
THE HUMANITIES AND WHY THEY MATTER
DAEDALUS AT HACK PRINCETON
CURATED COLLECTION FROM THE MUSE PROGRAM
A CHAT WITH A ROOSEVELT ALUM: IZA CHOUDREY
WHY THE NURSING SCHOLARS PROGRAM IS ONE OF A KIND
YALOWS AT ABRCMS 2023









THE HUMANITIES AND WHY THEY MATTER
DAEDALUS AT HACK PRINCETON
CURATED COLLECTION FROM THE MUSE PROGRAM
A CHAT WITH A ROOSEVELT ALUM: IZA CHOUDREY
WHY THE NURSING SCHOLARS PROGRAM IS ONE OF A KIND
YALOWS AT ABRCMS 2023
North Building 140
695 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10065
212.396.6888
www.hunter.cuny.edu/ scholars
Editorial Editor
Athena
Program Director
Student Writers
Daedalus
Program Director
Student Writers
Emily Movsumova
Susan Barile, Ph.D.
Carrie Marrinan
Valentino Sella
Yasmin Zayed
Melissa Lynch, M A
Natalie Gallo
Emily Klapper
Alexander Saadaoui
Muse
Program Director
Student Writers
Nursing
Program Director
Student Writers
Dara Meyers-Kingsley, M A
Noelle Bartolotta
Reagan Grant
Abigail Kotowski, Ph.D., PMHCNS-BC
Abigail Cortez-Alcantara
Maggie Attaway
Danielle Baisley
Rebecca Gould
Roosevelt
Program Director
Student Writers
Yalow
Program Director
Graduate Writer
Student Writers
Elise B Jaffe, J D , M P A , M Phil
India Butler
Anvitha Tammisetti
Janette Gomos Klein, Ph.D.
Emily Movsumova
Jonathan Gao
Christine (Haeun) Kim
Alison Juray
Rachel Malinkovich
Dear readers,
Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Scholar, the new Scholar-Wide Newsletter featuring contributions from all six scholar programs: Athena, Daedalus, Muse, Roosevelt, Nursing, and Yalow From its inception, each scholar program has supported and led exceptionally talented cohorts every year. It's about time we bring together all six programs in this magazine to showcase what's new, noteworthy, and extend well-deserved acknowledgments to those who serve as role models within each of the programs
Allow me to share a bit about myself and how I became the editor of this newsletter. I am a graduate of Yalow, a program with a focus on STEM and pre-health concentration. As a member of the Class of 2023, when I reflect on what made my college experience stand out and be special to me, it all stems back to Yalow (pun intended). The support I received was unparalleled, and I believe the success I and many of my peers experienced blossomed because of that I took a special interest in the Yalow newsletter since my sophomore year, and by my junior year, I took on the role of lead editor for the monthly publication which served as my creative outlet for two years. Much of the reason why I could continue my passion project in this newsletter is because of the support of Dr Klein, my program's director
In leading and putting together the contributions from all the different scholars, I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the vibrant diversity in thought and variety in interests. I hope you will see it come through the pages to come! An enormous thank you to all the students (listed to the left of this page) for their time, spirit, and creativity in bringing this magazine to reality!
Best regards and happy reading,
Emily Movsumova Editor, The Scholar Yalow ‘23Welcome to the Athena page!
byCarrieMarrinan‘27 AthenaScholarA quick message...
OurAthenaprogramatHunterisdedicatedtothe studyofhumanities.However,thereissome unfortunatenewsinregardstoourcohort.
TheAthenaprogramisnotacceptingnewapplicants, andislikelyonit’swaytobeshutdown.The
LetHunterknowyoucareaboutthe humanitiesbyvisitingourInstagramand showingsupport!Anythingyoucandois appreciated
humanitiesareundervalued,andthisistheimpactofthatsentimentWescholarsloveourprogram,andwould loveyourhelptosaveit;sothatweandfuturestudentsalikecanthriveinacohortthatvaluesourstrengths.
AthenaReads
3.6stars
TheRazor’sEdge
80%ofreadersrecommend!
TheRazor’sEdgebyWilliamSomersetMaughamisafictional philosophicalnovelthroughtheeyesofthenarratorMaugham,following thelifeofLarryDarrellwholefteverythinghe’dknowninAmericaona searchformeaningafterWW1.
Athenacommunityreviews: 3/5readerscompareditto
“PrivilegedrichguyEatPrayLoves.”–KaceyMerkelson
TheGreatGatsby!
“TheRazor’sEdgewasanextremelyinformativeread.Ibelievethisbecauseitintroducedintomylifea relatablecharacter(LarryDarrell)withwhomIsharephilosophicalviewsandquestions–abouttopicslike theexistenceofGodandwhyconceptslikeevilexist.”–JordanBaby
“TheRazorsEdgeisanovelthatintroducedtheideaofsteppingoutsideofsociety'sexpectationsand seekingthefullestlifehastooffer.Throughouttheprogressionofthenovel,authorW.SomersetMaugham evolvestheprotagonistLarry,intoamodelofwhatweashumansshouldaspiretoliveas;alifespentaway frommaterialism,traveling,andexperiencingcultureinitsrawform”–JemimaDesir “OneofthethingsIlovethemostaboutTheRazor’sEdgeisthatitmakesyouthinkaboutyourownlife. AmIlivingbymyowndesiresorwhatotherswantmetodo?” –NanaFrimpong
“The Humanities are extremely important because they are a gateway to understanding our place in the natural world around us. With humanities we can share culture, personal experiences and have debates on what it means to be human. In sharing these concepts we create conversations that help us evolve.”
-- Jemima Desir“The humanities matter because we need the ability to understand who we are and what we want to become. As a young Hispanic woman, I am constantly relating to those who came before me and constantly trying to find the pathways that generations before me have crossed.”
– Ashley Rodriguez“No matter where one ends up in life, no matter what profession they choose, everyone has to understand people ”– Sophia Green
“The humanities allow us to ask the questions which uncover the multifaceted meanings in life What makes a good person? What is our purpose on this world? How can we decide the best decisions to make? This is what makes the humanities important; it gives us the tools with which we as humanity can best apply the sciences in ways which benefit people the most.”
