BLAST
BLAST
Bantivoglio Leadership and Service Training
BLAST Peer Mentoring Program
The Bantivoglio Leadership and Service Training (BLAST) peer mentoring program pairs upperclassmen with incoming Honors students to help guide them through their first semester in Honors and at Rowan. Incoming students are invited to join shortly before the start of their first semester in the program.
The Fall 2025 BLAST Mentor Application is open. Applications for Fall 2025 will close on January 26th at 11:59 PM.
Professor Flocco is the Coordinator of First-Year Experience and Bantivoglio Leadership and Service Training (BLAST). She has been supervising the BLAST program and teaching peer mentors since 2018.
Professor Flocco is also a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Writing Arts. She teaches Honors Composition I and Honors Composition II.
Email: flocco@rowan.edu
Lila is a Communications Studies major with minors in Political Science and Journalism. In addition to being one of the BLAST Co-Coordinators, she also writes for The Whit and works at Lascala’s! In her free time, she likes to go to the beach, read, sing, and travel!
Email: swieta24@students.rowan.edu
Jackson is from Sicklerville New Jersey. In addition to being a BLAST co-coordinator, he is a Statistics intern for the Delaware Blue Coats and Wilmington Blue Rocks. He is a mathematics and sports communication major, and hopes to work as an actuary. He also interns with the Rowan Baseball team, as a data analyst. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys hanging out with friends and playing basketball!
Email: schaef32@students.rowan.edu
BLAST Mentors
Fall 2024 Mentors
| Name | Year |
Major(s) |
Hometown |
About Me |
|
 |
Soumya Rednam (she/her) | Senior |
Biology |
South Brunswick, NJ (Resident) |
I am involved in a service fraternity, Habitat for Humanity, and the pre-vet club. I also like going on drives with my friends, cooking, baking, and tennis. |
 |
Srivalli Valluri (she/her) | Senior |
Biomedical Engineering (3+4 BS/MD) |
Hackettstown, NJ (Resident) |
I am involved with BMES, Circle K, Math team, Pre Health Society, and Honors Choir. I LOVE watching movies, listening to music and reading. I am also a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo! |
 |
Alex DeStefano (he/him) | Junior |
Music Education |
Dorothy, NJ (Resident) |
I am a dedicated musician. I especially love playing piano and composing music. |
 |
Gianna Canuso (she/her) | Junior |
Early Childhood Education |
Mt. Ephraim, NJ (Commuter) |
I am involved in Kappa Delta Pi (education honor society fraternity) and the Rowan Club Field Hockey Team. I enjoy reading, watching Rom-Coms, going to the beach, and playing with my dogs |
 |
Alexa Gonzalez (she/her) | Senior |
Commupting & Informatics |
Toms River, NJ (Resident) |
I am the President of ACM-W, Treasurer of Circle K and Hammocking Club, and a member of Alpha Phi Omega. I am also an Admissions Ambassador on campus. |
 |
Kayleigh Naprawa (she/her) | Junior |
Political Science |
Columbus, NJ (Resident) |
I am the President of the Pre-Law Society and Vice President of Service for Alpha Phi Omega. I am also a CA in Holly Pointe Commons and on the Honors Student Organization! |
 |
Kate Burton (she/her) |
Junior | Exercise Science | Franklinville, NJ (Commuter) | I’m involved on campus as the President of Rowan Circle K and participate in the GetFit program. I love animals, exercise & people! |
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Medha Dabral (she/her) | Junior | Biological Sciences | Howell, NJ (Resident) | I am involved on campus as the president of the Badminton Club and FTO + staff EMT on the Rowan EMS squad. I enjoy painting, taekwondo, and solving a variety of rubik’s cubes! |
 |
Riley Glackin (she/they) |
Junior | Biochemistry | Hazlet, NJ (Resident) | I’m the 2nd Lieutenant of Rowan EMS, and a CA at Robo. I’m a biochemistry major with hopes of attending med school. I love playing Dungeons & Dragons, writing, and playing soccer. |
 |
