Department of
Natural Sciences

Faces of MMC

• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/816-devin-columbus-"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/156,70,452,366/6607_devin.rev.1472490807.jpg" alt="Devin Columbus " title="Devin Columbus " class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> “As a bio major at MMC, I was continuously challenged and encouraged by my faculty and peers. Whether I was studying, conducting research, or discussing random scientific topics after class, the bio department was like a second home throughout my college years.  The skills and knowledge I gained during this time continue to filter into my daily professional life, and the relationships I fostered remain invaluable.”</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/816-devin-columbus-">Devin Columbus </a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2009, 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/953-ashley-michele-pirovano"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/0,0,1349,1650/7849_pirovano.rev.1472490808.jpg" alt="Ashley Michele Pirovano" title="Ashley Michele Pirovano" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> “The small class sizes and individual attention are really unique to MMC. Not only does this foster a great learning environment, but it also allows for a personal connection with the professors.”  –Ashley Pirovano, B.S. in Biology, 2013</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/953-ashley-michele-pirovano">Ashley Michele Pirovano</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2013, Major in Biology</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/815-danielle-khost"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/1,86,579,664/19742_Danielle_Khost.rev.1544725010.jpg" alt="Danielle Khost" title="Danielle Khost" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> “When I was at Marymount, I worked in Dr. Aguanno’s lab for three years, during which time I designed experiments for the lab’s research project, assembled formal scientific posters presenting my data, and attended numerous professional meetings at the national level. It took me a long time to realize how unusual it was as an undergrad to have so much agency in my research, and it gave me a tremendous advantage in making the transition to grad school.”</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/815-danielle-khost">Danielle Khost</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2013, 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/1540-victoria-mcilrath-"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/137,0,1917,1780/12683_drexel_photo.rev.1458251526.jpg" alt="Victoria McIlrath " title="Victoria McIlrath " class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> 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">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.</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/1540-victoria-mcilrath-">Victoria McIlrath </a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2015, Major in Biology</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/818-kirtan-kaur-"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/16,91,1440,1516/7408_6032_kaur.rev.1472490808.jpg" alt="Kirtan Kaur " title="Kirtan Kaur " class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> Today as I sit in my graduate level classes and begin my thesis research, I look back and realize how fortunate I am to have picked MMC for my biology degree.  I owe it to extraordinary faculty at MMC that have given me a strong foundation in science through patient, challenging, one-on-one teaching that I would not have found anywhere else!  MMC is a great college to attend if you want to experience rigor, opportunities and a small, close-knit science community.</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/818-kirtan-kaur-">Kirtan Kaur </a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2012, Major in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-biology.php">Biology</a> with Minor in <a href="/departments/natural-sciences/major-environmental-studies.php" target="_blank">Environmental Studies</a></p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/2281-keaven-caro"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/0,563,1800,2361/16584_20180131_1000242.rev.1517412944.jpg" alt="Keaven Caro" title="Keaven Caro" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> Keaven Caro graduated from MMC in 2017 with a double 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>. Since graduation, he has been working as a Research Assistant at the Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Keaven has been accepted to the MD/PhD program at UConn School of Medicine and Graduate School for the entering class of 2019. The University of Connecticut has offered Keaven a full tuition waiver for his MD/PhD, along with a generous annual stipend. </p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/2281-keaven-caro">Keaven Caro</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2017, Major in Biology and Behavioral Neuroscience</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/1407-raymond-romano-"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/11232_romano_raymond_1508-01.rev.1472490806.jpg" alt="Raymond Romano " title="Raymond Romano " class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p><em>“Few of my graduate student colleagues can say they had such a fruitful undergraduate experience compared to me. While at MMC, I was able to present seven scientific posters at regional and national conferences. I had the opportunity to participate in two academic talks, and I was also co-author of one publication on organ donation. Since leaving MMC, I have used the skills daily that were taught to me by MMC faculty, ranging from time-management, to critical thinking, and applying concepts of physiology.” </em></p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/1407-raymond-romano-">Raymond Romano </a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2011, Major in Biology</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/885-olympia-gaglioti-"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/0,20,237,257/6597_olympia.rev.1472490807.jpg" alt="Olympia Gaglioti " title="Olympia Gaglioti " class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> “The rigorous curriculum taught me how to study and manage my time. The small class sizes allowed me to know my professors as people, not just educators, so much so that one interviewer commented that my letter of recommendation was one of the best they’ve ever read.”