is having an in-home office that allows Steve to enjoy the flexibility working from home. With his dog Lola by his side, he supports his family and business.
Most of Steve’s day-to-day work is based on problem solving. A business may call and need a process or software streamlined, and it’s up to Steve to reverse engineer it to find a tech savvy solution, fast.
It’s most important to him that he and his team can provide value to their clients. From custom web applications that cover accounting, inventory management and reporting, to web redesigns, Steve’s team does it all.
Being a business owner requires Steve to constantly meet other like-minded colleagues at networking events to grow professionally and personally.
“My position as social chairman in Alpha Phi Delta at Rowan helped me immensely as a business owner. In my position, I was in charge of publicity, event planning and Greek relations, which taught me how to work with all different personalities,” says Steve. “I can now confidently find value in people quickly and come up objectives and goals much quicker because of my experiences in Greek Life when I was younger.”
With now 20 years of experience in the software industry and the CEO of his own company under his belt, Steve looks to the next generation of Rowan University Computer Science majors to help support his business.
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Future Pediatrician Shares Her Summer Lab Experience At Rowan
Meet Alyssa Sanders, a rising junior from Pitman (Gloucester County) majoring in Translational Biomedical Science (TBS) from the College of Science & Mathematics. This summer, she was able to take an internship offered at Rowan where she got the chance to do research on many projects, one of which was called The Drug Delivery Project.
“Some people put [TBS] as an advanced biology degree. So, you’re basically taking what you learn in the classrooms and then applying it to research,” Alyssa said.
According to Alyssa, a TBS major needs to take 12 credits of research hours to be able to graduate. With a bachelor’s in TBS there are many things a person can do. “We can go on to getting our Ph.D., go to med school or go right into the working field and become a research assistant,” she said.
Alyssa will become the first doctor in her family; both her parents chose different careers outside of the medical field. “I really want to become a doctor, so I liked how it [the TBS major] kind of had a built-in premed track. I want to be a pediatrician,” she said.
This summer, Alyssa worked alongside Dr. Nathaniel Nucci, assistant professor from the departments of Biomedical & Translational Sciences and Physics & Astronomy. “What I did mainly over the summer was purified proteins,” Alyssa said. “So, we purified red fluorescent proteins (RFP), that way we can use it during the school year since purifying protein is very time consuming.”
The Drug Delivery Project was one of the many projects Sanders did research for this summer. For this project, purifying RFP was the goal. “For The Drug Delivery Project, we are trying to find out a new way to deliver drugs to the body. Sometimes proteins are too big, or they are hydrophilic and they really can’t cross your blood brain barrier, or your body ceases them and signals them out because they are too big, even though they are trying to help you get better but the body will destroy them,” Alyssa explained.
“So, we are trying to use a mechanism like a bubble to engulf the proteins to disguise them, so the body won’t send signals out to destroy them. And then it can go to different parts to your body and actually be delivered to the body,” she said.
Alyssa started to do work in the lab last spring because that is when she had to start getting credits for her major. Dr. Nucci saw that she was working hard and doing an excellent job, so he offered her the summer internship.
“Nucci would definitely be like a mentor that is coming to my life through this opportunity because he knows so much. He’s a biophysics professor, but he knows everything. He knows stuff about chemistry, organic chemistry and he knows stuff about any field of science basically,” she said.
If there is one thing that Alyssa has learned through her internship this summer is, “that science does not go according to plan and as Nucci says, ‘A lot is research for a reason. You can’t just search at once, you gotta keep doing it over and over again.’”
Her advice for anyone interested in her major: “It’s very hard. It’s not something that you can be like, ‘oh yeah this will be fun or easy.’ It’s not an easy major, but it’s worth it. If you want to go to medical school or get your Ph.D. it is definitely a major that is going to prepare you for that, because you have to take your harder classes like organic chemistry, biophysics and advanced classes that will prepare you.”
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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major
Leading Camden Middle Schoolers to “All Pull Together”
“I’m never going to be afraid to do anything ever again,” says senior Kasey DiSessa. “If I can cheer and sing in front of judgmental sixth graders, I can do anything.”
