Award-Winning NJIT Grads Reflect on Their Journeys to Jobs, Grad Programs
Among the honorees at this year’s College of Science and Liberal Arts Awards at NJIT were seven members of the Class of 2021 who earned the Outstanding Undergraduate Award. We caught up with four of them, who reflected on their unique experiences and accomplishments over the past four years and shared their bright future plans.
Bhoomi Davé, Forensic Science B.S. and Biology B.A.
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I was born in Newark and grew up in Columbus, South Jersey. I’ve always wanted to become a physician, so I wanted to attend a school that gave me a full scholarship while also offering amazing research opportunities. NJIT gave me both as well as a close-knit community.
What research/academic focus were you most involved in leading up to your 2021 CSLA Outstanding Student Award?
Most of my research centered around combatting the opioid epidemic. My town and some of my high school peers were struck heavily by it. I wanted to help alleviate the burden of substance abuse and center my research endeavors around it, so I began working at a local addiction center and assisting physicians in conducting clinical trials using ketamine as an alternative to prescribed opioids. I joined Kathryn Biernacki at Rutgers’ Center of Molecular and behavioral Neuroscience to study decision-making alterations in patients undergoing opioid use disorder (OUD).
Later, at NJIT’s BioSMART Lab with chemistry department chair Wunmi Sadik, I began applying my forensic science background and previous experience with OUD patients to design a wearable device that can detect quantifiable pain levels using biomarkers in the blood from a wound site. This could be groundbreaking for sexual assault victims during a legal trial to support their case, and also to physicians who need a more objective measurement of pain to better judge the treatment protocol without the usage of pain-prescribed opioids such as oxycodone.
Plans after graduation?
I will be attending medical school at Drexel University College of Medicine where I will receive my M.D. and start residency in a surgery specialty.
What you’ll take most from your time at NJIT?
You’ll never be satisfied if you measure success by “reaching” a milestone. True happiness should come within the journey itself, the people who you love and admire, and your growth throughout these experiences. That’s the lesson from my years at NJIT that I’ll carry forever.
Emily Jensen, Mathematical Sciences B.S.
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I grew up in Hackettstown, New Jersey. I ended up coming to NJIT because of the amazing scholarship opportunities and the expansive math curriculum.
What research/academic focus were you most involved in leading up to your 2021 CSLA Outstanding Student Award?
I decided early that I would pursue a career specifically in actuarial science, and most of my spare time in college has been spent studying for actuarial exams. Thus far, I have passed five actuarial exams and will be sitting for a sixth in June. NJIT’s math program has definitely helped me prepare for these exams and has given me a strong foundation for learning more advanced actuarial concepts.
Plans after graduation?
I will be working as an actuarial associate at Prudential. I will be joining a six-year rotational program, in which I will essentially be switching roles once a year. This will allow me to gain experience in many different roles across Prudential’s actuarial department. I’m not really sure which city I will be in or what I will be doing specifically as I progress through the program, but I’m excited to see what the future holds.
What you’ll take most from your time at NJIT?
That my attitude towards life is the biggest determinant of my success. I now know that having an upbeat attitude and a positive outlook is much more important than any of my inherent math abilities. This type of optimistic mindset has given me a greater capacity to learn and more self-confidence than I could have ever expected.
Nitya Shah, Biology B.S. and Mathematical Sciences B.S.
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I was born in India and raised in Avenel, New Jersey after moving to the States at the age of four. I chose NJIT because I've always loved science and research, so I wanted a strong STEM school.
What research/academic focus were you most involved in leading up to your 2021 CSLA Outstanding Undergraduate Award?
I studied social parasitism in ants for the past two years under the supervision of biology professor Phil Barden at the Barden Lab here at NJIT. I had the opportunity to pursue this research, examining whether the evolution of a parasite's size, shape and structure are driven by whether they specialize in kidnapping one type of host or many, for academic credit and under an Honors Summer Research Fellowship with the Albert Dorman Honors College. I also presented this research at a national entomology conference and at NJIT's Dana Knox Research Showcase, where I won first place for both presentations!
Plans after graduation?
I'll be pursuing my Ph.D. in biostatistics at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health!
What you’ll take most from your time at NJIT?
NJIT taught me how scientific research truly works, and I developed important skills that I will be using throughout my professional career. I also learned the benefits of networking and perseverance. NJIT has given me so many wonderful friends and memories and I will always be thankful!
Jonpierre Grajales, Applied Physics and Computer Science Dual B.S. Degree
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I grew up in Clifton, New Jersey. What led me to NJIT was the ability to get hands-on research opportunities and pursue two majors I was passionate about at once, applied physics and computer science. The scholarships and aid from the Albert Dorman Honors College and Educational Opportunity Program sealed the deal.
What research/academic focus were you most involved in leading up to your 2021 CSLA Outstanding Student Award?
I’ve joined multiple research projects at NJIT, but the work I did under physics professor John Federici in his Additive Manufacturing Lab (ADDLAB) was the most fascinating and fulfilling. The investigation focused on evaluating prehistoric fossilized amber using a cutting-edge imaging technology called terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, which was incredibly fun to work on! I gained practical experience with very sophisticated equipment and worked with a great group of personalities that were truly excellent mentors for me.
Plans after graduation?
I will pursue a master’s or doctoral program and conduct research that I am engrossed in and love. I also hope to continue contributing to outreach initiatives for K-12 students and their families as I did as an undergrad, and plan to give back to NJIT as much as I possibly can!
What you’ll take most from your time at NJIT?
Don’t let anxiety, doubt, or despair narrow your possibilities. NJIT is rich with prospects for its scholars, and if I could recommend anyone starting their career, it would be to take the chance and not let the window of opportunity go past them.