– Brent RycroftI originally came into the Athena Honors Program because as someone who wanted to pursue English, the Humanities was my main interest. Now I have added Developmental Psychology to my degree and the Athena Program along with the Humanities is what had fortified that decision. All subjects, regardless of whether you categorize them as Humanities, social sciences, or hard science seep into each other one way or another. The analytical skills I’ve developed and continue to develop in the humanities will always remain a strong asset for my pursuit of psychology.
-- Alif Kazi“Asking why the humanities matter is a bit like asking why the mountains matter, or the sun, or the fields. The world we live in matters, as does the way we live in it.”
-- Evelyn Gallegos“The humanities help us to bind together, to unite as one as we learn from each other ”
– Mia VargasDiversity, in its simplest definition, is variation. This piece will follow the scope of racial and ethnic diversity amongst literature, and humanities courses, a fundamental aspect of growth and learning. Humanities courses should always strive to encompass a myriad of perspectives, especially considering the diverse body of students accompanying the curriculum. The introduction of this variation is the first checkpoint in a long path to true education. The path to commitment and growth is what one does with these diverse narratives
Throughout my time in the education system, there is a clear limit on the allotted texts written by people of color, and with it, the time given for analysis and understanding. This proposes two issues, what that can be described as ‘shelving’ and ‘ screen time’. When writers of color are not addressed in literary courses there is an underlying notion that their works can be displaced, or shelved, due to limited prioritization in comparison to works by other authors. The application of racial variation in humanities courses requires more than simple acknowledgment, otherwise the true importance of diversity will have no hold on the learning and development of students. The carefully written words of these writers display their own significance and purpose, when left unacknowledged one is simply observing and
reciting rather than inquiring. Diversity in literature requires acknowledgment of the author and their intentions, rather than bare interpretation, otherwise, one is simply reading When these authors get introduced and discussed in an impactful way, there is often a limit on the ‘ screen (Presentation) time’ they are to be given.
Amongst this, literary classes will use a heavy portion of valuable class time to discuss antiquated Western writers, whose works are depicted as heavily meaningful When students are able to regurgitate Shakespeare, and even more modern-day writers, at a much higher rate than writers of color, there is a statement being made regarding the level of importance courses hold for diversity We must acknowledge that these limitations are an overt way of deeming certain writers with more importance than others, which often befalls that of the White Western world. It is not enough to simply identify diverse literary bodies if we do not compel staff and students alike to shape their minds and values with the given information. I thoroughly encourage the addition of these writers and a review of their work throughout the education system, but not at the cost of their voices.
My proposed solution is not to entirely dissolve antiquated or White writers out of the curriculum entirely. As Professor Roosevelt Montas once discussed, great (antiquated) books will always contain the seeds of diversity and modern ideology When presenting books with little racial and ethnic diversity there must be an encouragement to find and plant these seeds, otherwise, these texts will gather dust with the younger and more diverse generations
To ‘ use ’ diversity is to explore what these authors are claiming, to dedicate lengthier time to them, and to encourage conversation through the ‘seeds’ planted or the proper placement of writers of color amongst more courses.
By Yasmin Zayed Co-signed by Carrie MarrinanThis past year, Athena students were treated to numerous exciting events with Hunter College's finest minds, giving them a front-row seat to brilliance, new insights, and opportunities to broaden their academic horizons. In the next two pages, we are offering an exclusive peek into the whirlwind of events that kept Athena buzzing with excitement!
Guests from Hunter College faculty spoke on such topics as:
The Value of a Humanities Major in a Stem World
Overcoming Heterosexuality: Thinking
More Capacious Pasts and Futures
Book Miracles in the Middle Ages
Reusing Roosevelt: Tainted Monuments and the Architectural Reuse Strategy
The Mind of a Fish
Thanks to Valentino Sella for his input
Hackathons are fast-paced coding competitions where groups of programmers have between 24 to 48 hours to create a project from start to finish based on a given set of themes. Many universities and institutions host their own throughout the year and are usually open to all skill levels making them great for meeting peers and mentors in the industry. In November 2023, Daedalus members visited Princeton to participate in their annual Hack Princeton event. We spoke with students Emily Lin, Muhammad Chaudhry, and Sumayia Rashid about their experiences.
Q1: What is your project about? Why did you decide on this topic?
Emily: My project was about generating a workout routine to suit someone's lifestyle and fitness goals using a camera that could track the user's movement. The project was intended to improve users’ quality of life as exercise has been proven time and time again to improve health and prevent illness, so we aimed to provide a realistic plan to encourage users on their first step to building healthy habits and positive health outcomes. (See the project here).
Muhammad: My team and I created a productivity-themed Google Chrome extension that utilizes OpenAI API. Our goal was to create a tool to aid productivity as it is a real problem we and many other students face in college. In our extension, when you add a task to the tool, Open AI will generate multiple subtasks with actionable steps, creating a mini
roadmap or checklist for your overall goal. (See the project here).
Sumayia: My team’s project, is an educational AI-powered web application that lets students receive on-demand practice on any subject of their choice. We hoped to mitigate the pandemic’s detrimental effects on students’ marked decrease in attention spans. Among the features we included, students could request 1-3 hints (depending on the difficulty of the question), to challenge students in an approachable way that doesn’t lose their attention. (See the project here).
Q2: What tools did you use to make your project?
Emily: For this project, we used react.js, OpenAi, and TensorFlow.
Muhammad: We used Chrome Extension documentation to learn how to access Chrome storage, then OpenAI’s API documentation to learn how to make calls every time a user provides a prompt.
Sumayia: My team and I focused on Web Development, specifically we used React for the visual user interface and Node and Express for the system. We used OpenAI’s API to generate questions based on the subject the student entered.
Q3: What was your biggest takeaway from this process?
Emily: The first one was learning about react.js so by the end I got familiar with it. Also learning from my more experienced teammates on the project made me more interested in
computer vision (the concept of extracting information from images and video).
Muhammad: I learned how important teamwork is when completing a project in a short amount of time. Talking and communicating with your team is crucial to success. I also learned that it's okay to try to make a project using something you are unfamiliar with and to get out of your comfort zone to learn new things.