The biological sciences and English double major lost her self-consciousness and found her voice this summer as an intern for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School in Camden. A Servant Leader (teacher) leading a classroom of 11 rambunctious 3rd to 5th graders, Kasey immersed herself in classroom teaching to support her goal of becoming a biology teacher dual-certified in English.
Embracing the Kenyan tradition of Harambee, meaning “all pull together” in Swahili, each morning at the Freedom School Kasey, her four fellow Servant Leaders and approximately 50 students in the program got hyped for their day with upwards of eight special chants and songs. “It was a big deal for me to put myself out there like that,” Kasey says.
A national program primarily focused on reading, the Camden location extends its reach into STEM education too, which suits Kasey well, given her two majors. “I have my two passions,” she says, “and I’ve been able to personalize my education at Rowan to blend both.”
Kasey took classes in children’s and adolescent literature that helped her to prepare for her summer role. “I reached out to my professors and told them, ‘The books I read in your classes are in my curriculum — thank you! Your choices applied to my life in a way I was not expecting.’”
Toward the end of the summer program, Kasey led a two-week project on robotics. Stepping out of her comfort zone to do so, Kasey at first felt apprehensive — but then exhilarated at the project’s completion. “During the finale, parents came in to see their children’s final projects,” Kasey explains. “It was awesome. We had little robots from LocoRobo and we taught the students how to use an online app to drop and drag blocks of code and create shapes on the ground.
“We all screamed at the tops of our lungs when the robot went through the gates at the maze. They had created the code, using a function they had never used before. We lost our minds we were so excited,” Kasey says.
From Hackettstown, NJ (Warren County), Kasey stayed in South Jersey this summer solely to complete this internship. With she and her parents’ lacking familiarity with Camden — only knowing what they’ve seen on the news — at first Kasey’s parents had some trepidation about their daughter teaching in the city. “My dad is nervous about everything,” Kasey says. “But, the school was nice. The location was fine. I wasn’t nervous and the drive wasn’t bad at all.
“This program gives the students an edge they might not normally get in their regular school,” Kasey says. “It not just puts them on par with kids from schools with more resources, but also helps them to go beyond,” she says.
“I went in terrified and by the end I knew I wanted to come back and do this again,” Kasey says. “It was hard and there were days that it was emotionally taxing,” she continues. “But thanks to this program I feel more comfortable with teaching this age level and I would consider teaching in an urban setting, which is something I wouldn’t have considered before.”
Kasey will graduate this upcoming fall, a semester ahead of schedule, and plans to attend graduate school.
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Beyond the Classroom: Pre-Vet Club Makes the Trip to Africa
Meet Fiona Yueng, a Mount Laurel (Burlington County) resident and first-generation student who became one of four undergraduate students from Rowan University who got to experience the opportunity of a lifetime at the conclusion of the spring semester. Fiona Yeung, Kim Zullo, Emily Beardsley and Nicolette Madonna spent the first three weeks of their summer vacation in the town of Louis Trichardt in South Africa, shadowing professional veterinarians in the field.
Fiona has been an animal lover since a very young age. She spent her days reading countless books on animals, only because her parents’ allergies prevented her from having any animals of her own.
As she got older, Fiona turned her passion for animals into volunteerism. For the past couple of years, she has volunteered at the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, where she’s helped diagnose and treat indigenous species.
Fiona is now a rising senior in the Biology department and also a part of the Pre-Vet Club on campus, along with the three other students who attended the trip. These four students took it upon themselves to see real world veterinary care with their own eyes. With the help from the Financial Aid office, and donations from Rowan SGA and the Biology Club, their dream became a reality.
In late May, the four of them boarded a plane and headed to Louis Trichardt, South Africa. The first two weeks of their trip was spent shadowing veterinarians in their field and participating in the processes of veterinary medicine.
The students recalled that, “not only did these vets care for indigenous African species, but they also had the knowledge to care for farm animals as well.” These veterinarians were not confined to a specific area of veterinary medicine. They were fully trained and equipped to care for an array of species. While on this journey, they had the opportunity to see a number of extravagant wildlife, such as giraffes, lions, zebras, antelope, elephants and more.