Jane Van Wie (they/them) | Junior | Communication Studies | Clifton, NJ (Resident) | I am a lover of all things art and music and I am currently the Promotions Manager of Cinema Workshop, Rowan’s film club and I am a member of the Rowan Television Network and the Communication Studies Club. I am also a social media marketer for the Edelman Planetarium. |
 |
Lila Swietanski (she/her) |
Junior | Communication Studies | Mount Royal, NJ (Resident) |
I am one of the co-coordinators of the BLAST program! I’m also an admissions ambassador and I love to sing, read, and go to the beach. |
 |
Parker Bennink (he/him) | Junior | Radio, Television, & Film | Hightstown, NJ (Resident) |
Some of my favorite things are film, photography, and music. I’m currently on the Executive Board for the Rowan Television Network. |
 |
Sean Connelly (he/him) | Senior | Psychology | Cape May Courthouse, NJ (Resident) |
I am the Vice President for Habitat for Humanity and a Student Educator for the Edelman Planetarium. I enjoy making friends, watching movies, and making music (I’m a DJ). |
 |
Lacey Cicalese (she/her) | Junior | Early Childhood Education | Haddon Heights, NJ (Resident) | I am involved in Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, and attend Circle K (a service organization). I am currently employed as a tutor, preschool assistant teacher, and work at the pierogi place on campus! My hobbies include reading, listening to harry styles & taylor swift, and hanging out with my friends. |
 |
Rose Critelli (she/her) | Junior | Mathematics Education (4+1) | Ocean Twp, NJ (Resident) | I am the Vice President of the Rowan women’s club soccer team and the breast cancer meal care club. I am the secretary for AWM and a student worker for the CED Dean’s Office. I love working out and spending time with my friends! |
 |
Briana Reid (she/her) | Senior | Biological Science | Clayton, NJ (Resident) | I’m involved in Rowan’s U-RISE Biomedical Research Program. I currently do research at Cooper Med School in the Carabetta lab. I also love to watch Netflix and play soccer. |
 |
Samay Shukla (he/him) | Senior |
Molecular & Cellular Biology (3+4 BS/DO) |
Monroe Twp, NJ (Resident) | I’m involved in a Psychology research lab and volunteer with Rowan EMS. I enjoy basketball, video games, and watching TV, especially Spongebob! |
 |
Jordyn Dauter (she/her) | Junior |
Dance & Elementary Education Honors with Distinction |
Quakertown, PA (Resident) | I’m a member of the Rowan Dance Team, RU Dance Extensions and the VP of Membership for Kappa Delta Pi. I enjoy teaching young kids gymnastics and dance. |
 |
Mia Shute (she/her) | Senior |
Biological Science |
Mullica Hill, NJ (Resident) | I’m a Biological Sciences major and a Psychology minor, and I am on the pre-med track! I am a Community Assistant. I love to travel, read, hang out with my family and friends, and play with my dogs! |
 |
Emily Nelson (she/her) | Junior |
Biological Science |
Washington Crossing, PA (Resident) | I work as an EMT for Rowan EMS, and am also a lifeguard/EMT for the North Wildwood Beach Patrol. I do biochemistry research at Cooper Med school and love to run, swim, and exercise. |
 |
Raaha Kumaresan (she/her) | Senior |
Biomedical Engineering (3+4 BS/MD) |
Robbinsville, NJ (Resident) | I’m the President of Engineers without Borders, and I conduct research in BME. I love hanging out with my friends and family and listening to music. |
| |
Jackson Schaefer (he/him) | Junior |
Mathematics & Sports Communication |
Sicklerville, NJ (Resident) | I am one of the co-coordinators of the BLAST program! I’m a Stats intern for the Delaware Blue Coats and Wilmington Blue Rocks. I enjoy hanging out with friends and playing basketball! |
 |
Sara Rozengarten (she/her) | Senior |
Molecular & Cellular Biology (3+4 BS/MD) |
Cherry Hill, NJ (Resident) | I am the service chair for ImmunoClub, serve on the Honors Service Committee, volunteer at a free clinic, and am an undergraduate researcher at Rowan University and Cooper University Health Care. I love binge watching TV shows, soccer, and food! |
 |
Sarah Shockey (she/her) | Sophomore |