Sumayia: I learned that having an appealing, user-friendly GUI (graphic user interface) is important. A psychology professor from Princeton University, Dr. Sabine Kastner, stated: “Visual clutter competes with the brain’s ability to pay attention and tires out your cognitive functions over time.” Thus, I decorated our project with simple CSS features and color psychology by using a soothing and relaxing color theme like green.
Q4: What was your impression of the hackathon?
Emily: The hackathon had lots of workshops that cater to people with different interests. At the end, we presented our projects at our respective tables, which was a surprise to me, because this was my second hackathon and I wasn't used to it.
Muhammad: The Hackathon was pretty fun because we were in multiple classrooms with other teams and we all talked about our projects or asked each other for help and suggestions. Socializing with other CS majors was a highlight of the hackathon. The workshops are very welcoming and the mentors help out people when they are stuck. I highly recommend applying to Hackathons as they will expand your network and your knowledge of computer science, not to mention you'll also get another project to put on your resume.
Sumayia: HackPrinceton was a very organized and punctual event. From their catering to their social events, I was blown away by the delicateness of their planning. I had a fantastic experience and would recommend students interested to attend a Hackathon at least once. To see more of my experience, check out the Instagram post I made as the secretary of the Hunter CS club (follow us @huntercsclub).
Every year, second-year Daedalus scholars are invited to participate in an exclusive months-long mentorship program in partnership with Google A group of Google Engineers and Developers who call themselves “Googlers” volunteer to work with small groups of scholars throughout the academic year with topics ranging from professional development to skill training in the technical world of computer science. The ultimate goal is career development: to help students prepare and become familiar with what a job in the tech industry is like
Every month a new topic is presented for scholars to work on with their mentors. The most anticipated one will be for the months of January and February when the program hosts a hackathon event called “Codefest.” This exclusive hackathon starting in December, is only open to the Daedalus scholars who will begin by brainstorming ideas for their projects within their smaller cohorts Then, throughout January and early February, scholars work hard to build their projects. During this period, mentors are there to support their cohorts through ad-hoc meetings and check-ins. From problem-solving, design, and development, everyone is eager to put their technical skills to the test. We asked a few Daedalus scholars for their thoughts on this exciting opportunity
“I think Codefest will be pretty exciting. My group is planning a project focused on education, and though we’re still in the brainstorming stage, I look forward to seeing what our final product will look like as well as the other groups ’ projects.”
- Daphne Luzong, Daedalus Scholar ‘26Galia Kaufman, a Mobile Software Engineer and one of the mentors for the program believes this would be a great opportunity for students to build experience outside of the academic environment and that it would be a valuable resume item. “Mentors are great for guiding students from their initial ideas to their final product,” said Kaufman “In the end, there is no wrong way to do it ”
The Muse Scholar Program is a Freshman Scholar Program for students who excel in artistic disciplines such as visual art, film & media, music, dance, theatre, and creative writing. Guided by Professor Meyers-Kingsley, Muses participate in a unique learning community that exposes students to Hunter’s arts facilities, programs, resources, faculty, and internships. First-year Muse Scholars participate in a year-long course entitled "Explorations in the Arts," which exposes them to the arts in New York City They discuss and write about
different artworks, work with guest artists to create their own pieces, and participate in workshops varying in disciplines on and off Hunter’s campus. In addition to the Humanities course, every other Thursday Muses indulge in evenings of creativity at art hubs across New York City from Broadway, to New York City Center, to the Metropolitan Opera House. The program ’ s robust academic material and exploration of NYC’s diverse art scene fosters enriching learning and creative experiences for Muse Scholars.
As part of the course students go to museums and attend music, theater, and dance performances at venues throughout the city. This past fall, the Muses had the chance to see the Broadway show "JaJa's African Hair Braiding," a fun and moving play about the women who work in a hair salon in Harlem (top left photo) Additionally, the Muses went to the Guggenheim Museum to see the "Going Dark" exhibition (left photo) while participating in a poetry workshop with Ama Codjoe, the poet-in-residence for the museum.
Participating in artistic practice is a fundamental part of the Muse first year experience. Every fall, before going to see a professional dance performance on stage, the students have a dance workshop that is led by students and faculty in the Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program (AGDEP) at Hunter. This year, for the first time ever, Lydia Crozier, a Muse getting her BA/MA in Dance Education at Hunter led the Muse freshmen in the dance workshop It was great to have a Muse teaching other Muses!
Some of our freshman, sophomore, and junior Muses spent the day at the idyllic Woodstock School of Art campus where they participated in two workshops: printmaking (see the images on the right side of the page) and multi-media abstract painting and assemblage (bottom image). Students watched demonstrations and then were able to experiment with the materials themselves, allowing them to create impulsive yet thoughtful pieces of work After a sunny sandwich lunch, the Muses were able to explore the grounds, which boasts a woodsy walking trail lined with sculptures by the school's artists. Then, it was back to the studios until the bus picked them up to head home!
Located 2 hours upstate from NYC, the school features outdoor trails An ideal place for inspiration
Abstract work made by K. Barbee-Franco at Woodstock School of Art.
The Muse Spring Showcase is an opportunity for Muses of any artistic discipline, whether it be through performance on stage or visually in the accompanying zine (see bottom right image), to show off their creativity and talents to all of Hunter College! Music, dance, theatre, spoken word, film, visual art pieces, stand-up comedy, directing, stage management, producing, script writing, photography, and zine creation are all part of the process to create the show. Last year, the theme was Good Night Muse where each act was presented as a bedtime story while the zine parodied the children’s book, Good Night Moon. This year ’ s show will be April 19th, 2024 at 7pm, save the date!