“You see them in picture books, but it’s nothing compared to seeing them in real life,” Fiona (left) said.
Their trip concluded with a five-day stay at Care for Wild Africa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, they cared for orphaned rhinos, who lost their parents due to poaching or natural means.
In late June, the students returned home safely with memories and knowledge that they can take with them in their future careers.
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Story by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major
Photos courtest of:
Fiona Yueng
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Psychology Major Greg Joyce
Today we speak with senior Psychology major Gregory Joyce from Alloway (Salem County). Joyce will share his experience in his first year here at Rowan.
Name: Gregory Joyce
Major: Psychology
Year: Senior
Transfer Student: Yes, from Coastal Carolina
Hometown and County: Alloway Township, Salem County
Off-Campus resident?: Yes, I live in a house off-campus
Academic clubs: Applied Behavioral Analysis Club
Social clubs: Tau Delta Phi Fraternity
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 had a Child Psychology professor who would conduct simple child behavior tests on her own son, which made me notice how seriously she took her job and how much she cared about the course.”
Why did you choose Rowan?
“It was close to home and I was familiar with the area. I also heard that the Psych program is highly recommended.”
What’s your favorite thing about your typical Monday at Rowan?
“I enjoy plugging in my earbuds and listening to my favorite music on my way to class.”
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling?
“On my busiest days, I am working, doing homework, studying and helping organize social events for my fraternity.”
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Story and photography by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major
Alumni Success Story: Lauren O’Donnell from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Today we are speaking with Lauren O’Donnell, a Psychology alumna from the 2000 class. Originally from Chatham (Morris County), O’Donnell now lives in South Jersey and works as a Reward and Recognition Program Lead for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“What really caught me when I first visited Rowan was how beautiful and comfortable the campus is, it just felt right.
“Rowan really gave me a strong foundation — one class in particular was Organizational Behavior. It really was not at all what I expected it to be, but it was the best class and really confirmed that I wanted to pursue the business world instead of the clinical side of my degree (Psychology).”
How did Rowan help you achieve your goals?
“Rowan always had amazing opportunities to get involved with the university, lots of clubs, events, there was always something going on. I was involved in Greek Life and because of that I met a lot of great friends, who helped me a lot. I also learned a lot of leadership skills and how to work well in group settings.”
How did Rowan help you with any job opportunities?
“The Career Advancement Center was great and helped me set up some of my first interviews. Not only did they help but all of the other connections I made through networking, my World Religion professor wrote me a letter of recommendation.”
What is your favorite accomplishment at your current job?
“I currently am working my dream job and absolutely love it, but my biggest accomplishment would be the event we held at the Philadelphia Zoo and over 11,000 employees were in attendance.”
What is some advice you would give to future graduates?
“Be proactive, ask questions and don’t be uncomfortable with making the initial contact with the job you want.”
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Story by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Pre-College Institute Alumnus Shares His Story
Meet Pre-College Institute (PCI) alumnus Minelson Louis-Baptiste, a first-generation student and 2016 graduate from the College of Science & Mathematics. Baptiste lives in Lindenwold, NJ (Camden County) and is currently pursuing two master degrees. Today, he will share with us how PCI helped shape him and his Rowan experience.
Major: Biological Sciences; now studying Biomedical Sciences at Rowan Global
First-generation college student? Yes
What inspired you to choose your major? “I always wanted to go into the health field. I love science, I love questioning and figuring out things. Biology was one of my strongest subjects in high school. I really wanted to learn more about biology, so I decided to go into biology.”
What are you currently doing? “Right now, I’m working on my second master’s in public health and looking out for job options.”
How did PCI help shape you and your Rowan experience? “Well, I always look back at my high school self. I was not very outgoing and was afraid to speak in front of people. PCI helped shape me and showed me there’s way more out there and to be open. This is a very lively campus with a lot of things going on. I used to be in my own world, so going into the six-week process, 
learning how to talk to people and networking that put me out there and opened my eyes.