Journalism & Sports CaM |
Mullica Hill, NJ (Commuter) | I am a Co-News Editor for The Whit and work with RTN to make field packages. I love all things sports, with my favorites being baseball and football. My favorite team is the Phillies! Some of my other hobbies include listening to music, watching movies, and hanging out with my friends. |
 |
Abbie Ealer (she/her) | Senior |
History (4+1) |
Washington Township (Commuter) | I am the president of Phi Alpha Theta (the history honors society), secretary for the student association of the Rowan Center for the Study of Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights (RCHGHR), and on the executive board of Operation Uganda Renewed. I work at a historical site, and I love watching the Phillies, traveling, seeing movies, listening to music, reading, and going to museums! |
 |
Rachel Ross (she/her) | Sophomore |
Biological Sciences (3+4 BS/MD) |
Marlboro, NJ (Resident) | I am a member of the Pre-Health Society and Circle K International. I love to go to the beach and hang out with friends. I also love to travel with my family, and my favorite place I’ve been is Japan! |
 |
Gwendolyn Bostedo (she/her) | Junior |
Radio, TV, & Film Communication Studies |
Mount Olive, NJ (Resident) | I am Cinema Workshop’s Vice President, and also a member of Writers’ Room and The Post Office (CW’s Editing Committee). In my spare time I enjoy playing the violin, watching movies, and traveling. |
 |
Anmol Patel (she/her) | Sophomore | Molecular & Cellular Biology | Hackettstown, NJ (Resident) | I am a co-captain for Rowan Rangeela’s dance team. I am also in many other STEM clubs, and I am an Admissions Ambassador. I love watching Marvel movies and hanging out with my friends. |
 |
Emily Schwartz (she/her) | Sophomore | Radio, TV, & Film | Cape Coral, FL (Resident) | I am the Webmaster and I co-run Writer’s Room for Cinema Workshop. In my free time I like to play video games and read sci-fi novels. |
 |
Chiemeka Chukwueke (he/him) | Sophomore | Computer Science | Collingswood, NJ (Resident) | I am the Secretary of Rowan Unified, the senator of the Honors College, and the Fundrasing Chair of Circle K International. I work as a PROS member here on campus. In my free time, I enjoy going to clubs on campus (Rowan Television Network, Cinema Workshop, and Catholic Campus Ministry). I also love hanging with friends and playing the piano. |
 |
Erin Maegerle (she/her) | Sophomore |
Biological Sciences (3+4 Vet) Chemistry
|
Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Resident) | I’m in Rowan School of Veterinary Medicines 3+4 Accelerated Program and I work as a veterinary technician down by the shore. I enjoy theater and art history and i love painting and watching 2000s rom coms. |
 |
Philip Amaro (he/him) | Junior | Electrical & Computer Engineering | Columbus, NJ (Resident) | I am currently the Treasurer for Habitat for Humanity and work in IT part time. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, traveling, and watching basketball. |
 |
Alyson Schaefer (she/her) | Junior |
Political Science History |
Sicklerville, NJ (Resident) | I am on a pre-law track, with aspirations of being a human rights lawyer. I work on-campus as an undergraduate researcher for the History Department. I am a member of many clubs on campus including RIPPAC, #RowanVotes, and Circle K International. I love listening to music, hanging out with my friends, and reading books! |
 |
Natasha Wagner (she/her) | Sophomore |
Psychology Marketing |
Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Resident) | I am a part of the club tennis team on campus. In my free time I love spending time with my friends, going to concerts, and watching different tv shows. |
 |
Emma Margolies (she/her) | Senior |
Accounting Finance |
Toms River, NJ (Resident) | I am apart of Rowan Dance Extensions, Pre Law Society, Phi Alpha Delta (pre law honors society), Beta Gamma Sigma (business honors society), Habitat for Humanity, and Rowan Powerlifting Club. I am also a Peer Tutor and an Admissions Ambassador. |