The showcase of skill and meaning in José Limón's "Suite from A Choreographic Offering" were the most memorable aspects of this piece. Limón's performance serves as an homage to his teacher Doris Humphrey. Many of the moves presented in the dances are of Humphrey's style (Jacob's Pillow, 2018) which are highlighted through the use of a plain background. This leaves the watcher's eyes to gravitate to the only thing on stage, the dancers. The motif of harmony and joy is created through repetitive unison
and the bright smiles on each of the dancers, which could be a statement to exhibit the pleasure Limón had during his time with Humphrey. Upon making the connection, I developed a bit of sadness when thinking about the dance, it now carries a completely different meaning The unison, circling, and all the production choices become a portrayal of Limón’s appreciation of Doris Humphrey through the usage of harmony and joy, making the dance hold a hidden beauty
sella Reis ‘25, Junior Muse & Film Production or, recently attended the New York Shorts rnational Film Festival and spoke on a Q&A el following the screening of her accepted rt film Kinsella served as the 1st assistant ctor and producer of the short film entitled ve Madness” directed by Tiko El Outa.
e Madness is a subtle portrait of an individual o is lost in the care system, abandoned by her ily, and desperately seeking meaning in life follow the development of the relationship ween Julia and David, what that means for her se of self-identity, and how she faces her iction to pills.
worked closely through pre-production, duction, and post-production with an almost emale crew for this micro-budget short Reis cribes the experience as “ a wonderful mple of the power of collaboration with fellow ale filmmakers”. Working as a 1st AD has de a clear path for where she sees her future k g on sets.
a will continue working toward obtaining gree in film production this coming spring er. She plans to pursue opportunities and hips this coming summer to develop her career in the film industry. Post-graduation, oung filmmaker has her eyes set on the ors Guild of America’s Assistant Director g program
TWO CAN BE COMPLETE WITHOUT TH OTHER BY ISADORA ROONEY
BY NOELLE BARTOLOTTAIza is a first-generation college graduate, fueled by a deep passion for democracy and equity. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with minors in Sociology and Legal Studies, the beginning of Iza's commitment to fostering democratic values. Raised on Long Island, Iza is one of four siblings two older sisters and a younger brother. She was a Roosevelt Scholar, Eva Kastan Grove Fellow, part of the Roosevelt Advisory Council, and a Student Giving Ambassador
Today, we interview Iza Choudrey who graduated in 2023 from Hunter College. Currently, she is actively engaged in job hunting and interviewing, leveraging the skills and experiences gained from her internships as she transitions into the next phase of her career.
I first spoke with Iza when deciding between Hunter College and another school I found that she followed the Roosevelt House page and decided to message her to learn more about the program from her perspective. I don`t recall how many other people I just contacted out of the blue, but she was one of the few who responded- a prevalent example of her character.
I chose Hunter College for its esteemed Political Science program, commitment to diversity, and prime location in New York City Beyond academics, I sought an environment where I could be surrounded by peers known for their resilience and strong work ethic. I chose Roosevelt scholars program because the unique blend of liberal arts study, coupled with a focus
on service and sensible policy, offered a wellrounded approach to learning
Before college, was there a social issue that you were interested in pursuing?
Before college, I held a particular interest in social justice, with a specific focus on criminal justice issues. This passion was fueled by a desire to address systemic inequalities within the legal system. Witnessing disparities in how individuals, particularly from marginalized communities, were treated within the criminal justice system sparked my commitment to advocating for fairness, equity, and reform. I aimed to understand the complexities of the legal landscape to contribute to meaningful change and ensure justice for all.
Were you working during college, and if so how did you manage your time?
Yes, I worked at Dunkin during college while being a full-time student, interning each semester, and commuting from Long Island
Time management was key to balancing these commitments. I created a structured schedule, prioritizing coursework and internships while allocating specific time blocks for work. Efficient communication with employers and internship supervisors helped align responsibilities, ensuring a manageable workload Additionally, utilizing commute time on the train for studying, completing class work, and staying organized with to-do lists were instrumental in navigating this busy schedule.
What was one challenge you had to overcome during college?
Transitioning to a more independent and selfdirected learning environment The shift from a structured high school setting to the freedom of college required me to develop strong selfdiscipline and time management skills. Learning to balance academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal life while staying focused on long-term goals presented a learning curve This challenge ultimately became an opportunity for personal growth, resilience, and the development of crucial life skills.
emphasizing people-based initiatives, research work, and project-based experiences.
As an Eva Kastan Grove Fellow, I played a key role in advancing reproductive rights through policy events, collaborating closely with Planned Parenthood. In my political internship at Good Party, I conducted in-depth interviews, researched incumbent politicians, and crafted informative blog posts on community issues.
My involvement in electoral politics extended to being a Campaign Intern for John Brooks for New York State Senate, where I provided administrative support, engaged in voter outreach, and composed policy memos. As a Policy Intern for the Office of the New York City Comptroller, I contributed strategically, co-led memo development, and assisted in various reports on public issues.
What kind of internships or fellowships did you hold during college? Mostly people-based ones, research work, project based etc? In
I strategically chose internships and fellowships during college that aligned with my passion for civic engagement and public policy, engagement
I also ventured into the legal field as a Judicial Intern for the New York State Unified Court System, where I observed trials and conducted research on legal precedents. Furthermore, my Civic Engagement Outreach Internship with the League of Women Voters involved developing campaigns, delivering presentations on voting, and conducting research to encourage community participation.
Who were your mentors in college?
In college, Professor Jaffe stood out as a significant mentor. Her genuine commitment to student success was evident, and she actively guided and supported me. Her encouragement and assistance played a crucial role in my academic journey.
Additionally, my fellow Roosevelt peers served as valuable mentors The collaborative
and supportive environment within the Roosevelt Scholars program created a community where we inspired and guided each other, fostering a shared commitment to making a positive impact.
During college, did the social issue you were interested in pursing change?
Yes, during college, my overarching commitment to equity and addressing inequalities persisted. However, I underwent a shift in focus towards democracy-related issues, particularly within the realms of elections and civics Recognizing the pivotal role democracy plays in shaping societal structures, I became
deeply engaged in understanding and advocating for fair and inclusive democratic processes. This shift allowed me to explore new avenues while still upholding the core values of equity and justice that initially fueled my interest in social issues
If you had to label your college experience with 3 words what would it be?
Empowering, Diverse, Eye-opening.