I still have some close relationships with some of my PCI sisters and brothers. I thank them all the time because when I’m feeling down, I reach out to them and when they’re feeling down, they reach out to me. I would say my counselor from PCI, Mr. [Israel] Laguer, has been one of my rocks. He’s one person I can go to and talk to. He knows me and knows what I’ve been going through in my personal life and school life as well. He’s always been there for me.”
Any advice for future freshmen? “Make sure you take every opportunity seriously and make the best use of it, because you never know where a connection might come from or where you might get your next opportunity.”
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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major
Faculty PROFile: Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Erik Hoy
Meet Dr. Erik Hoy, Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry within the College of Science & Mathematics and the School of Health Professions.
Share an “aha!” moment that you’ve had within your discipline that made you feel passionate about your field.
As a theoretical scientist, one of the most exciting moments for me is when a new theory or method is “born.” Developing a new computational or theoretical method can take weeks or months of work and study, but I find that there is often an “aha” moment right at the end where the ideas and equations finally come together.
I will never forget when, as a postdoctoral scholar at Northwestern University, I created the new theoretical approach for studying electron transport that is the basis for much of my research today. The “aha” moment came when I finally figured out the final form of the transport equations. The excitement of bringing a new idea into the world that I could call my own was a moment that validated all of the hard work and study required to get to that point.
Describe for us an experience you’ve had with a student that made you feel excited about educating the next generation in your field.
Although I’ve been at Rowan for less than a year, I didn’t have wait long to meet an impressive student. After my very first day of teaching, a student came up to me asking to join my research group. He had a strong interest in nanoscale and materials science problems, so my group was a perfect fit. I was deeply impressed by the level of self-motivation that the student had. He has since become one of my top research students and is currently writing his own research software.
What’s your favorite thing about being on campus on a typical Tuesday?
On a typical Tuesday I often find myself walking around the third floor of Science Hall, and I often find students from my classes. Students usually sit in the central area of the floor and will often stop me to ask questions or just chat. This kind of organic interaction with students is one of my favorite things about Rowan. It brightens my day when I’m able to see how they are doing and answer their questions promptly.
What is your area of expertise?
My general area of expertise is theoretical and computational quantum chemistry. Basically, I focus on developing new theories within the field of quantum mechanics and then build computer models to study problems in chemistry. I’m particularly interested in problems that involve the transport of electrons at the quantum level. One major area of interest for me are electronic components (such as the transistors, resistors or switches) based on common organic molecules for use. These devices can replace the current generation of silicon-based components, yielding faster and more efficient consumer electronics like phones or laptops.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your academic discipline or your research focus?
As my area of research is a fairly technical field, many people have the impression that you need special skills or talents to do undergraduate research in quantum chemistry, especially since some of what we do is not covered by any course.
You don’t need any previous experience or skills to start research researching in quantum chemistry. I currently have students in my group ranging from freshmen to juniors all with varying levels of prior knowledge. In fact, those same technical skills, such as programming or working with supercomputers, can be seen as an advantage rather than a barrier. Computer skills in particular are always valued.
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Story By:
Dr. Erik Hoy, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Edited By:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Photography by:
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/television/film major
Computer Science and Math Graduate Student Shares Advice
Today, we feature advice from Elija Amponsah from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County.) Elija is a transfer student from TCNJ, currently pursuing his master’s degree in computer science and mathematics at Rowan within the College of Science & Mathematics. Today he shares his story and some advice for students wanting to major or current students in computer science and mathematics.
Elija Amponsah is one of seven children. He’s the first one in his family to major in computer science and mathematics. “They still don’t know what computer science is. I told them ‘Put it this way, everything you guys use we build it, we give it life. Like your cellphone and the apps, you have someone like me, we have to write it. You’re a nurse the programs that you use in your field on your computer, someone like me has to write it. The computer is just the hardware part. You can have a computer, but if you have no software you can’t use it.’ And that’s what I tell them.”
What inspired Elija to major in computer science and mathematics was laziness. “If you talk to someone that knows about computer science or computer engineering, they will tell you that computers are really dumb. But someone who doesn’t know, like someone in a different field they will tell you that computers are really smart. Computers do things that we as humans can’t process in our brains, because if you tell me to count from one to infinity, I will get tired and bored. Computers can do it and faster. So, I figured why don’t I just learn how to do that and let them do the work that I don’t feel like doing.”
