My name is Sajjad and I am a part of the Pennoni Honors College at Drexel. I am on a 5-year, 3 co-op plan of study and on a fall-winter co-op cycle. I plan to study in pre-medical programs throughout my undergraduate studies. I plan on breaking into both medicine and healthcare policy​/​management. On campus, I have been involved in research, civic engagement, sports, and some other extracurricular organizations.

Hometown

Princeton, New Jersey

Major(s)

Economics and Public Health

Minor(s)

Neuroscience, Psychology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Exercise Science

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Sharing Excess, The Triangle (student-published news), Asian Students Association, Fencing Club

Describe your college experience

Moving to the Drexel campus in my first year solidified an introduction to real-world experiences and decision-making.

Tip for future students

When you live in University City, you will be around limitless opportunities for growth, but also the same amount of chances to have fun and meet new people. Find time to take breaks from everything (even your friends), and balance things out in your life. The person you become in the future will be grateful.

Favorite class

My favorite class (course sequence, I should say) was BIO142-144, also known as the SEA-PHAGES program. I was initially a biology major and many honors bio students are placed into a research lab​/​program that spans over their first academic year. 100+ other colleges in the world participate in it, but at Drexel, It is made of three different sections: isolation and discovery of bacteriophages (wet lab experience!), genome sequencing and annotating (bioinformatics), and finally a self-directed group project of choice that is presented at the end of the year. It truly was an amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything else, as it introduced me to real undergraduate research, allowed me to present findings, become a co-author on a national database, and actually contribute to possible real-world therapeutic applications!

Career goals

By studying economics and public health I plan to break into both medicine and healthcare policy​/​management. I also hope to learn more in pursuit of graduate studies in epidemiology or global affairs. I will also be enriching myself with scientific knowledge and experience so that I can have tangible and evidence-backed conversations as I move forward and communicate with more people.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Ideally, after I can volunteer in food recovery and distribution, I would take some time to exercise at the Drexel Athletic Center and then grab a meal on campus with my friends. To wind down and end the night I would be able to go to read in the honors college lobby where they have the library section and chill​/​read before going to bed.

High school or secondary school

Montgomery High School

Favorite spot on campus

On campus there are nice quiet spots to get used to and there are also great bustling spots to look forward to- but the nice in between for me is Lancaster Walk, in between the volleyball courts, dining hall, and the recreation center! It's an amazing spot to sit down and sunbathe, or have a picnic with friends, or you can go through your emails there!