It was an empowering journey, providing me with the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful impact The diversity of experiences,
During this part fall, Iza served as a White House Intern. She gained invaluable insight into the Biden-Haris administration from the inside!both academically and socially, shaped a wellrounded perspective. The college experience was truly eye-opening, challenging preconceptions and fostering a deeper understanding of the world
College taught me the power of resilience navigating through rigorous coursework, internships, and various commitments reinforced the importance of staying determined in the face of challenges.
what are you doing?
Post-graduation, I embarked on two significant internships. Initially, as a Research Assistant at The Association for a Better New York (ABNY) in Manhattan, New York, I collaborated closely with the CEO on her dissertation on stakeholder participation, involving content analysis and material collection from key sources.
Following that enriching experience, I had the privilege of serving as a White House Intern. I gained a deep understanding of federal government intricacies.
Currently, I work as a Legislative Analyst for a government firm in the city by leveraging the skills ad experiences gained from these internships as I transition into the next phase of my career.
What has been the biggest challenge for you post-graduation in your academic career?
The most prominent challenge post-graduation has been navigating the competitive job market while ensuring that my career trajectory aligns with my academic goals.
Instantly advocating for myself has become crucial during this phase. It involves assertively communicating my skills, experiences, and aspirations, ensuring that I am not deterred by external challenges Staying resilient and not letting anyone undermine my dreams has been a fundamental aspect of overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of my academic and professional aspirations.
This period underscores the importance of selfadvocacy in shaping one's own path and persistently striving towards fulfilling one's dreams.
Would you be comfortable sharing your contact information for students or future students to reach out to you?
Absolutely! Anyone can connect with me via email izachoudrey@gmail com or on LinkedIn (@Iza Choudrey).
During the spring of 2023, nineteen Roosevelt scholars embarked on a five-day trip to Jackson, Mississippi. They returned with invaluable insight on issues plaguing the city and unforgettable memories.
by India Butler‘23 and co-written by
Anvitha Tammisetti’25 Roosevelt Scholars
Early last year, Roosevelt scholars were presented with a unique opportunity - a trip to Jackson, Mississippi where they would learn about the city’s rich history, current issues, and volunteer at local non-profit organizations. “Hunter is dedicated to offering trips like the Grove Mississippi Service Trip because it gives students [the chance] to expand their knowledge of the history and current issues facing a very different community than New York City,” says Miesha Smith, director of student activities at Hunter
Center and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum were some of the first stops on to the trip. “It was a privilege to visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum to learn about the deep-rooted struggle and history of civil rights in Mississippi,” says Roosevelt scholar Ariadna Pavlidis-Sanchez (25’). “Being face to face with so many artifacts, images, and stories of events throughout that time period was so powerful.”
In addition to learning about the history of Jackson and the Civil Rights Movement, Roosevelts met with Mississippi State Representatives and Judge Carlton Reeves to discuss Jackson’s current events and challenges Mississippi’s poverty rates are some of the highest in the country, and the state is plagued with infrastructural issues and healthcare inequities The experience of learning about such
Jackson’s history is synonymous with the history of the Civil Rights Movement. There in 1961, the Tougaloo Nine held a sit-in protesting segregation, where Freedom Riders were arrested at a local bus stop and civil rights activist Medgar Evers was assassinated in front of his own home. Because of this history, it was important that the COFO Civil Rights Education center such issues “ encourages students to come back to New York with a reinvigorated dedication to tackle and combat many of those same issues in their communities, ” says Smith.
Group photo at the COFO Civil Rights Education CenterOne major current event facing Mississippi - the tornado that demolished a majority of Rolling Fork - had hit less than a month before students’ arrival. Roosevelts met with the mayor of the city to talk about disaster recovery and next steps before taking a bus tour of the remains.
“Visiting Rolling Fork just days after the catastrophic tornado struck was heartwrenching. It was an honor to meet the mayor of the town and learn about how the community was working together to recover,” shares Pavlidis-Sanchez.
Roosevelts also made it a priority to visit local volunteer sites, where students could aid Jackson’s community. Whil l t i f Bi House Books, an org literature to those c students were able to wit volunteer work makes “R
eyes to the positive impact they have,” Dahlia Rodriguez (‘25) recalls. The students felt similarly about volunteering for Stewpot, an organization in Jackson that feeds, clothes, and assists those in need. “It was an honor to help organize their soup kitchen and learn about the people they have helped ”
Through providing learning opportunities in fields such as public policy and law, the trip was able to educate students while capturing the diverse interests of Roosevelt Scholars. “Trips to historically and politically significant locations can be a unique, immersive, and effective way to teach students,” says Amina Sarfraz (25'). The knowledge students receive on the trip can inspire them to create change and demand social justice. “[Hunter students] are deeply engaging and so inspiring,” says Judge Reeves “ my wish for them: [is] to do justice!” Undeniably, the lessons learned during the trip to Mississippi will be remembered by Roosevelt Scholars for years to come. letters [written] to the organization was heartwarming and opened my
one of a kind
We held a Q&A to get an inside view of the reasons why scholars believe this program is special and unique in their own words.
by Abigail Cortez-Alcantara ‘25 & Rebecca Gould ’27 Nursing ScholarsWhy is the nursing scholars program special to you?
“The program connects me to other scholars who are on the same path As we all go through nursing school together, the scholar's program creates an atmosphere that enables scholars to network, exchange advice and experiences, and create lasting friendships.”
- Leah Misripersaud ‘25“For the first semester, you take classes with
most of your other classmates from your cohort As a freshman, your first semester will be hard because you are entering a new environment but NSP made the transition easier because for the first few months, having classes with the people you will be with for the next four years was very helpful ”
- Jasmyn Beverly ‘27How has this program changed your life?
“My life has been changed by this program, which has given me access to tools like study
abroad and externships that allow me to supplement my education with practical experiences With the help of these resources, I can practice the skills we gained in the classroom and discover new knowledge related to our areas of interest. For example, I was able to spend my summer working with nurses on several HIV clinical trials and treatments at a Research hospital after learning about these programs through the Scholar's program and their faculty”.
- Leah Misripersaud ‘25“This program has changed my life because it gave me the opportunity to have a spot in Hunter’s nursing program where I am able to be a successful nursing student and work towards an amazing and rewarding career ” .