Advice from Elija:
- “Ask a lot of questions and work on your stuff. Most people think that when it’s Thursday or Friday it’s time to go hang out with friends and have fun. I say it’s either time to catch up or get ahead or learn something new. Someone who studies business I always ask them ‘What is your skill?’ or ‘What is your business?’ Because business is about selling and buying. So, if I can do that or if I can have a robot who can do that, why do I need you as a business major? So, you have to work on your skill. Learn how to do program, learn something! And ask questions, ask for help. People think that if you ask for help, you’re stupid. But I think that if you don’t ask for help, you’re stupid.”
- “Take risks and take the biggest ones. Where you even wake up with a nightmare that you might lose something, but you have nothing to lose. It’s much easier to get rejected by a girl than by big companies. Because the person who rejected you like the recruiter or the HR person, is not going to see you again and most likely they’re going to tell you, ‘This time isn’t the right time, apply again in six months.’ When you get rejected by a girl, she isn’t going to tell you come back in six months. And you’re going to see that girl again and most likely she will tell her friends ‘This guy tried talking to me and I said no.’ Companies don’t do that! So why don’t you take that risk and apply to that company? Just take risks.”
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Story and photography by:
Iridian Gonzalez, rising senior journalism major
Exploratory Studies Path to the Perfect Major for Callie
Today we feature thoughts from Callie DeMaria, a rising junior from Little Egg Harbor, NJ (Ocean County.) A first-generation college student, Callie started at Rowan as an exploratory studies (undecided) major and found her way to the perfect major for her — psychology, within the College of Science & Mathematics. Callie lives on campus during the year, most recently living at 114 Victoria.
Coming from a small town, I was not exposed to many careers that I could possibly commit to one day. Rowan first accepted me as an Exploratory Studies major, which helped me to explore different classes that may have interested me. My advisor recommended I take Essentials of Psychology and I fell in love with the subject.
The next semester, I decided to take some more Psychology electives to make sure this is what I wanted to pursue, and the classes helped me to confirm that Psychology was the major for me.
As a Psychology major, I have already accomplished things I never thought I could. I was the President of the Psychology Alliance last semester; I was awarded the job of Admission Ambassador. I am the Secretary of the Applied Behavior Analysis club, and I have an internship currently at the Department of Child Protection and Permanency.
I could not have found these amazing opportunities without the help of my advisor and professors. Currently, I am on the track to graduate with my bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Law and Justice, and a concentration in Child Behavioral Services. I am extremely excited to see what my next two years at Rowan will throw at me. Rowan provided me with resources and opportunities that have contributed to where I am today!
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Computer Science Major Kick-Starts her Career with Co-Op Experience
Monica Mahon, a rising senior from Mays Landing, NJ (Atlantic County), is one of the lucky kind of students who knew what she wanted to study before even coming to college. “I took a computer science class in high school and had a really great teacher that introduced me to it. It was something I really liked and could see myself doing,” she says, in regards to her Rowan career in the computer science major.
During her first computer science course on campus, Monica learned the ins and outs of the industry, as well as coding and communication skills that she would use later on. Her first professor in the field, Professor Chia Chien, “has been a huge help throughout my college experience. She really encouraged me and opened my eyes to great opportunities.” Professor Chien even introduced her to her current resume-builder, as a co-op worker for the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC). Through the AFMS (ASRC Federal Mission Solutions) program with the Rowan computer science department, students can partake in a real-life work environment and contribute to meaningful projects that improve their skills. “The program allows students to immerse themselves in a real job, full time, with the option to take classes part time, at night or online,” Monica explains. “You partner with industry companies and really learn how they function and how your knowledge can contribute.”
In the program’s second year, Monica is already making a major positive impact. She works with a software development company through the Department of Defense, to maintain ongoing company projects, and develop software solutions for the Navy. And while this may sound overwhelming for a college student, she explains that the ASRC pairs each new student employee with a mentor that is experienced and willing to guide their mentee through the experience, and help troubleshoot any challenge that may arise.