 |
Armaine Dela Cruz (she/her) | Senior |
Radio, TV, & Film Writing Arts |
Memphis, TN (Commuter) | I am the e-board SGA representative for Cinema Workshop, the e-board photographer for Poetic Justice, a member of the Philippine American Coalition, and was formerly the head intern for the Writing Arts Department. |
 |
Jenna Ferro (she/her) | Sophomore |
Health & Physical Education |
Old Bridge, NJ (Resident) | I am a member of the Women’s Club Volleyball Team and the Health and Physical Education Club. I love to stay active and spend time with friends. |
 |
Fiona Currie (she/her) | Sophomore |
Accounting |
Haddonfield, NJ (Resident) | I am a member of the Accounting Society, Women in Business, and the Honors Book Club. I love to read, listen to music, spend time with my friends, and play with my dog! |
 |
John Schiede (he/him) | Senior |
Electrical & Computer Engineering |
East Northport, NY (Resident) | I am the President of the Men’s Volleyball Club and Service Chair of IEEE. Some of my hobbies include playing bass guitar, watching hockey and baseball, and playing beach/grass volleyball. I also have a minor in physics. |
 |
Olivia Girello (she/her) | Sophomore |
Music Industry |
North Brunswick, NJ (Resident) | I work on campus as a Social Media Marketer for the Edelman Planetarium. In my free time, I like to listen to music and go to concerts. |
 |
Chimnecherem Obiadazie (he/him) | Sophomore |
Molecular & Cellular Biology |
Unubi, Anambra, Nigeria (Commuter) | I am involved in the Pre-health Club and work as an Admissions Ambassador on campus. I am also a chorister at WC, Philadelphia. I enjoy outdoor games, music, cooking and reading classic books. |
 |
Anagha Nair (she/her) | Sophomore |
Molecular & Cellular Biology |
Hackettstown, NJ (Resident) | I am a Staff EMT for Rowan University Emergency Medical Services, an Admissions Ambassador, Treasurer for Rowan Rangeela, and am doing research in molecular biology. |
 |
Kara Letizia (she/her) | Junior |
Mathematics |
Old Bridge, NJ (Resident) | I am the Vice President for the Student University Programmers (SUP), an organization that helps plan events! I enjoy being outside, love the show Friends, and enjoy learning new things! |
 |
Cassie Glisson (she/her) | Senior | Biochemistry | Cinnaminson, NJ (Resident) | I transferred in from RCBC last year! I am the MDE chair for Rowan CKI and a Staff EMT for Rowan EMS. I am also involved in biochemistry research on campus. In my free time, I love going to concerts, watching TV shows, and walking my dogs! |
Fall 2023 Mentors
| Name | Year |
Major(s) |
Hometown |
About Me |
|
 |
David Theuma | Senior |
Chemical Engineering
|
Hammonton, NJ (Commuter) |
I am very involved in the College of Engineering and the secretary of the 3D Printing club. I’m also a huge Marvel fan! |
 |
Soumya Rednam | Junior |
Biology |
South Brunswick, NJ (Resident) |
I am involved in Alpha Phi Omega (service fraternity) and Habitat for Humanity. I also enjoy tennis, baking, cooking, and TV! |
|
|
Amelia Biermann | Junior |
Inclusive Education |
Mullica Hill, NJ (Commuter) |
I am the co-president of Rowan Unified Sports and the VP of Kappa Delta Pi. I also love music (Dad Rock) and TV! |
 |
Jamie Ivan | Junior |
Political Science |
Old Bridge, NJ (Resident) |
I am a VP of the Pre-Law Society. I am also a member of RIPPAC and Circle K. I am the AVP of Governmental Relations for SGA. |
 |
Glenn Johnson | Sophomore |
Chemical Engineering |
Asbury Park, NJ (Resident) |
I am the 2026 Class Representative for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and I also am an active member of the math team. |
 |
Srivalli Valluri | Junior |
Biomedical Engineering (3+4) |
Hackettstown, NJ (Resident) |
I am a member of the BME Society, Circle, K, and the Math team. I am also a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo! |
| |
Alex DeStefano | Sophomore |
Music Education |
Dorothy, NJ (Resident) |
I am a dedicated musician. I especially love playing piano and composing music. |
 |
Gianna Canuso | Sophomore |
