Hi! I'm Maryam, a UCSB senior majoring in Biopsychology. I spent my time on campus balancing coursework with research and clinical work, and I know IV and the surrounding area really well, including all the good spots, the practical stuff, and what campus life actually feels like day to day. I love talking to prospective students and families and helping them picture themselves here, whether that's academics, housing, or just navigating the area. I'm friendly, easy to talk to, and genuinely enjoy showing people around.

Hometown

Walnut Creek, California

Major(s)

BioPsychology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I'm involved with Kesem at UCSB, a student-run organization supporting kids affected by a parent's cancer, and the UCSB Neuroscience Club, which connected me with other students interested in brain science and research. I was also part of Girls for Gains, a fitness and body, positivity community for women, and Active Minds, a mental health awareness and advocacy group, which tied into my interest in mental health work alongside my pre-med path.

Describe your college experience

Coming to UCSB was a big adjustment at first. I moved to Isla Vista without a ton of support built in, so I had to figure a lot out on my own, from managing coursework to just handling life outside the classroom. Over time I found my footing through classes, research, and getting involved on campus, and I built a routine that worked for me, including swimming in the ocean almost every day, which became a big part of how I stayed grounded. I studied Biopsychology, which fit my interest in how the brain and behavior connect, and I balanced that with clinical experience and research along the way. Looking back, college pushed me to be more independent and resourceful than I expected, and I feel like I grew a lot because of it.

Tip for future students

Don't be afraid to ask for help early, whether that's professors, advisors, or campus resources. A lot of us wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out, but people are there to help you way before it gets to that point. Also, find one thing that's just for you, something that keeps you grounded outside of classes and grades. For me that was swimming in the ocean almost every day. It doesn't have to be big, it just has to be yours.

Favorite class

My favorite class was PSY 111, Behavioral Neuroscience. It covered everything from how neurons communicate to sleep, memory, and reward systems in the brain, and I found it fascinating how much of our behavior actually traces back to specific brain mechanisms. It was a challenging course, but it tied together a lot of what I was learning in my Biopsychology major and made me even more interested in the brain-behavior connection, which is part of why I'm now looking at grad programs in neuroscience.

Career goals

After college, I'm planning to pursue a graduate program in neuroscience, with an eye toward eventually going into medicine. I'm especially interested in the intersection of mental health and the brain, and I'd like a career that combines clinical work with research, whether that's through medical school or a research-focused path. I'm also passionate about mental health advocacy, so I hope whatever I end up doing lets me combine that with the science side of things.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Honestly, a good free night for me is pretty low-key. I love an ocean sunset swim if the timing works out, then just winding down with my dog Leo, maybe some good food and a show, nothing too planned. After a busy week of classes and everything else, I like nights that just let me reset.

High school or secondary school

Las Lomas Highschool, Walnut Creek, California

Favorite spot on campus

Campus Point Beach! The best place for the most beautiful sunsets in Isla Vista!