“Being quickly introduced to this opportunity and having work assigned to me right away, I learned how to work closely with other employees. They didn’t treat me like an intern,” Monica says. “Learning the workflow of an office environment and seeing the whole process in my specific field – from writing to testing to identifying software issues and engineering solutions, and building the final product – it’s helpful to be part of it and really see how it all works.”
Monica’s on-campus experience has helped her tremendously when it comes to being knowledgeable and prepared for this important role. “Rowan’s computer science program prepares you to work full-time. I felt like I could handle the job going into it, because we learned how to use different operating systems and programming skills right off the bat. Working efficiently in a team is something that is really emphasized here.” As a learning assistant within the department, she works alongside her professors, addressing student questions during class and tackling any issues they may need help with. She notes that having to communicate concepts to students has translated directly to her AFMS experience, where she must communicate her ideas to colleagues.
“For me, choosing computer science as a major was a risk,” Monica says, “I was intimidated at first to enroll knowing that I would feel like a minority as a woman in the STEM industry, but I found a bunch of great friends that really support me and make me feel part of the community. Being a woman in STEM here has felt empowering, instead of limiting.”
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Photo by: Nicole Cier, rising senior writing arts major
Aspiring Counselor Started As Exploratory Studies Major
Sophomore Autumn Vilches-Cruz, who commutes from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County), shares her insight with prospective students every day in her role as an Admissions Ambassador who gives tours of campus. Today she shares one snippet of insight, as a former exploratory studies major (commonly known as an undeclared or undecided major.)
Coming in as an exploratory studies major really helped me to solidify what I wanted to do as a career.
When I was a freshman, my Rowan 101 seminar required me to attend at least two information sessions about different majors provided at Rowan. I have always had a fascination with people and why we do the things that we do, and think the things that we think. I came in knowing that psychology was the major for me, and once I was finally declared a psychology major, I could not have been happier!
I’m aspiring to become a counselor, and I’m actually thinking about working at Rowan’s Wellness Center when I’m done with my schooling.
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#PROFspective: International Student Prasheetha Radhakrishnan
Like what you see? Come visit us! VISIT CAMPUS Story and photography by: Vanessa Vause, senior public relations and theatre major Story and photography by:Vanessa Vause, senior public relations and theatre major
#PROFspective: Translational Biomedical Science Major Zachary Padron
Your Name: Zachary PadronYour Major: Translation Biomedical ScienceYour Minors: Bantivoglio Honors Concentration in the Honors College, Pre-Medical Minor, Neuroscience Minor, and Ethics Certificate of Undergraduate StudyYour Year: JuniorHometown and County: Hamilton, NJ (Mercer County)Resident: Yes, I live as a Resident Assistant in the Townhouse ComplexAcademic Organizations: American Physician Scientist Association (Research Chair Executive Board Member)Social Clubs: President of Colleges Against Cancer and Chi Alpha Christian FellowshipOn-Campus Employment: Resident Assistant for the Townhouse ComplexOff-Campus Employment: Research Assistant in the Neuroscience Research Lab at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia […]
Inspiring Change Through Biology and Africana Studies
“Sophomore year, I took an introductory course to Africana Studies as an elective and fell in love with it. It opened my eyes to so many things — politics, race, issues in society. I decided, ‘I have to add this minor!’” she says. Her involvement from there snowballed as she acquired leadership positions in the […]
Tatiyana’s Home Away From Home: Science Hall [VIDEO]
First-generation college student Tatiyana Stubbs, a sophomore Bioinformatics and Community Health double major who commutes from Millville, NJ (Cumberland County) feels most home at Science Hall studying or working on assignments in a lab.
Video by: Edris Forde, junior radio, TV & film major and Vanessa Vause, senior public relations and theatre double major
Music by: Louis Testa, sophomore music composition major
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TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Sam Brodhecker
Meet transfer student Sam Brodhecker, a junior psychology major from Roxbury, NJ (Morris County) who lives in 220 Rowan Boulevard.
