Hi, I'm Shruthi! I'm a biochemistry student at UCSB who loves meeting new people and making the most of everything Santa Barbara has to offer. When I'm not in class, you'll probably find me dancing, grabbing coffee with friends, exploring new restaurants, spending time at the beach, or catching the sunset. I love going out, trying new experiences, and sharing my favorite campus spots. Whether you're visiting UCSB for the first time or just want a local perspective, I'd love to help you have a fun and memorable experience!

Hometown

San Jose, CA

Major(s)

Biochemistry

Minor(s)

Math

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Taara (competitive Bollywood-fusion Dance Team), Chemistry Club, Breaching Biotech, Indus, Project Care, Bhagat Puran Singh Initiative (BPSHI)

Describe your college experience

Transitioning to college was both exciting and challenging. Adjusting to a faster paced academic environment while balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities took time, but it helped me become more organized and independent. Throughout my first year, I learned how to manage my time effectively, seek help when needed, and build meaningful connections with classmates and professors. My experience so far has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to grow both academically and personally while discovering new interests and opportunities that have strengthened my confidence and prepared me for future goals.

Tip for future students

One piece of advice I would give future students is to stay organized and avoid procrastinating, even when assignments seem manageable. College moves much faster than high school, and keeping up with coursework from the beginning makes exams and deadlines much less stressful. I also encourage students to get involved in campus organizations, attend office hours, and step outside their comfort zone. Building connections with classmates and professors can make the college experience much more rewarding, both academically and personally.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been math 4B (differential equations). I enjoyed it because it challenged me to think logically and approach problems in a structured way. I found it satisfying to see how different techniques could be used to solve complex equations and model real world systems, from population growth to physical motion.

Career goals

After college, I hope to pursue an MD​/​PhD program to become a physician-scientist. I want to combine patient care with biomedical research, using scientific discoveries to improve treatments and advance our understanding of disease. My goal is to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the clinic, contributing to innovations that improve patient outcomes while making a meaningful impact through both medicine and research.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night is having dinner with friends, taking a walk along the beach, and then winding down with a good book or a movie. I enjoy having time to relax after a busy week while still spending quality time with the people around me. It's a great balance of socializing and recharging, and it helps me return to my responsibilities feeling refreshed.

High school or secondary school

Westmont High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the outdoor seating area by HSSB. It has a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful views, making it the perfect place to relax between classes or study when the weather is nice. I enjoy spending time there because it's a quiet space where I can recharge, catch up on work, or meet with friends while enjoying the campus environment.