Early Childhood Education |
Mt. Ephraim, NJ (Commuter) |
I play on the Rowan Club Field Hockey Team and volunteer with GetFIT. I also enjoy reading and watching RomComs! |
|
Alexa Gonzalez | Sophomore |
Commupting & Informatics |
Toms River, NJ (Resident) |
I am involved in ACM-W, Circle K, Alpha Phi Omega. I am also an Admissions Ambassador! |
|
Kayleigh Naprawa | Sophomore |
Political Science |
Columbus, NJ (Resident) |
I am involved in Circle K, Pre-Law Society, and Alpha Phi Omega. I am also an Admissions Ambassador! |
 |
Mackenzie Sozio | Junior |
Biology |
Washington Twp., NJ (Resident) |
I am VP of the Pre-Health Society, and a member of Circle K. I also work with Dr. Vega in the JHSC lab. |
 |
Ohm Sharma | Senior | Biomedical Engineering (3+4 BS/MD) | Roswell, GA (Resident) | I am the secretary of the BME Society and co-leaders of the Honors Food Insecurity Program. I am also an avid sports fan! |
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Megan Steckler | Senior | Marketing & Entrepreneurship | Mullica Hill, NJ (Commuter) | I am an on-air host for Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM and a member of the American Marketing Society. |
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Rose Mularadelis | Senior | Biology & Environmental Science | Burlington, NJ (Resident) | I work in the Rowan Writing Center and an Environmental Science Lab. I am also involved in the Honors Choir and Honors Murder Mystery! |
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Hannah Turrisi | Senior | Biological Sciences | Parsippany, NJ (Resident) | This is my 4th semester as a BLAST mentor. I am also the Senator for Circle K Service organization. In my free time, I spend time reading, hanging out with friends! |
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Kate Burton | Sophomore | Exercise Science | Franklinville, NJ (Commuter) | I am the social chair for Circle K. I am also involved in the Public Health Club and the National Wellness Institute. |
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Cora Mejia | Senior | Biochemistry | Ocala, Floria (Resident) | This is my final semester at Rowan and I'm so excited to mentor again! I am a musician and play 8 instruments! |
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Calvin Suoto | Sophomore | Biochemistry | Micketon, NJ (Commuter) | I work in Dr. Grinias’ lab on Chromatography and analytical chemistry. I also love to hang out with friends, golf, play video games, and watch anime. |
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Medha Dabral | Sophomore | Biological Sciences | Howell, NJ (Resident) | I am a field training officer and staff on Rowan’s EMS squad. I am also the president of the Badminton club! |
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Riley Glackin | Sophomore | Biochemistry | Hazlet, NJ (Resident) | I am an EMT for Rowan’s EMS squad. I also love soccer, writing, and reading in my free time. |
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Grace Fox | Senior | English | Monroe Twp, NJ (Resident) | I am a member of cinema workshop. I love reading and watching terrible movies! |
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Jane Van Wie | Junior | Communication Studies | Clifton, NJ (Resident) | I am involved with Rowan Television Network and the secretary of Cinema Workshop. I am also a fan of different art forms such as painting and sewing. |
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Landon Nicholson | Senior | Finance & Management Information Systems | Mullica Hill, NJ (Resident) |
I am on the Student Government Executive Committee and an Admission Ambassador. I also love snowboarding and surfing! |
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Lila Swietanski | Junior | Communication Studies | Mount Royal, NJ (Resident) |
I am the co-coordinator of the BLAST program! I am also an admissions ambassador and the lead singer of a band! |
 |
Dom Coutinho | Senior | Molecular & Cellular Biology (3+4 BS/MD) | Haddon Twp, NJ (Resident) |
