DLS Ambassador Alumni
- Shveta Banker
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Additional Major(s): Nutritional Sciences
- Hometown: South Brunswick, NJ
- Career Interest: I am currently interested in primary care, but more specifically, pediatrics.
- Fun Fact: My fastest time to finish a sudoku puzzle is 2 minutes and 24 seconds in easy mode!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class so far was Sociology of Medicine and Health Care. It is incredibly intriguing to see how a person's living conditions and the people surrounding them can take a toll on their health. The class goes over all the aspects considered 'behind the scenes" in a person's health.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
At Rutgers, I am a part of APSEA, an organization that runs health screenings. I am also a research assistant through Aresty. In addition to that, I am a chemistry teaching intern, as I lead problem solving sessions for Chemistry 161 and 162. Outside of that, I currently work as a physical therapy aide!
- Minahyl Lashari
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Major: Biological Sciences
- Minor(s): Psychology
- Hometown: Marlboro, NJ
- Career Interest: Pre-health
- Fun Fact: I love to do arts and crafts and make jewelry!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class was Prep for General Biology. The class was a great foundation for my future STEM courses. The professor, Dr. Transue, was connected to his students and emphasized the importance of commitment to the class material and motivating his students.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I'm currently in the Aresty Research Assistant program for the upcoming school year, conducting research on alternative methods in mental healthcare. I am also a Scarlet Ambassador, working at the visitor center and providing tours and information to prospective Rutgers students. I'm also gaining clinical experience as a patient observer at Saint Peter's University Hospital, working directly in a healthcare setting with other professional staff and patients.
- Pavithra Veera
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- Hometown: Monroe Township, NJ
- Career Interest: Research/ Data Analytics
- Fun Fact: My passions include hiking, digital art and slam poetry! In my spare time, I hope to play a part in protecting our planet and preserving biodiversity.
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class that I've taken is Public Speaking because it prepared me to speak in front of other people and it helped build my self-confidence.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
At Rutgers, I am a two-time participant of the DLS SURF program which occurs over the summer where we have the opportunity to research with a faculty member and present our findings in an end-of-program symposium. Outside of research, I am also a part of the College Avenue Players (CAP) club where I act in plays and produce mini scripts! In my free time, I like to make digital animations and perform slam poetry!
- Sneha Kumar
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Major: Genetics
- Minor(s): Certificate in Computational Genetics
- Hometown: Middlesex Borough, NJ
- Career Interest: I aspire to become a physician, potentially specializing in endocrinology. My experiences working with patients in healthcare roles and volunteering, coupled with my passion for understanding the complexities of the human body have ignited my interest in this career path.
- Fun Fact: I enjoy playing the piano, reading and traveling!
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class so far was a genetics lab course called Honors Computational Genetics (01:447:203).
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I work in Dr. Verzi's lab in the Human Genetics Institute where I received the DLS SURF research fellowship while working in his lab for the past 3 years. I am also the programming coordinator for Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), the health pre-professional honor society, the secretary for the Association of Undergraduate Geneticists (AUG) club, an executive board member for the School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program (SASHP) Artist Collective and a peer mentor within the SASHP. Outside of Rutgers I work as a medical assistant at Kidz Dreamz Pediatrics in Iselin New Jersey.
- Tyler Tran
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- Minor(s): Medical Ethics & Health Policy
- Hometown: Parsippany, NJ
- Career Interest: MD-PhD focusing on oncology or immunology.
- Fun Fact: I like skiing, and I don't know how to ride a bike.
- What was your favorite class and why?:
My favorite class has been Computational Genetics since it was a practical introduction to basic programming in general and taught common bioinformatics skills in a way that was easy to follow and had relevant applications.
- What other Rutgers activities and extracurricular activities do you participate in?:
I have been involved as an LA for the learning centers, research in a genetics lab, SASHP peer tutor, the Daily Targum, and The Examiner at Rutgers.