Microbiology Graduations 2020

Ashley Elizabeth Rozo

Next steps after graduation

Attending Midwestern University College of Pharmacy

Long term career goals

I would like to focus on a career as a clinical pharmacist.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Studying and getting good grades is extremely important, but also remember to enjoy life.

Dylan Burgin

Honor Thesis and Mentor

Nitric Oxide Synthase (saNOS) and SrrAB Contribute to Virulence Factor Regulation in Staphylococcus aureus - Dr. Kelly Rice

Next steps after graduation

Continuing to participate in research in the Rice lab in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science and then pursuing research at the National Institutes of Health while applying to M.D./Ph.D. programs.

Long term career goals

To become a physician-scientist that specializes in the treatment and prevention of infectious disease with a focus on identifying novel therapeutics for infections with limited treatment options.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

To become a physician-scientist that specializes in the treatment and prevention of infectious disease with a focus on identifying novel therapeutics for infections with limited treatment options.

Shreya Raman

Next steps after graduation

I will be attending medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.

Long term career goals

I hope to become a physician and serve underserved communities.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Take every obstacle you face as a learning curve - keep working and persevering! Good luck and enjoy every part of your journey.

Christia Lomas

Next steps after graduation

After graduation, I plan on finding a lab-related job and using my gap year to improve and learn new skills before attending medical school.

Long term career goals

In the future, I hope to become a doctor in infectious disease or primary care. I want to serve my community well and encourage others to do the same!

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

You’re already on the right path by choosing the best major at UF! Get to know your microbiology professors, they are some of the kindest people you’ll meet and undoubtedly give the most interesting conversations. And definitely become a TA at some point!

Hasin Sharma

Next steps after graduation

Research, find something in microbiology to do, not sure.

Long term career goals

Medical school.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Just try your best, dudes.

Guadalupe Ramirez

Next steps after graduation

I will join the AmeriCorps City Year Program in Miami, Florida. I will be paired with a Title I school where I will serve as an advocate for children who are at risk of dropping out of school. The goal of the program is to close the gaps in eduaction that are perpetrated by socioeconomic factors. I always loved working with children so I am thrilled to spend my professional development year serving those kids who need it the most. I look forward to grow as a person.

Long term career goals

During my professional development year I will also be applying to medical school. I am currently interested in pediatrics. I absolute goal would be to one day join Doctors Without Borders. I've always been drawn to serving the underserved. If I don't join Doctors Without Borders in the 'near' future, I hope to work for a public hospital or join a free clinic. The Department of Microbiology and Cell Science has taught me a lot more than just microbes. Thanks to Dr. Oli, I've realized the importance of self-care and service. I will continue to prioritize my mental health, so that I can better help others than way. I have never seen someone so dedicated to her students. As a physician, I hope to listen to my patients with care and help them heal with compassion.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

TA for microbio lab and do it early!! It was a really enriching experience. Also go talk to Dr. Oli before you graduate, she is very insightful and really wants to help you out. Take advantage of this and get some advice from her.

Stacy Vadakkan

Next steps after graduation

I will be attending the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.

Long term career goals

I hope to become a pediatric dentist and provide dental care to those in underserved communities.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Do not give up on yourself. You will make mistakes throughout your career at UF. However, learn from your mistakes and get back up even stronger.

Jose Luis Negron

Next steps after graduation

Working as a dental assistant

Long term career goals

Dental school

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Think small - microscopic!

Taylor Spiletic

Next steps after graduation

I will be attending medical school at the Florida State University College of Medicine.