- Bukurije Duka ‘25Why did you apply for the nursing scholar program?
“I chose to apply for the nursing scholar program because I was confident and determined about pursuing a career in nursing I knew that Hunter’s nursing program is competitive and difficult, so I wanted
wanted to apply to the scholar program since it offered a strong support system through the advising team help with class registration, and gave me a better chance of being accepted into the program I also applied to the program because I was interested in the various seminars that are offered during the semester to expose me to different parts of being a nurse. ”
- Ikra Ali ‘27“When applying to Hunter College, I always knew I wanted to pursue nursing. I had heard much about Hunter’s great nursing reputation, d
I was also able to form great bonds and friendships with new people which made classes more enjoyable As important as it is to complete the work for classes, it was nice to have an enjoyable social aspect to them as well.
Another note to add is how being part of the Nursing scholars and thought the HunterBellevue School of Nursing would push me to become a great nurse Having done my research when applying to Hunter, I came across the Nursing Honors Scholars Program. Immediately, I knew that I had to apply to this prestigious program because it presented me with the opportunity to not only study nursing, but gave me the financial support to do so ”
- Annemarie Cruz ‘27How has the Nursing Scholar Program helped shape your Hunter experience?
“The program helps with making it a lot more manageable. I had a great advisor who helped me with my schedule along with priority registration which made the entire registration process a lot easier. I was able to get a stronger understanding of how my college journey would go, class-wise, due to being able to have an available advisor
Scholars has also lifted a weight off my shoulders when it comes to applying to the Nursing program itself and taking the NLN exam (National League for Nursing PreAdmission Examination for Registered Nurse Applicants). I was able to focus solely on my core classes since I’m exempt from these aspects Overall, I am very grateful to be a part of this program and to be able to reap its benefits.”
- Doline Dieudonne ‘27If you could tell something to future nursing scholars, what would you say?
“We are all in this together Everyone in the nursing scholars program will likely have comparable difficulties while in nursing school, so it's important to always encourage one another and remember that you have a community that is available to help you as well”
-LeahMisripersaud‘25“Nomatterhowharditgetsyoualwayshaveto pushthroughbecauseitwillgetbetterovertime andmakingfriendsintheprogramwillhelp!”
-BukurijeDuka‘25Some responses were edited for clarity
The pro to offer a singl to wea right on
One ke profess nurses majorit least once in their career. Some people know pretty quickly that they want to work in a specific niche, and may build experience in a more “general” specialty like med/surg (medical-surgical) floors to build their basic skills and have a better chance at more competitive specialties. Others avoid stagnation in their careers by switching it up when boredom or burnout strike Tired of spending time on the hospital floor with adults? Try pediatrics.
Another aspect of this remarkable flexibility is in the variety of opportunities available with a license. Typical hospital shifts are three twelvehour shifts a week, leaving you with four days off Other jobs may offer four ten-hour shifts, providing a three day weekend, and there are always clinics where you can work the typical nine-to-five. We can work inpatient or outpatient; by the bedside or in research There are jobs as a travel nurse, working in informatics, in the army, at Disneyland, in schools, and on and on. You may have even seen stores popping up offering piercings by nurses Many college students, many of us worry about getting a “real job” after graduation; nursing majors are lucky in the amount of options we get.
In the Nursing Scholars Program, we are encouraged to consider graduate education In fact, one of our senior seminars this year was on graduate education in nursing! Our advisor, Dr. Kotwoski, often reminds us that we are the future of healthcare. There is a surprising variety of advanced practice nursing degrees: nurse practitioner, certified nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist For the NP and CNS role, there are a variety of specialties to work in, and NPs can move between specialties with relative ease. For those interested in education and research, there are masters degrees and PhDs As scholars, we all have our own interests, and many of us can relate to wanting to try learning everything Nursing provides an incredible opportunity to try it all.
When learning how to be an exceptional nurse, one of the tried and true methods is taking on a hands-on approach called service learning. By identifying where our community can benefit from our efforts, the annual Bake Sale and Book Drive (BS/BD) for the children of Bellevue Hospital was founded.
First, let's define what service learning means. It is the “organized service activity that meets identified community needs”, to, “gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the [nursing] discipline” (Bringle & Hatcher) Essentially, a core fundamental of the nursing profession is not just doing our jobs but broadening the scope by learning how to help our community where it needs it
In 2019, nursing scholar volunteers were reading to children waiting for their appointments at Bellevue Pediatric Clinic, when
they discovered each child goes home with a book. The scholars came up with the idea to further their service learning through raising money through a bake sale at Brookdale and holding a book drive to help fund Bellevue’s “Reach Out and Read” Program.
Claudia Aristy, the director of Bellevue’s Reach Out and Read, was awarded the prestigious Joan H Tisch Community Health Prize in 2019, and according to that press-relase, the nationwide program was described as an initiative that “promotes language-rich parentchild interactions, early literacy, and school readiness” (Hernández). Children are greeted by both their physician and a book at their appointment in which the book also can be used as a tool to assess developmental milestones among the children. This allows the book to be incorporated throughout the whole visit!
Starting in 2019 (excluding 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid Pandemic), the initiative has raised more than $1,500 and over 100 books each year. Keep an eye out for bake sale and book drive on April 10th to score some baked goods and donate to a good cause!
Photo of 2023‘s bake sale. Pictured are sophomore nursing scholars Image courtesy of Madison GuptillIn the early spring of my sophomore year, I met with my advisor and program director of Yalow, Dr. Klein, to discuss my progress as a pre-health student on track to applying to medical school. She mentioned that it would be a good idea to find a doctor to shadow soon. At that point, I had been volunteering at the hospital for several months mainly doing art therapy in the maternity ward with high-risk prenatal and postpartum patients. At this point I had barely seen any doctors let alone spoken to them However, when Dr Klein says, “jump,” you say, “how high?”.
The following week, I gave myself a little pep talk in front of the elevators, something along the lines of: this is my career, and if I don’t do this, no one else will do this for me The elevator door opened. I stepped inside, pressed 6 and rode up to the labor and delivery floor. That day, I received the great honor of finding a physician who agreed to allow me to shadow her
“If I don’t do this, no one else will do this for me.”
