Name: Liza Rassadkina
Major: Microbiology
Minor: Criminology
Extracurriculars: Volunteer at RWJ and St. Peters, children’s swim instructor
Hometown: South Brunswick, NJ
Why did you choose to study microbiology?
I chose to study microbiology because I have an interest in infectious diseases and the way pathogens interact with the human body. The way a pathogenic microorganism invades and replicates within our cells while barely being noticed is very intriguing to me. It is so amazing how something that is unseen to the naked human eye is so harmful and powerful and can destroy us just by living and doing what it is programmed to do. I am ultimately aiming to become a doctor and I felt that microbiology would give me a good science background that focused on my interest in viruses, bacteria, and other pathogenic microorganisms.
What are some good study habits that you have picked up since starting school?
One of the good study habits that I picked up includes going to the library to study for exams or when I have a lot of homework to do. Doing work in my room is nice, but I often get distracted so I need the atmosphere of a library to get me to focus on my work. Another good place to study that I started going to this year is an empty classroom with a whiteboard. This has helped me a lot with organic chemistry because I can write down all the reactions, mechanisms, and other information that will be on the test. This repetition of writing and rewriting helps me prepare for the exams.
Where are the best places to grab food at or around Rutgers?
I usually like to get food at Woody’s or the Cook Campus Center. I rarely go to dining halls, but I do like the cafes that are on almost every campus. I mostly order takeout or go get food on Easton or George Street. Some of my favorite places are Chipotle, Indochine, Noodle Gourmet, and Stuff Yer Face. When I feel like driving farther away from campus, I usually go to Applebee’s or Olive Garden which are about a ten to fifteen minute drive from campus.
If you could study abroad anywhere, given the opportunity, where would you go and why?
If I could study abroad anywhere I would go and study somewhere in Europe, maybe France, London, Italy, or Spain. I have always wanted to go and travel to Europe because of the deep history that can be experienced and seen just by walking around. I love going to museums and exploring, so I think that Europe would be a fun and beautiful place to explore. I also love beaches and the warmth which is why I’m interested in going to Spain.
Which campus is your favorite and why?
My favorite campus is College Ave and I could not imagine myself living anywhere else. I dormed on College Ave as a freshman and now I am living off campus and will continue to until I graduate. I like College Ave because the campus is a circle and you can get anywhere with a short walk. One of my favorite things about College Ave is that it is home to a number of food places, particularly on and around Easton and George street, which is great because I end up ordering food around midnight all the time. I also like how all the major bus routes go through College Ave, which makes getting to and from places a lot easier.