Long term career goals

Although there is no way of knowing where I will end up, my volunteering at Oak Hammock, UF’s continuing care retirement community, has led me to enjoy geriatrics. I continually learn from geriatric patients, not only about history, but about life. This has furthered my passion for helping this community, as John Hoeven, a state senator, said “caring for our seniors is perhaps one of the greatest responsibilities we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy". Meanwhile, my volunteering at Shands has exposed me to another passion of mine, pediatrics. In particular, pediatrics for children that have chronic illnesses. Prior to volunteering in Streetlight, I questioned my emotional strength in working with adolescents that have fatal diseases and disabilities. However, through my volunteering experience, I have found that the successes and the smiles I have seen on the patients' and parents' faces far outweighs the daily hurdles. While I enjoy geriatrics and pediatrics, I cannot say where the next few years at FSU COM will take me and I will continue to keep an open mind for what is to come.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Enjoy your time in Gainesville and at the University of Florida! It will be the best four years of your life, and you should try every opportunity that comes up. With a majority of microbiology classes being online, this flexible schedule gives students a great chance to partake in research, volunteering, and other extracurriculars. You have the opportunity to make your own schedule, and this is one of the many reasons why I loved the microbiology department. If you want to be a part of some of the best volunteering organizations at UF, apply to join Streetlight at Shands, and J.O.Y. Just Older Youth. Go Gators!

Phiphone Inthalangsy

Next steps after graduation

Work as a Dental Assistant for a year to obtain experience in the dental field.

Long term career goals

After a gap year, I will attend dental school to become an Oral Surgeon.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Attend classes and keep up with assignments. Don't forget to have fun and enjoy the journey. Good luck!

Nathalia Bedoya-Rendon

Next steps after graduation

After Graduation I plan on applying to medical school and use my gap year as a way to further my research and finally publish my undergraduate paper on Teen Opioid Misuse.

Long term career goals

In the near future, my goal is to become a physician and specialize in surgery.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

I found it really helpful to talk to faculty members of the Microbiology department. They have so many opportunities from research to honestly just life advice. Last but not least, TA for Microbiology Lab!!!! It is one of the best experiences, you wont regret it.

Alana Marie Pacheco

Next steps after graduation

I will be applying to graduate programs to further my education.

Long term career goals

I plan on pursuing a career in medicine as a physician scientist.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

The hard work is all worth it especially with the memories you make along the way.

Jeremy De Leon Zelay

Next steps after graduation

After graduation, I hope to begin working in the scientific field.

Long term career goals

The driving point that has led me to an education has been the want to make a positive impact. My hope is to be in a position where I am able to aid mankind.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Find the best way you learn!

Shambhawi Tiwary

Next steps after graduation

I will be applying to medical school and graduate school while I work full time.

Long term career goals

Help as many people as possible using the scientific knowledge I learn.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Don't stress it, all you have to do is stay on top of your class work and listen to your professors. And don't forget to live your life, school will always be there but life is going to keep on moving whether move with it or not.

Jessica Zheng

Next steps after graduation

Masters in Public Health at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health .

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Get to know your professors in the Microbiology department!

Uma Kumar

Next steps after graduation

After graduation, I plan on taking a gap year to gain experience and increase my passion for the medical field. I also plan on traveling a bit, while applying to medical schools. I am excited for what is ahead!

Long term career goals

My long term career goals are to work in the field of medicine and maintain my passion for helping others. I hope to keep working alongside children as I do now. In the future, I want to use my time and skills to focus on global health since I have lived in diverse areas throughout my life.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

My advice for MCS majors is to keep focused and plan things out. I double-majored making it necessary to plan my schedule, so I would not go over the credit limits. It is also important not to overwork yourself which I learned from one of my beginning semesters into college.

Lauren Elisabeth Karnolt

Next steps after graduation

I will be attending the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in the fall.

Long term career goals

I am currently hoping to practice as an OBGYN specializing in reproductive endocrinology. However, my options are entirely open and I may find something else that I fall in love with once in medical school.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Enjoy everything that UF has to offer. These four years are an exhilarating blast and they go by quick! Take classes you are going to enjoy and find what you love. Go Gators!

Reagan Beliakoff

Honor Thesis and Mentor

Characterization of the YebC-family transcription factor in Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2

Next steps after graduation

Pursue a PhD in microbiology at UF.

Long term career goals

Academic research.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Get involved in undergraduate research as soon as possible.

Ivan Grela

Honor Thesis and Mentor

Altered stomatal apertures in response to immune signals delay growth of Arabidopsis thaliana plants (Sixue Chen)

Next steps after graduation

I might go to FSU college of medicine if they accept me. If not, I'll take off a year for personal development. There's a lot of things I would want to do, ranging form working in research, traveling, or possibly being a scribe.