I began shadowing this OB-GYN, who works as the head physician on the L&D floor. The first thing the doctor did was teach me how to read fetal heart rate tracings, and every week that followed, she taught me about a new condition or procedure
However, this doctor taught me more than just clinical concepts. She showed me what empathy is, even after a thirty-year career as a physician This doctor can do a c-section, spend time seeing patients and teaching me, and then look at me, notice that I look like I have had enough, smile at me until I smile back, and tell me that I am done for today.
Once, she was explaining something to me and a medical school student when she said, “What’s an obvious….” she wanted to say, “What’s an obvious answer?” but, she stopped herself because she knows nothing is easy or obvious to her students I try to implement this when I am tutoring Calculus. A “u-substitution” question might be easy for me, but it was by no means easy a few years ago, and it is definitely not easy or obvious to my students
Another shadowing experience that I have had was in the NICU shadowing a pediatrician. Every week, I would come to the doctors’ lounge door and stand there too afraid to knock.
After 2 long minutes, I would tell myself that no one would do this for me It gets me every time I knocked. This fear of knocking on the doctor’s door came from being 20 years old with little confidence, especially in the hospital, where I am at the bottom of the food chain. I say that the fear stems from within because the NICU team was very welcoming
I met several of the neonatologists, physicians specializing in treating premature babies, during my time in the NICU. Once, at around 9:15 am, one of them came in with a few nurses and a social worker and said “okay, let’s talk about our feelings ”
She was telling us about her long discussion with a reluctant parent who asked a lot of questions and was very hesitant about medical procedures. She said, “ my ear was sweating by the time I got off the phone.” At the end of the “feelings session,” she turned to me and introduced herself as the attending physician. I said, “I’m Rachel, and I’m shadowing the pediatrician.” She said, “ you ’ re very lucky! The pediatrician will teach you two important things: eating a lot and efficiency ”
He did both, and both should not be underestimated I am not the only one he has inspired Once, one of the premature babies needed to eat better and gain weight. The neonatologist said to the baby, “ your doctors want you to eat. Look at your pediatrician. He’s
always eating. Why can’t you be more like him?”
The doctors are very optimistic At 9:30 am, the pediatrician usually got up and said, “okay let’s do this.” That means rounds are next on the agenda. Once, when he was called for a delivery, he got up, looked at me and asked, “ wanna come?” He says “ let’s do this” before rounds and “ wanna come ” before a delivery as if we ’ re going on a fun outing. The way doctors present their work, I hardly know which activity sounds like more fun: a forceps delivery or a picnic with ice cream. I would probably more readily agree to the former
I have learned a lot about hospital dynamics, the medical team, and clinical work from my experiences shadowing and volunteering. I have described the hospital as no less than a resort. However, working in the hospital has downsides, which are beyond the scope of this article To paraphrase Jane Austen, “it is better to know in advance as little as possible of the defects of your future employment.”
Of course, no visit to the hospital ends without a phone call to my number one fan: my mom. I joke that I go to the hospital to have something exciting and new to tell her And without breaking with tradition, I am going to go show her this article.
Lots of luck, and do not be afraid to knock on the door.
Each year a selected group of Yalow scholars travel with our program director, Dr. Janette Klein, to present their research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). Alison Juray, one of six scholars who attended, tells her first-hand experience at the national conference. Take a look at the photos to see what the scholars were up to when they flew to Phoenix, Arizona!
by Haeun (Christine) Kim ‘25 and Alison Juray ‘24 Yalow ScholarsAs a graduating senior, I could not have thought of a better culmination of my undergraduate Yalow experience than attending ABRCMS 2023 Being part of the small group of 6 amazing Yalow Scholars to attend this year was truly an honor and cemented the privilege it is to be a part of this program.
We attended professional development seminars where we learned how to advocate for ourselves, how to win prestigious scholarships like the Goldwater, and how to decide what graduate programs fit our goals, all taught by the best and brightest in their fields.
The conference was exciting for everyone because of the wide selection of scientific talks by experts, ranging from the impact of race on obesity rates to the use of cannabinoids as an alternative to opioid usage. My favorite part
was seeing my fellow Yalows shine. Five poster presenters and one oral presenter showcased our amazing program and solidified our dedication to excellence in STEM
Outside of the planned sessions, we explored Phoenix, networked with peers and mentors in our field, and enjoyed each other's company. This experience was like no other and I will remember it for the rest of my life I hope that our Yalow undergraduates take advantage of this amazing opportunity and attend next year.
Thank you to Hunter College and the Yalow Honors Scholars Program for inviting and supporting us throughout this experience, and a special extension of gratitude to Dr Klein for those mid-afternoon and evening practice sessions that made us a success!
Every year our scholars take a photo with the ABRCMS logo sign and this year was no exception!
(from left to right) Kristi Bundo (in the circle logo), Alison Juray, Htet Ng, Dr Klein, Jonathan Gao, Jayati Mondal, and Stephany Chuquimarca
The research that goes behind each of Yalow’s projects takes months, long hours, mastering laboratory techniques, and optimizing a statistical approach, all of which comes down to an extreme level of dedication.
Making a useful and easy to follow poster is no easy task as several drafts are the norm It doesn’t end there, science is all about how you present and talk about your work. This meant practicing took place right the night before presenting Stephany (bottom rightmost photo) took it as step further and presented to a whole room of attendees!
Presentation award in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology category won by Jonathan Gao (left) and Kristi Bundo (right).
Presentation award in the Cancer Biology category won by Alison Juray (center).
The kitchen is our house’s sanctuary for Cantonese cooking. It is a warm and comforting environment that brings tradition to the forefront of the stove and cutting board. Amidst the balancing acts of steaming fresh seafood, simmering nourishing broths, and wrapping delicate dumplings, the scent of fresh ginger never ceases to linger in the air.
