Department of
Natural Sciences

Faces of MMC

• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/3322-kevin-mora-19"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/499,0,2630,2133/23148_Kevin_Mora.rev.1572278487.JPG" alt="Kevin Mora '19" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><em>“By starting in the research lab of <a href="/live/profiles/88-ann-aguanno" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Prof. Ann Aguanno</a> at Marymount, I was able to gain first-hand experience collecting data and conversing with professionals that could only be achieved in a small school. Dr. Aguanno’s lab allowed me to have a close relationship with my mentors and work on a professional level that gave me the background to transition to a career in research at Rockefeller University and actively contribute to the molecular understanding of many neurological diseases.”</em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/3322-kevin-mora-19">Kevin Mora ’19</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2019, Major in Biology</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/1540-victoria-mcilrath-15"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/137,0,1917,1780/12683_drexel_photo.rev.1458251526.jpg" alt="Victoria McIlrath ’15" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><em>“Currently in graduate school, I am enrolled in a rigorous class in which students present published scientific literature. Because of <a href="https://www.mmm.edu/live/profiles/88-ann-aguanno" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Ann Aguanno</a>’s senior seminar class that I completed at MMC, I have the knowledge and skill set required to understand, communicate and present the ideas and data of primary literature. My current success is a product of the exceptional teaching and guidance offered by MMC’s teaching faculty.”</em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/1540-victoria-mcilrath-15">Victoria McIlrath ’15</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2015, Major in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-biology.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Biology</a></p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/1729-alice-trye-15"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/76,80,290,294/13853_alice.rev.1473748058.jpg" alt="Alice Trye '15" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><em>“MMC Biology prepared me for graduate medical education with its rigorous curriculum and supportive faculty. I would not have made it this far without the education I received in the small classes. My research experience set me apart from other applicants when I was applying for jobs and med school. I look forward to continuing my journey to becoming a physician.”</em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/1729-alice-trye-15">Alice Trye ’15</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2015, Bachelor of Science in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-biology.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Biology</a></p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/2290-alexis-valera-18"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/0,0,2631,2631/16781_Alexis_valera.rev.1520284072.jpg" alt="Alexis Valera '18" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><em>“My unique experience at MMC has not only prepared me for coursework at the doctoral level, but also for my patient-care experiences at physical therapy offices and rehabilitation centers. The professors in the Biology department have created a close-knit community, where I was encouraged to take learning into my own hands.”</em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/2290-alexis-valera-18">Alexis Valera ’18</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2018, <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-biomedical-sciences.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">B.S. Biomedical Sciences</a> and <a href="/departments/dance/body-science-motion.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">B.A. Dance: Body, Science, and Motion</a></p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/3950-marjan-khan-20"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/150,120,540,510/25459_MK.rev.1613565773.jpg" alt="Marjan Khan ’20" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> Marjan interned at the Hospital for Special Surgery as an undergraduate <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-biology.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biology major</a>, and she was hired as a Research Technician at HSS directly after graduation.</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/3950-marjan-khan-20">Marjan Khan ’20</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2020, Major in Biology</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/3147-martine-faustin-19"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/0,0,3200,2133/22004_5DC34E6B-6AE3-416E-B2FF-5B42C482A174.rev.1559672581.jpg" alt="" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><em>“The Behavioral Neuroscience program at Marymount Manhattan College is the perfect addition to the Division of Natural Sciences. It encompasses my passion for biology, chemistry, and psychology. It may seem extensive, but when you have an advisor like Dr. Deirtra Hunter-Romagnoli, you are able to excel in your studies. Dr. Hunter-Ramgnoli has provided me with the education, guidance, and hands on training I needed to not only do well in school, but to acquire a position as a Research Associate at the Nestler Lab at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai after graduation.”</em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/3147-martine-faustin-19">Martine Faustin ’19</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2019, Major in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-behavioral-neuroscience/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Behavioral Neuroscience</a></p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/817-elizabeth-perez-06"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/50,62,299,310/6538_elizabeth.rev.1472490807.jpg" alt="Elizabeth Perez '06" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><em>“The successes I have experienced as a researcher since completing my Biology degree at MMC in 2006 were the direct result of dedicated professors and outstanding mentorship.”</em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/817-elizabeth-perez-06">Elizabeth Perez ’06</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2006, Major in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-biology.php">Biology</a></p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/2280-elevit-perez-17"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/0,0,3200,2129/16578_Perez_Elevit_170809_04.rev.1517346023.jpg" alt="Biology Alumnus Elevit Perez '17" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><em>“MMC allowed me to establish close and lasting relationships with my professors through an intimate and challenging learning environment. As a result of my hard work and the support I received throughout my undergraduate years, I am currently working as a research technician at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where I am able to apply lab techniques and skills from my education and hands-on experience at MMC. It was an honor to be taught and work alongside such brilliant educators.”