Take a Leap with High-Profile Research

Transcript

Let’s shine the light on science. Victoria is from Totowa, New Jersey, a sophomore with a double major in biochemistry and Italian, with a minor in mathematics. As you’ll hear Montclair students have opportunities to work directly with faculty in labs and research. And on a personal note, you may be surprised to discover that Victoria is a quintuplet.

– Thank you Alex. Yes, you heard right quintuplets. If you’re unfamiliar two for twins, three for triplets, five for quintuplets. Growing up as a first generation college student school was always the most important thing, and I was always looking to be on top. However, I was unsure on how to become involved and how to get to that place. Montclair is the perfect university to make this happen. Sitting in class, I learned about the opportunities Montclair had to offer such as on campus employment and research positions open to undergraduate students, especially in the science department. As a nationally recognized R2 Carnegie doctoral research institution, we invest heavily in student and faculty research. Montclair provides students with chances to really become involved and get a taste of the real world. We have opportunities to directly work faculty and staff in labs and in research studying everything from the dangerous jellyfish at the Jersey shore and the mysteries of space, to social research and the analysis of business and marketing trends. I can remember wondering what research was as I was never really exposed to it before. This was the first time I had to actively apply myself to further my education and I was excited. After talking to multiple professors and searching for a direction, I knew I was headed towards the right path. After my freshman year, I had the opportunity to work in a biophysical chemistry lab with one of my chemistry professors. Here, we study the unfoldings of proteins and the effects of UV damage on DNA molecules. Coming into lab every day, gave me a sense of purpose and pride. It was a sort of catalyst in my journey to gain all that Montclair had to offer. In the lab, we had to give voice to what we were discovering and prove who we were as students. Learning was always a value that I held highly and continued to search for everywhere I go. And thankfully, Montclair proves that I can find it here. Isn’t that awesome, Alex.

– Victoria, I love how you’re setting your sites high, preparing for a career and for forensic medicine. And how cool is it that you get to attend college with your siblings? A big shout out to all of them. Cheers, Victoria, Montclair is elevating all your experiences. Absolutely incredible, take care.