In my cooking experience, ginger has always served a variety of roles Not only is it a bold flavor enhancer, but it also adds warmth to dishes, elevating their tastes and aromas. Fond memories of helping my parents with preparing dinner by slicing ginger into long, thin pieces so that they can impart fragrance and depth into the evening’s sauce, fish, and pork come to mind instantly. This melding of flavors is not only emblematic of the Cantonese traditions that have been passed down to me through cooking, but it is also reflective of the emphasis that we have always placed on wellness and longevity in our culture
Amidst this culinary dance, the potential role of ginger oil as an aid for weight loss extends this tradition of wellness. The plant itself, a Southeast Asian native, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a means of restoring balance in one ’ s body as well as to improve weak pulse and strengthen circulation. In traditional Ayurvedic practices, ginger was combined with milk or water to treat colic diseases, and with honey to treat a host of respiratory illnesses (Talebi et al , 2021)
Ginger oil is defined as “ an essential oil obtained from ginger root by steam distillation and is commonly used for aromatherapeutic or topical applications” (Peterson, 2023). Peterson, a pharmacist and naturopathic physician, wrote: “Upon analysis, ginger oil has been found to contain significant concentrations of the same beneficial compounds found in ginger root ”
This comparison to the plant is notable because it emphasizes that its naturally occurring benefits have been preserved, even when it is converted into a highly concentrated oil form. This hints at the potential for ginger oil to be a potent elixir in areas of medicine requiring new solutions, including the potential value for the oil in weight reduction. To add, many Amazon reviewers have claimed that the ginger oil products that they’ve purchased are capable of burning fat in desirable areas, reducing bloating, and making their digestive tract “happier ”
With all of this in mind, a salient question remains:
To what extent, if at all, do such ginger oil products contribute to an individual’s weight loss goals?
In February 2017, researchers reported in an article for the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences that: “Ginger has been documented
documented to ameliorate [improve] hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation” (Wang et al., 2017). When the ginger was administered to rats, the data shows that body weight and systemic inflammation as well as cholesterol and blood sugar levels were all significantly reduced. Given these results, namely the observed reductions in body weight and inflammation, future research endeavors with the incorporation of ginger oil may yield even greater, more positive results.
A year later, researchers published an article in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition that examined the effects of ginger consumption on weight loss among overweight and obese patients: “supplementation with ginger significantly decreased body weight (BW)” and “that ginger intake reduced [waist-to-hip ratio], [heart rate], fasting glucose and [insulin resistance index]” (Maharlouei et al., 2018). Overall, this article reinforces the effectiveness of ginger in weight management strategies This particular study builds on existing metabolic evidence that ginger intake can lead to a decrease in body weight.
Dr. Ann Bode, the former Associate Director of the Hormel Institute at the University of Minnesota, reviewed the effectiveness of ginger through its general antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties in Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. She summarized that ginger “ appears to reduce cholesterol and improve lipid metabolism” (Bode et al , 2011) and may also exert antidiabetic effects. In Bode’s review of a particular study from 2005, she wrote that treatments with ginger extract on rats yielded a significant reduction of lipid levels and body weight, which would otherwise be elevated
in the event of significant fructose consumption.
Nevertheless, Bode also emphasized that, despite its widespread pharmacological effects, its specific biological targets are yet to be fully understood and that many of its healing properties have been reported by means of anecdotal evidence. However, in the meantime, ginger appears to be safe and its effects are significant.
In a world where consumers are becoming everincreasingly conscious about their dietary choices and overall food consumption, ginger oil’s multifaceted effects on weight loss can position it as a promising metabolic solution to weight management
Further clinical research into the effects of ginger oil on weight reduction, rather than merely on the plant, would only strengthen the search for holistic, naturally occurring remedies for improving human health and how it can be safely implemented
As we uncover new solutions, the kitchen analogy continues. Much like how my parents and I will refine a Cantonese dish, researchers can also be seen as “chefs” in their own regard as they refine their understanding of ginger’s potential for metabolic health Future discoveries regarding the benefits of ginger oil are similar to new ingredients for an original dish - if it is desirable, it can be added to the recipe, enhancing its overall flavor and aroma.
The pursuit of wellness is continuous, and the potential for ginger oil to become a key ingredient in the ongoing quest for a balanced life will be uncovered.
This essay is an excerpt originally submitted in a research paper contest held by Gya Labs
What is your biggest goal
A. To become published
B. To be a first author on a Nature paper
C. To help people even at their worst
D. To become literate in C++
E. Have my exhibit at the MoMA one day
F. To be part of a presidential campaign
Getsortedin6questions!Keyatthebottom.
ByYasminZayed‘27and AnvithaTammisetti‘25
What is your favorite way to relax?
A.Writing poems
B. Watching an episode of Grey’s Anatomy
C. Relax? What’s That?
D. Playing video games while on Discord
E. Working on a new art piece
F. Reading nonfiction historical books
Which of these movies would you watch?
A. Percy Jackson
B. Oppenheimer (didn`t finish due to exams)
C. The Good Nurse
D. The Matrix (any part)
E. Pulp Fiction
F. Almost Family
What is the one thing you would bring to a island?
A. A good book
B. A list of your core competencies
C. My first aid-kit (and coffee please!)
D. A laptop
E. My guitar
F. My debate notes
On a day off, you would find me
A. At the Frick Museum
B. At the lab doing another experiment, again.
C. Practicing phlebotomy (taking blood)
D. At a tech conference
E. At a film festival and concert after F. At a Protest/rally
In 20 years I can see myself
A. Lecturing on philosophy at a Ted Talk
B. Mentoring medical school students
C. Fostering Equitable Healthcare
D. Running a Start-up Tech Company
E. Walking the Red Carpet
F. Petitioning for Policy Change
Hunter’s five scholar programs are open for a new class of applicants for class of 2028. We welcome you to apply!
Open to incoming freshmen only.
Benefits include but not limited to:
Tailored first-semester scheduling by program to set you up for success from the start. Priority registration to help you get into the classes you need every semester. Advisors in your area of study to guide you in the best way toward your individual goals. Be a part of a community of people who share similar aspirations, making it easier to create a strong social and supportive community in a big public college like Hunter.
Merit-based partial scholarship towards your tuition.
For more information please visit: https://hunter.cuny.edu/students/honors-scholar-program/