Long term career goals

I am hoping to pursue a career in medicine. I thought I liked surgery before but I loved studying microbiology so much that now I am considering studying infectious diseases in medicine.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Meet with Dr. Oli as soon as you can. She gives you honest advise, is very cheerful, and has one of the most (if not the most) positive mindsets I've ever seen. She is an excellent source of guidance, and if not, a person to talk with. Also go to office hours for your professors and get to know them. All of my favorite professors have been the ones in the microbiology department and they are all extremely caring and nice. I regret not speaking more to some of the professors. Finally, take advantage of TA opportunities!

Marilyn Kathleen Rish

Next steps after graduation

Pharmacy School

Long term career goals

Pharmaceutical research

Kate Gerhardt

Next steps after graduation

I will be attending Johns Hopkins University for a Masters of Science in Bioinformatics with a concentration in immunology.

Long term career goals

I hope to eventually work as a computational immunologist and develop machine learning approaches for immunology research

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

No goal is ever out of reach. If you want something, give it all you've got. With the proper effort and time, there's nothing you can't accomplish.

Sonam Sharma Singh

Next steps after graduation

Continuing as the primary Research Assistant of a clinical investigation on Sulfa Drug Allergy in Lupus under Dr. Mark Segal.

Long term career goals

I hope to become a physician and practice in an academic setting.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

You will be surrounded by excellent role models for the next four years. Absorb as much knowledge about microbiology and life as you can!

Taylor Sky Mallory

Next steps after graduation

I will be attending medical school at the USUHS F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine

Long term career goals

I hope to serve as a physician in the United States Army

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Stay focused on your long-term goals. Work hard and nothing is out of reach.

Vanessa Sepulveda

Next steps after graduation

I will be working as a high school science teacher.

Long term career goals

Enroll in a master's program in public health and education.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Be persistent, don't give up, and enjoy it because your time at UF will go by fast.

William Owens

Honor Thesis and Mentor

Investigation of a Putative, Distal Mismatch Repair Gene Enhancer (Dr. Michael Kladde)

Next steps after graduation

Starting this fall, I will be working at Octant, a Bay Area startup. There, I will sharpen my synthetic biology skills and put all my UF training to good use.

Long term career goals

Ultimately, I plan to pursue a PhD in bioengineering and discover more ways to program cells.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

You don't need to go to college to read a textbook. During your college career, take advantage of what you can only get at a University: a community of students and researchers. Get involved in research early. Collaborate with like-minded individuals. Most importantly, find friends that share your ambitions and will motivate you to be a better person.

Maria Gabriela Rodriguez Vegas

Honor Thesis and Mentor

Activation of GCD-Positive Necklace Glomeruli Following Exposure to GCD-Positive OSN Semiochemicals

Next steps after graduation

University of Miami Medical School.

Long term career goals

Become a physician.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Work hard, but have fun. This major has a lot to offer, so take advantage of every opportunity!

Lisbeth Rubio

Next steps after graduation

I will be pursuing a Masters in Mental Health Counseling at Barry University.

Long term career goals

I hope to become a psychologist and help teens and young adults.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Don’t give up!! Enjoy every moment of your four years as a microbiology major. Take risks, talk to your professors, become a TA, join an awesome research lab, and most importantly learn all that you can and share that knowledge with others. Everyone in the microbiology department is there to help you and willing to listen, Dr. Oli is one of those great people! You got this, believe in yourself and Go Gators!

Shelby Neal

Honor Thesis and Mentor

Development of the spatial gradient along the dorsal-ventral axis of the hippocampus and the related application of early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric genetic disorders (Dr. Andrew Maurer)

Next steps after graduation

I will be working as a genetic counseling assistant-researcher at Children's Mercy Hospital. I will be working specifically on their research study Genomic Answers for Kids.

Long term career goals

I would like to become a genetic counselor. I am interested in the fields of pediatric and prenatal genetic counseling.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Balance is the key to life! Work hard, but also know when to take a break and have fun.

Kailey Tanck

Next steps after graduation

I will be pursuing my PhD in Microbiology here at UF!