</em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/2280-elevit-perez-17">Elevit Perez ’17</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2017, Major in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-biology.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Biology</a>, Minor in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/minors/chemistry.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chemistry</a></p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/814-zach-barbati-10"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/146,0,747,601/6728_zach.rev.1472490807.jpg" alt="Zach Barbati '10" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><em>“My experience at Marymount Manhattan College challenged me not only to study the basic sciences in a typical linear sequence, but rather to integrate coursework in sociology, language, and philosophy into the Biology major courses. Furthermore, I felt challenged by my mentors to continually revisit foundational concepts in advanced classes, so as to reinforce key concepts that are important for developing a strong foundation in the biological sciences.”</em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/814-zach-barbati-10">Zach Barbati ’10</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2010, Major in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-biology.php">Biology</a></p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/3212-beatriz-morocho-16"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/0,0,2400,2400/23705_Beatriz.rev.1579634825.jpg" alt="Beatriz Morocho '16" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><span dir="ltr">I am currently into my second semester in my studies for my Pharm.D. at Touro College of Pharmacy. The course material is slowly picking up, but I feel extremely prepared to tackle it. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone in the Biology department for shaping me as student and teaching me everything there is to know for the future.</span></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/3212-beatriz-morocho-16">Beatriz Morocho ’16</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2016, Major in Biology</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/3406-shaista-shoukat"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/416,659,2387,2630/23625_Shaista_Shoukat.rev.1576509666.JPG" alt="Shaista Shoukat, Biology Post-Bac" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> I joined the Biology Post-Bac program for the purpose of retaking science classes needed for med school. I wanted to enhance my application by showing I can improve in something that I once lacked in. Joining this program has been such a great privilege as I am receiving individual help whenever needed. Coming from a big college during my undergrad, I always felt lost in the big lecture halls. But at this program, I feel like I have finally found the right path and guidance. </p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/3406-shaista-shoukat">Shaista Shoukat</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Biology Post-Bac, 2019-2021</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/3213-jillann-mahmoud-18"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/708,565,1536,1392/15087_img_0121.rev.1493290850.jpg" alt="Jillann Mahmoud '18" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><strong>Jillann Mahmoud</strong>, an Environmental Studies major, works as a Field Arborist in the Environmental division at AECOM, a large Engineering firm that consists of many divisions.  <em><br/></em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/3213-jillann-mahmoud-18">Jillann Mahmoud ’18</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2018, Major in Environmental Studies</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/3148-stephanie-constant-19"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/0,0,664,883/22005_stephanie_constant.rev.1559673872.jpg" alt="" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><em>“Being a Behavioral Neuroscience Major at Marymount Manhattan College is an experience like no other. Working with Dr. Deirtra Hunter, you are allowed to not only get a deeper understanding of your classes, but she will help you find numerous opportunities geared towards your specific interest. Classes such as Perception and Developmental Neurobiology are challenging, engaging, and life changing.”</em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/3148-stephanie-constant-19">Stephanie Constant ’19</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2019, Major in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-behavioral-neuroscience/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Behavioral Neuroscience</a></p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/3041-gianna-oconnor-21"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/1043,422,2732,2112/21361_Gianna_OConnor.rev.1554146331.JPG" alt="Gianna O'Connor '21" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> I intern at The New York League of Conservation Voters, a non-partisan statewide nonprofit organization that fights for clean air, clean water, renewable energy, and open space through various political organizations. It is truly an organization that intertwines environmental advocacy with political action.</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/3041-gianna-oconnor-21">Gianna O’Connor ’21</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2021, Double Major in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/urban-and-environmental-sustainability/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Urban & Environmental Sustainability</a> and <a href="/departments/politics-human-rights/the-major/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Politics & Human Rights</a></p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/2281-keaven-caro-18"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/0,563,1800,2361/16584_20180131_1000242.rev.1517412944.jpg" alt="Keaven Caro, B.S. Biology and Behavioral Neuroscience, 2017" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><em>“I spent three years working as a research assistant and then lab manager in Dr. Deirtra Hunter’s MMC Music, Mind and Brain Lab where we studied psychophysiological responses evoked by emotionally charged music in human participants. In my junior year I interned as a research assistant in the Morishita lab at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. This lab focused on synaptic plasticity and postnatal development of a neural circuit critical for visual spatial attention. </em><em>This internship led to a part time job as a senior in college, then a full time job for two years after graduation.</em></p><p><em>Dr. Hunter was diligent in her efforts to ensure I graduated with indispensable practical research experiences on and off campus that made me a competitive applicant for professional and academic positions.”</em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/2281-keaven-caro-18">Keaven Caro ’18</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2018, Major in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-biology.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Biology</a> and <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-behavioral-neuroscience/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Behavioral Neuroscience</a>, Minor in <a href="/departments/dance/dance-minor.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dance</a> and <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/minors/chemistry.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chemistry</a></p></div>