How has a faculty or staff member here helped to connect you with the next step for your career?
“When I first came to Rowan, I thought that I would experience difficulty in my educational and professional journey because I wasn’t aware of all the resources Rowan had, nor could I take advantage of them. However, after meeting with my advisor Megan Kately before the semester began, we discussed in depth my plan for my future at Rowan. She gave me resources for clubs, discussed concentrations I could focus in, and overall presented me with ample opportunities to get involved and I am very thankful for that.”
Tell us about your transition into Rowan.
“I was nervous to transfer, but immediately felt welcomed and at home once I moved down to Glassboro. I was excited to continue my education journey at a school I have always loved. Additionally, I was nervous about my classes, but was blessed with great professors and a functional schedule, which has helped my adjustment to Rowan tremendously.”
And lastly, why Rowan?
“I chose to transfer to Rowan University because of the professional opportunities they provide. My sister, an alumna of Rowan, has succeeded in her professional career, and attributes many of her successful opportunities to Rowan. I am excited to see what Rowan has in store for me!”
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Story and photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, junior public relations major
Zachary’s Home Away From Home: Science Lab [VIDEO]
Want to learn what a translational biomedical sciences major does? Then take a look at where Zachary Padron, a junior from Hamilton, NJ (Mercer County), feels most at home on Rowan’s campus.
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Video by: Alexander Belli, senior public relations and advertising major
Music by: Don Dewitt, sophomore music industry major
#PROFspective: Biological Sciences Major Kayla Vogel
Name: Kayla Vogel Major: Biological Sciences within the College of Science and Math.Year: Junior Transfer: Yes, Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) Hometown and County: Mantua, NJ (Gloucester County) Resident: Yes, 220 Rowan Blvd Social clubs: Generation Action and Outdoor Club What inspired you to choose your major? I have always been interested in the […]
First Generation College Student, Aspiring Doctor, Plans to Serve Camden
Luis Acevedo, sophomore dual biology and chemistry major from Camden, NJ, originally entered Rowan as an education major. Luis wanted to teach the people in his community about mobilization – something that is a challenge for many from the city. After a semester into his education career, Luis kept his promise to educate his community, but felt he would be able to make a bigger impact educating them on physical health. He rediscovered his passion for the field of medicine, and is eager to apply his passion at home.
Luis explains, “The general knowledge of health is not known. Not all members of Camden have access to healthcare or are able to communicate their physical aches and pains to doctors. If people aren’t able to describe their pain, they won’t receive proper care to fix their problem.” Luis wants to provide people with the help they deserve, but aren’t receiving yet. Everyone should have the opportunity to a healthy life and adequate medical attention. His degree and skills sets will allow him to properly attend to the members of his community who desperately need it.
Luis appreciates his family members’ encouragement throughout his 
education career and the mentors who’ve built a family full of support at school. After an interview with Dr. Mateo for Rowan’s ASCEND program, Luis felt Rowan was a good choice. Luis’ judgement was right. He explains, “The Camden Campus is a small family. Everyone is welcoming and all are happy to be there. If I ever need help, any one is happy to help me. They are my nest.” Luis, being in the Flying First program, is introduced through the program to professionals and other first-generation college students on campus who advance his academic success. Dr. Mateo, known as “mama bird” to most ASCEND members, meets with Luis regularly to ensure he’s on the right path and connects him to other resources on campus – one of them being the Peer Referral and Orientation Staff (PROS), where he joined as a member of the orientation staff the summer after his freshman year.
After finding PROS, Luis created a tremendous amount of connections on campus. PROS introduced Luis to faculty and students with different backgrounds, and knows learning to communicate with diverse cultures will help him in his future career.
Luis is setting a positive example for the people of Camden. His hometown
holds a negative stereotype for fostering an adverse community. “A lot of people think we’re not prepared for college. The fact that people ask questions about the type of education I had is unreal. It’s important to inform people that we’re all the same and we were all accepted to the same university.” Luis takes advantage of his resources at Rowan, knowing these connections will prepare him to be a successful doctor.
