Class of 2012

2010-2012 Ship Students

Ariel Casner will begin her junior year at MSU as a molecular biology major. As the vice president of the Honors Student Organization and Honors Program member, she is an active force on campus.

Ariel entered the university as a music therapy major, believing that, as a violinist, she could fulfill her desire to help people. She found, however, that her passion for helping others was something she needed to carry out in a more hands-on approach.

Turning to the biological sciences, Ariel found the hands-on approach she needed. She plans to study reconstructive surgery, specializing in pediatric craniofacial reconstruction.

Mentor: Dr. Julian Keenan

My name is Sung H Choi, a current student at Montclair State University since 2007. As a freshman, I started to look into different majors that would interest me; this is when I ventured into the biology department. Since then, I have been coveting more knowledge and new experiences.

I was honored to become a member of Dr. Dilorenzo’s research team for “Toxicology of the World Trade Center dusts and its effect on lung cell’s gene expression” starting from fall 2010. With these bases and great enthusiasm, I’m pushing myself into a research career in genetics after my graduation.

Mentor: Dr. Ann Marie DiLorenzo.

After three years working as a teacher, Michael Cohrs returned to the college campus in pursuit of a B.S. in Physics with minors in Chemistry and Mathematics. He currently holds a B.A. in Secondary Education from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.

Born and raised in Livingston, NJ, Michael has developed an interest in ecological studies with a focus on clean energy resources and environmental sustainability practices.

He currently is involved as a student researcher in the field of fluid dynamics as well as holding a summer internship at the NJ Meadowlands Business Accelerator with an environmental sustainability consulting firm.

Mentor: Dr. Ashuwin Vaidya

My name is Lisa Davies. I grew up outdoors, and though I have always had an interest in the natural sciences, especially after an influential biology teacher turned me onto the idea of educating as a career, it took a chance meeting with a peculiar species of mushroom on my lawn for me to finally see a future in the green and growing things I had loved since I was young, and I decided upon Biology Education as a major.

As an undergraduate, I will be studying botany—specifically melissopalynology as it relates to Colony Collapse Disorder—as a precursor for the graduate work I hope to do in the fields of horticulture, mycology, or plant science.

Mentor: Dr. Mary Egan

I am Binta Jalloh a rising junior in the Health Careers program, at Montclair State University, majoring in Biology. I have been doing research since my sophomore year in High School and this summer I had the opportunity yet again to conduct research at UMDNJ in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Additionally, I was accepted into MSUs MARC U-STAR program as well as the SHIP program.

My aspirations are to matriculate from college and into an M.D/PhD program to pursue a career in clinical research as well as treating and caring for my patients.

Mentor: Dr. Quinn Vega

My name is Stephanie Lear. I am a Junior studying Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science. I also have a minor in Chemistry. I am involved with the Biology Club and am working to initiate a Biology honor society chapter.

Current research interests include phytoplankton, coastal oceanography studies, and microbial ecology. This summer I collected specimens for my study and I have been coordinating efforts to create a microenvironment within our greenhouse.

My determination is to attend graduate school for Biological Oceanography, participate on research trips to Arctic areas and eventually become a professor at a university.

Mentor: Dr. Meiyin Wu

My name is Yvonne Okereke and I am a Junior Biology major at Montclair State University. I am a participant of the eight-year BS/MD program in agreement with The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

At Montclair, I serve as treasurer of the Minority Association of Pre-Med Students (MAPS).

As summer (2010) intern at Tufts University School of Medicine, I conducted research entitled Survival of in vivo Grown versus in vitro Grown Vibrio cholerae Strain AC53 Under Varying Environmental Stress Conditions.

My aspirations include working as a Clinical Pathologist and Research Scientist with a concentration in virology.

Mentor: Dr. Sandra Adams

I am Nadine Orejola and am currently in my junior year working towards a second Bachelor degree in Geoscience with a concentration in Environmental Science. With a previous degree in Fine Arts, this shift in interest over the years has allowed me to fully realize my unfaltering dedication to education and the sciences. I volunteered for the NJDEP and hope to become a more active participant. I am working on undergraduate research on ice sheet dynamics from sediment core samples with Dr. Sandra Passchier.

My professional aspirations include intensive work in the sciences and efforts to advance contemporary science.

Mentor: Dr. Sandra Passchier

Kenneth Andrew Svolto is an undergraduate student at Montclair State University studying geoscience and art. He has a military intelligence background with investigative experience in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan.

Prior to joining the Army, Kenneth attained an Associate of Arts degree in history from Daytona State College. Then, in conjunction with military training, he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from Cochise Community College in Intelligence Operations.

Currently, he is interested in understanding the fundamentals of the geosciences and exploring their applications for building a more sustainable future.

Mentor: Dr. Michael Kruge

My name is Jonathan Tancer, and I am a student athlete entering my junior year as an Information Technology major at Montclair State University. I have been named to the Dean’s List three out of four semesters. I have been fascinated by technology for as long as I can remember. I feel that this program could expand my knowledge, and through this research program help me to contribute to the medical Information Technology field.

I am a member of the MSU Track and Field Throwing team where I have earned all conference honors both my freshman and sophomore years.

Mentor: Dr. Aparna Varde

My name is Anita Trajkovska and my major at Montclair State University is Geoscience with a education certification. In high school I was involved in the Environmental club and by senior year was nominated the president. In college I took my first Earth class and found my passion for science. I have been lucky enough to work with a Coastal Engineer and Professor at Stevens University with some of his projects along the coast.

I aspire to work as hard as I can by conducting my own research, continue learning and one day share the gift of science with others.

Mentor: Dr. Josh Galster

My name is Daniel Traum and I am currently enrolled as an undergraduate adult student. I took several years off from college before I decided upon the path I wished to take. In that time I worked in Emergency Services for a number of municipalities.

Since returning to complete my bachelor’s degree I chose a rather rigorous curriculum, double majoring in molecular biology and business administration (with a concentration in Marketing), as well as pursuing a minor in Chemistry.

The research that I am currently undertaking is looking at virus inhibition with the use of natural substances.

Mentor: Dr. Sandra