</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/885-olympia-gaglioti-">Olympia Gaglioti </a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2012, 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/2295-sabrina-shapiro"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/366,15,1280,929/16830_IMG_3254.rev.1521078987.jpg" alt="Sabrina Shapiro" title="Sabrina Shapiro" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> Sabrina Shapiro graduated in 2009 with degrees in Biology and Dance. After working as a freelance dancer and Pilates instructor for the past few years, she will be starting a Doctor of Physical Therapy program at George Washington University in Fall 2018.</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/2295-sabrina-shapiro">Sabrina Shapiro</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2009, Double Major in Biology and Dance</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/817-elizabeth-perez-"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/90,77,338,325/6538_elizabeth.rev.1472490807.jpg" alt="Elizabeth Perez " title="Elizabeth Perez " class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> 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.</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/817-elizabeth-perez-">Elizabeth Perez </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/2294-rosie-wenrich"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/102,397,839,1134/12709_fullsizerender_3.rev.1458282678.jpg" alt="Rosie Wenrich" title="Rosie Wenrich" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p style="text-align: left;"> Rosie Wenrich graduated in 2017 with a B.S. in Biology, a B.A. in Sociology, and a minor in Chemistry. She landed a job right after graduation doing cutting-edge research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Click to view Rosie’s video testimonial about her experience at Marymount Manhattan.</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/2294-rosie-wenrich">Rosie Wenrich</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2017, B.S. Biology and B.A. Sociology</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/1729-alice-trye"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/1,72,393,463/13853_alice.rev.1473748058.jpg" alt="Alice Trye" title="Alice Trye" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">MMC Biology alumna Alice Trye will be attending Rutgers New Jersey Medical School starting August 2017 as part of the class of 2021. She currently works at NYU Langone Medical Center as a research associate in the Department of Pediatrics.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">“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.”</span></div><div><div/></div></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/1729-alice-trye">Alice Trye</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2015, Bachelor of Science in Biology</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/814-zach-barbati-"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/146,0,747,601/6728_zach.rev.1472490807.jpg" alt="Zach Barbati " title="Zach Barbati " class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> “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.”</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/814-zach-barbati-">Zach Barbati </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/2280-elevit-perez"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/0,0,3200,2129/16578_Perez_Elevit_170809_04.rev.1517346023.jpg" alt="Elevit Perez" title="Elevit Perez" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> I attended Marymount Manhattan College from 2012-2017 and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in chemistry. MMC allowed me to establish close and lasting relationships with my professors through an intimate and challenging learning environment. When faced with challenges throughout the rigorous curriculum, I never hesitated to find help and guidance amongst my professors and peers. The support I received allowed me to reach my full potential in my studies and in my personal life. During my time at MMC, I was involved in computational research under the guidance of Dr. Sampoli. Throughout this experience, I gained invaluable knowledge on molecular dynamics, making scientific posters, and public speaking by presenting the research at various conferences. My thesis awarded me the accolade of Honors in Biology. As a result of my hard work and 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.</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/2280-elevit-perez">Elevit Perez</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><p> Class of 2017, Major in Biology</p></div>
• <span class="lw_profiles_image" style="float: left;"><span class="lw_item_thumb"><a href="/live/profiles/2290-alexis-valera"><img src="/live/image/gid/108/width/215/src_region/0,0,2631,2631/16781_Alexis_valera.rev.1520284072.jpg" alt="Alexis Valera" title="Alexis Valera" class="lw_image" width="215"/></a></span></span><div class="lw_profiles_103 styled-link"><p> Starting in June 2018, I will be attending Hunter College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I received admission into additional programs including New York Medical College, Touro College, Mercy College, Drexel University, and University of Connecticut.</p></div><div class="lw_profiles_name"><a href="/live/profiles/2290-alexis-valera">Alexis Valera</a></div><div class="lw_profiles_104"><h6> Class of 2018, B.S. Biomedical Sciences and B.A. Dance: Body, Science, and Motion</h6></div>