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Enter for a chance to win a Rowan t-shirt! Email RowanBlog [at] rowan.edu with the date and time of your upcoming campus tour … we may just email you that we’re going to surprise you while you’re visiting!
Story and photography by: Alyssa Bauer, junior public relations major
#PROFspective: Psychology Major Raysa Ortiz Minaya
Like what you see? Come visit us! CAMDEN, BIGGER WORLD Enter for a chance to win a Rowan t-shirt! Email RowanBlog [at] rowan.edu with the date and time of your upcoming campus tour … we may just email you that we’re going to surprise you while you’re visiting! Story and photography by:Alyssa Bauer, junior public […]
#PROFspective: Psychology Major Nicole Grant
Today, we speak with Nicole Grant, a junior psychology major from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County) who lives on campus in 230 Victoria Street. Nicole will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she gets the most out of her college experience as a Rowan […]
#PROFspective: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Student Dave Berg
Today, we speak with Dave Berg, clinical mental health counseling graduate student from Wenonah, NJ (Gloucester County). Dave will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University graduate student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Dave Berg Major: Clinical Mental Health […]
#PROFspective: Biological Sciences Major Max von Suskil
Today, we speak with Max von Suskil, a junior biological sciences major from Wall Township, NJ (Monmouth County), who lives in a house off campus. Max will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a […]
Faculty PROFile: Analytical Chemist Dr. James Grinias
Meet James Grinias, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, who earned his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.S. in Chemistry from Eastern Michigan University. What is your area of expertise? I am an analytical chemist with a focus on chemical separations […]
#PROFspective: Environmental Studies Major Joshua Masucci
Today, we speak with Joshua Masucci, a freshman aspiring geographic information science major who lives on campus in Evergreen Hall. Joshua will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Joshua MasucciMajor: Currently […]
#PROFspective: Physics Major Marcella Mazzuca
Today, we speak with Marcella Mazzuca, a sophomore physics major from Mullica Hill (Gloucester County) who lives on campus at Rowan Boulevard Apartments. Marcella will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: […]
Students Charter Computer Science Cybersecurity Club to Gain Hands On Experience
The easiest way to get involved beyond the classroom at Rowan might be one of the most commonly overlooked — on campus clubs! Tapan Soni (from Voorhees, Camden County) and John Stranahan (from Cinnaminson, Burlington County) know this first hand, as they worked hard to charter the Cybersecurity Club at Rowan. The two senior computer […]
#PROFspective: Biological Sciences Graduate Arash GhasemiNejad
Today, we speak with Arash GhasemiNejad, a recent graduate with a biological sciences bachelor’s degree from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County) who now lives in Voorhees, NJ. Arash will share his #PROFspective with us on what it was like to be a Rowan University student and how he got the most out of his college […]
Rising Senior Gets Foot in the Door with Help from Passionate Professor
When it comes to science, senior biochemistry major Eric Kohn of Pitman, Gloucester County, knows that the chemistry between him and his colleagues is just as important as the chemistry that he studies in the lab. A little connection can go a long distance when it comes to networking, and he wisely takes full advantage […]
Office of Career Advancement Guides Student to the Ideal Internship
For senior Alana Swinton of Gloucester County, NJ, the resources available on Rowan’s campus were essential in scoring an opportunity as a conservation scientist at the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute this summer. Her chemistry major and physics minor at Rowan have provided her with the necessary experience that gave her an advantage when applying for […]
#PROFspective: Physics Major Nabil Jamhour
Today, we speak with Nabil Jamhour, a junior physics major from Clifton (Passaic County), NJ, who lives on campus in Mimosa Hall. Nabil will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Nabil […]
Compare/Contrast Freshman Housing
Chatting with Rowan University on campus residents on a frigid, hectic morning just before finals (seriously, is it really spring yet?!), one thing was clear: the sense of community within their residence halls is what they love most. However, what “community” means in each residence hall is different. I learned that Evergreen is known for […]
#PROFspective: Psychology Major Olivia Scattergood
Today, we speak with Olivia Scattergood, a freshman Psychology major from Kendall Park (Middlesex County), NJ, who lives on campus in Willow Hall. Olivia will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: […]