I am a part-time phlebotomist at Our Lady of Lourdes and conduct research at Cooper Medical School. I play soccer and basketball in my free time. |
 |
Trina Basu | Senior | Molecular & Cellular Biology (3+4 BS/MD) | Washington Twp, NJ (Resident) |
I am the president of Women Inspiring a New Generation of Scientists, VP of Minority Association of Premedical students and Co-Captain of Rowan Rangeela. |
 |
Amanda Baliban | Senior (Transfer) | Anthropology | Haddon Twp, NJ (Commuter) |
I am a member of Rowan Club Tennis team and the Honors Choir. I love reading and am a big Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings fan! |
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Mary Moor | Senior (Transfer) | Computer Science | Bridgeton, NJ (Commuter) |
I am the secretary of Association for Computing Machinery. I am also the committee head of Rowan Robotics. Fun fact: I have my private pilot certificate! |
|
Parker Bennink | Junior | Radio, Television, & Film | Hightstown, NJ (Resident) |
I am the talent/producer for the Rowan Television Network and the VP of Cinema Workshop. I love music, movies, and video games! |
|
Sean Connelly | Junior | Psychology | Cape May Courthouse, NJ (Resident) |
I am a Senator for Habitat for Humanity. I enjoy making friends, watching movies, and making music. |
 |
Lacey Cicalese | Sophomore | Early Childhood Education | Haddon Heights, NJ (Resident) | I am a member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority and Circle K service club. I love the beach and hanging out with friends. I am a big Harry Styles fan! |
|
Rose Critelli | Sophomore | Mathematics Education (4+1) | Ocean Twp, NJ (Resident) | I am a member of the Association of Women in Math and I work in the College of Education Dean’s Office. |
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Bryant Wang | Junior | Molecular & Cellular Biology (3+4 BS/MD) | Moorestown, NJ (Resident) | I’m secretary for the Pre-Health Society, a part of GetFit and the Honors Food Insecurity Program. I also play intramural soccer. |
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Nitish Kasarla | Junior | Molecular & Cellular Biology (3+4 BS/MD) | East Hanover, NJ (Resident) | I’m President of the Pre-Health Society, a part of GetFit and the Honors Food Insecurity Program. I’m a big sports fan! |
| |
Briana Reid | Sophomore | Biological Science | Clayton, NJ (Resident) | I’m involved in Rowan’s NAACP chapter and Rowan’s U-RISE Biomedical Research Program. I love to watch Netflix and play soccer. |
 |
Samay Shukla | Sophomore |
Molecular & Cellular Biology (3+4 BS/DO) |
Monroe Twp, NJ (Resident) | I’m involved in a Psychology research lab and volunteer with Rowan EMS. I enjoy basketball, video games and watching TV, especially Spongebob! |
| |
Jordyn Dauter | Junior |
Dance & Elementary Education |
Quakertown, PA (Resident) | I am captain of the Rowan Dance Team and the VP of RU Dance Extensions. I love to choreograph, and exercise. |
 |
Mia Shute | Junior |
Biological Science |
Mullica Hill, NJ (Resident) | I’m a Community Assistant in Holly Pointe and I love going out to eat, listening to music, going to the gym and hanging out with my dogs! |
| |
Emily Nelson | Junior |
Biological Science |
Washington Crossing, PA (Resident) | I’m on the Women’s Swim Team and work as an EMT for Rowan EMS. I’m also a lifeguard/EMT for the North Wildwood Beach Patrol. |
| |
Raaha Kumaresan | Sophomore |
Biomedical Engineering (3+4 BS/MD) |
Robbinsville, NJ (Resident) | I’m the Treasurer for Engineers without Borders, and I’m an undergraduate researcher in The Vega Lab. |
 |
Jackson Schaefer | Sophomore |
Mathematics & Sports Communication |
Sicklerville, NJ (Resident) | I’m a Stats intern for the Delaware Blue Coats and Wilmington Blue Rocks. I enjoy hanging out with friends and playing basketball! |
 |
Sara Rozengarten | Sophomore |
Molecular & Cellular Biology (3+4 BS/MD) |
Cherry Hill, NJ (Resident) | I am the special events chair for ImmunoClub and volunteer for the Pre-Health office. I love binge watching TV shows, soccer, and food! |
