As the academic year draws to a close, we thought we might take the time to introduce you to some of our Alumni Association Scholarship recipients. Today, we hear from Joelle Cusic ’16, biochemistry and molecular biology.

Name: Joelle Cusic

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Grad Year: 2016

Extracurriculars: Shock Trauma volunteer at UMMC, URA scholar, Woolie, hospital lab volunteer, violin

Why did you decide to attend UMBC? I decided to attend UMBC because I felt that I would receive a strong science education with the opportunity to do research, which would provide me with a strong foundation upon which I can build when I enter medical school.

What’s been the most amazing discovery you’ve made so far as a student here? The most amazing discovery I’ve made so far as a student at UMBC is that I can achieve my goals and far exceed my own expectations. I’m still amazed that I’m a Biochem major. There is always room to improve and grow and looking back over the last few years here, I have seen just how far I’ve come as an individual and as a student.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in your time at UMBC? If there is anything I’m most happy about accomplishing, it is that I have had the opportunity to expand my own mind through research while helping other through being a teaching assistant.

What would you say to the people who provided your scholarship? I would say thank you for helping me pursue my dream of becoming a medical doctor. Your gift has helped me immensely as I finish out my last year of undergrad and my parents and I are truly grateful. Your gift has allowed me to take another step closer to reaching my goal.

What do you hope to do after graduation? Once I graduate with my bachelor of science in biochemistry and molecular biology in May 2016, I will be applying to medical school in the hopes of matriculating in fall 2017. During my year off, I plan to find a position in a local hospital and perhaps a research internship. I am also in the midst of applying for a spot in a six-month medical missions trip, which is based in New Zealand and will run from January to June of 2017, that will serve the islands of the South Pacific. However, my ultimate goal is to become an oncologist, which I believe would allow me to be able to have the opportunity to treat patients and promote health wellness and prevention within the community while also opening the door for me to do research on genetic diseases.

Help students like Joelle pursue their educational goals by making a gift today.

Once a month, we’ll profile one of the amazing Phonathon students working in UMBC’s call center. This month, say hello to student caller Michael, class of 2016. 

Michael is from Silver Spring, MD, and is working toward a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.We sat down with Michael to get to know him a little better and here’s what we learned:

Q: Why did you choose to come to UMBC?

A: I chose to come to UMBC because I was interested in the biological sciences, and heard that UMBC had strong science and research programs.

Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of class?

A: I enjoy playing sports on Erickson field and playing in the RAC.

Q: What do you like best about being a student caller?

A: The best thing I like about being a student caller is that I get to talk to alumni and hear about their experiences they had at UMBC.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: If everything goes well, I plan to go to med school. If not, then I will go into a Biotechnology graduate program.

Q: What do you enjoy most about UMBC now that you are here?

A: I like the atmosphere of UMBC. Since the school is not too big it is easy to get to class. Generally speaking, most people on campus are really friendly and welcoming.

Learn more about the UMBC Phonathon!

Once a month, we’ll profile one of the amazing Phonathon students working in UMBC’s call center. This week, say hello to student caller Nate, class of 2016.

Nate is from Silver Spring, MD, and is working toward his degree in biochemistry. We sat down with Nate to get to know him a little better and here’s what we learned:

Q: Why did you choose to come to UMBC? 

A: UMBC is very diverse and its STEM courses are challenging.

Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of class?

A: I enjoy hanging out with my friends that I made here at UMBC and participating in the activities that are held on campus.

Q: What do you like best about being a student caller?

A: Being a student caller gives me the chance to talk with more people and also gain experience and knowledge from the alumni that I call.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: After graduation, I plan to go into research or go toward forensics.

Q: What do you enjoy most about UMBC?

A: I like attending class and getting to know my department professors.

Learn more about the UMBC Phonathon!

Once a month, we’ll profile one of the amazing Phonathon students working in UMBC’s call center. This week, say hello to student caller Nate, class of 2016.

Nate is from Silver Spring, MD, and is working toward his degree in biochemistry. We sat down with Nate to get to know him a little better and here’s what we learned:

Q: Why did you choose to come to UMBC? 

A: UMBC is very diverse and its STEM courses are challenging.

Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of class?

A: I enjoy hanging out with my friends that I made here at UMBC and participating in the activities that are held on campus.

Q: What do you like best about being a student caller?

A: Being a student caller gives me the chance to talk with more people and also gain experience and knowledge from the alumni that I call.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: After graduation, I plan to go into research or go toward forensics.

Q: What do you enjoy most about UMBC?

A: I like attending class and getting to know my department professors.

Learn more about the UMBC Phonathon!