Long term career goals

To pursue research in plant pathology.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

You picked the best major at UF! Get to know the faculty and your fellow classmates. Work hard and enjoy the ride

Maria Carolina Hernandez

Next steps after graduation

I will continue to work in the College Of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology as a research assistant in the Jobin Lab. At the same time, I will be preparing to apply to medical school in 2021.

Long term career goals

would like work in the field of cancer and the microbiome as a physician-scientist, looking into novel therapies and further investigate the influence of microbes in cancer development.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Enjoy every minute of your undergraduate career, no matter how difficult it may seem. Also, seek out opportunities that will help you grow personally or professionally; they will lay the groundwork for your future self as a person and a professional. Go Gators!

Rami Hatem

Next steps after graduation

I will be attending the University of Florida College of Medicine.

Long term career goals

I aspire to become a physician.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Your undergraduate years are the best ones of your life. Be responsible, don’t overly stress yourself out, and most importantly, have fun!

Justin Alek Llanos Encienzo

Next steps after graduation

Pursuing a Masters in Microbiology at the University of Florida and eventually preparing for entrance into either a medical school or a PhD program.

Long term career goals

I aspire to become either a physician and/or a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Highly recommend being a MCS major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Dr. Korithoski and Dr. Oli provided me with plenty of valuable insight that I would not have known had I stayed in the College of Liberal Arts (CLAS). It may be a daunting a major, but if you’re passionate about microbes, every major class will be fascinating!

Kaniz Priyanka

Next steps after graduation

I hope to complete a masters in medicine within the year. After which, I hope to attend medical school.

Long term career goals

One day I would love to have all my goals accomplished by becoming a pediatrician.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

It's easy to fall into the mindset that you're not smart enough or that you're not good enough. But just remember how many people are supporting you, even if you may not be aware of it. We are always rooting for you. All your accomplishments and hardships make up who you are and we will support you through it all. So don't worry if you hit a bump in the road, because you will make it through it all in the end.

Alondra Stefany Rivera

Next steps after graduation

After graduation, I will be studying for my MCAT and applying for lab jobs in South Florida.

Long term career goals

My long term career goals are to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Get to know your microbiology professors. They are the kindest and most interesting people at UF.

Olivia LeHeup

Next steps after graduation

I plan on continuing my work as a Lab Tech for the UF Department of Pathology.

Long term career goals

I intend to go to graduate school for a Pathologists' Assistant program and continue to work in research or a clinical setting.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Enjoy your time in The Swamp and start getting into research early!

David Berryman

Next steps after graduation

UFGI genetics and Genomics Graduate program

Long term career goals

Research

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Study Hard

Luke Farmer

Next steps after graduation

Apply to work as a medical assistant or research assistant in Pembroke Pines FL.

Long term career goals

I aspire to attend medical school and am very interested in pediatrics and geriatrics!

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

There are so many amazing opportunities for research and mentorship in this major! Get involved early to see what you do and do not like, and get to know your professors. They are usually working on some groundbreaking research project and you could be a part of the next big thing before you even graduate!

Mythili Merchant

Honor Thesis and Mentor

Using qCLASH to Identify miR-484 Targets (Mingyi Xie)

Next steps after graduation

I will be joining the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda as a Post Baccalaureate to work in a neuro-oncology lab, working on finding therapeutics for gliomas/brain tumors (it has been a dream of mine forever!).

Long term career goals

I hope to get a PhD in Cancer Biology!

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Work hard. There is no limit to what you can achieve if you work hard. Test your boundaries, push yourself out of your comfort zone. I know it sounds cliche, but cliche is true!! My time at UF has been full of wonderful experiences that were only possible because I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and all of them have contributed to who I am today. I wouldn't have had it any other way! That class you are afraid to take? Take it! That professor you are scared to talk to? Talk to them! There is absolutely no stopping you once you start :)

Gabriella Ciancimino

Next steps after graduation

I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine.

Long term career goals

I aspire to be a special needs dentist and an advocate for underserved patient populations.

Do you have any advice for future MCS majors at UF

Enjoy these 4 years, no matter what! Make memories, do well, and appreciate all you learn. These truly are the best years of your life!

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