Category: Medical & Molecular Sciences
Class of 2025 Spotlight: MMSC
May 20, 2025 Written by Amy Cherry
We're honoring the Class of 2025 by spotlighting some of the best and brightest graduates from the Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences:
Victoria Barbone
Applied molecular biology and biotechnology major
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Surprising. Motivating. Revealing.
Why Victoria chose UD:
“I originally attended Delaware Tech and studied biological sciences for two years before transferring to UD by taking advantage of the Connected Degree Program.”
How it felt to step foot on campus for the first time:
“I thought it was so different and so much bigger than my previous experience. I loved the campus life.”
Why did you choose your major?
“The practicum experience, where you have a chance to work in the field. Working in the biotech industry is so different from academics, so getting to know what to expect before I graduate and having that experience on my resume has been great.”
Post-graduation plans:
“I plan to take a gap year and get experience in the industry and hope to return to school to obtain a master’s degree or a Ph.D.”
How did UD prepare you for your future career?
“My coursework has been hands-on labs with a lecture component. I’ve also had academic research experience and industry experience through the practicums. I have a broad range of experience to put on my resume and use to help pick the direction for my future career.”
Favorite academic experience:
“I really enjoyed working in research in the Viral Ecology and Informatics Lab with Dr. Shawn Polson. It was great to build connections with professors, graduate students, and post-docs, and it’s been great to hear everyone’s stories to help me choose my path."
Favorite non-academic experience:
“I have made great friends with whom I plan to be friends for the rest of my life. I love hanging out on campus – there’s so much to do.”
What does being a Blue Hen mean to you?
“I've lived in Delaware my whole life, so coming to UD and graduating as a Blue Hen feels like a rite of passage. I feel a close-knit community with the people of Delaware; I love this state, and being at UD feels like home.”
Bettina Bauman
Medical laboratory science major
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Fulfilling. Fun. Supportive.
Why Bettina chose UD:
“I chose UD because when I visited, I absolutely loved the campus and knew this was where I wanted to be for the next four years. I loved what they had to offer academically to pursue a career in healthcare.”
How it felt to step foot on campus for the first time:
“Everyone on the Green looked like they were having a great time, relaxing in the sun. I thought the campus was so beautiful, and there was a moment where everything just clicked—I see myself here.”
Why did you choose your major?
“I chose my medical laboratory science because I love the behind-the-scenes work in the lab to help diagnose and treat patients. It’s a great way to contribute to patient care.”
Post-graduation plans:
“I am pursuing a position as a medical laboratory technician. I could see myself working in blood banking eventually—it’s been my favorite rotation.”
How did UD prepare you for your future career?
“UD has supported me at every stage of my journey, equipping me with valuable skills that employers look for in a medical technician. My amazing professors have prepared me and given me all the tools I need to embark on my career.”
Favorite academic experience:
“My clinical rotations – it’s been the most fun I’ve had. I’ve gotten hands-on experience at multiple hospitals, large and small. It’s been a great glimpse into what life looks like after college on the job.”
Favorite non-academic experience:
“Within these four years, I’ve met so many people from different backgrounds. It’s been amazing.”
What does being a Blue Hen mean to you?
“Being a Blue Hen means resilience, growth, and community. UD has pushed me to grow and given me a strong support system, shaping me into who I am today.”
Lauren Dorsey
Honors medical diagnostics major, pre-PA concentration
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Challenging. Rewarding. Enjoyable.
Why Lauren chose UD:
“I went to Ursuline Academy in Wilmington for high school and wanted to stay close to home, near family, and I was excited that UD offered a major that had a pre-physician assistant track because I was very interested in PA school.”
How it felt to step foot on campus for the first time:
“Even though I’m from Wilmington, I had never really been on campus before. I was overwhelmed and excited about all I’d have the opportunity to explore.”
Why did you choose your major?
“I wanted to be challenged, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, so I wanted courses that would give me that feedback to show me I was on the right track. It paid off, for sure.”
Post-graduation plans:
“Just after Commencement, I will start PA school at Arcadia University at their campus in Christiana, Delaware.”
How did UD prepare you for your future career?
“UD has helped me in every single way from an educational standpoint. My coursework has focused on everything medicine these past four years. I’ve had shadow opportunities through PA Club and have seized every opportunity to ensure I’m ready for PA school.”
Favorite academic experience:
“My favorite academic experience was my anatomy course. We shadowed graduate students in the Cadaver Lab, and watching them work with anatomical parts was so interesting. I will get to do that in PA school, so it was awesome to get a hint of what’s ahead.
“I also loved my study abroad experience in Hawaii over Winter Session. I loved getting to know different people. Whether it was a hot dog stand or out on a boat, everyone had a different way of life, and it was important to listen to people and get to know them as people. That will be so important in PA school because everyone comes from different backgrounds, and you must get to know your patients and treat them the way they should be treated.”
Favorite non-academic experience:
“I’m on the Club Women's Basketball team, which has been outstanding. My teammates have been my family, aside from my classmates.”
What does being a Blue Hen mean to you?
“Being a Blue Hen means stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself to be the best you can be.”
Jules Firouztale
Medical diagnostics major with a pre-PA concentration
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Transformative. Rewarding. Memorable.
Why Jules chose UD:
“I chose UD because of its profound reputation in the health sciences. It’s also close to home in Long Island, NY.”
How it felt to step foot on campus for the first time:
“I remember seeing the Green and the beautiful campus. I knew instantly it would be the university for me.”
Why did you choose your major?
“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to get into medicine. My role model was my uncle, a neurologist who came to the U.S. from Iran. He figured out a diagnosis for his sister, who had schizophrenia and depression, and inspired me to dig deeper into that aspect of medicine, philanthropy, and to be a part of something bigger than myself.
“I switched my major from exercise science to medical diagnostics, pre-PA at the end of my sophomore year, and I truly found my spark.”
Post-graduation plans:
“I am taking a gap year and applying for physician assistant schools closer to home in New York. During my gap year, I will continue my work as a rehabilitation aide in a neurology clinic at New York University Langone Health. I hope to change my specialty and get experience in dermatology.
“I’m also very philanthropic. To get more volunteer hours, I want to create a health literacy program for an assisted living facility where I volunteer. I want to play Bingo, Backgammon, and trivia, incorporating medical technology to keep the aging population on their toes. Working as a rehabilitation aide made me want to advocate for this population.”
How did UD prepare you for your future career?
“UD gave me countless opportunities to truly prepare me for PA school. I’ve never heard of students at other universities taking hematology, immunohematology, and medical microbiology. Being exposed to those classes before PA school sets me apart, and I’m so grateful for those opportunities.
“UD also allowed me to become a teaching assistant in the microbiology lab and a peer-assisted study session (PASS) leader for elementary organic chemistry.”
Favorite academic experience:
Being a PASS leader. "I was once in their shoes, attending PASS sessions. I tell them--it’s OK to feel lost and struggle with such complex topics. I wanted to be their voice of reason and become a safe place where I could teach, mentor, and guide them to make them feel comfortable tackling difficult topics. It’s such a rewarding experience to know I’m making a difference in their studies.”
Favorite non-academic experience:
Participating in Sigma Kappa sorority. "It’s a rewarding experience that’s helped me grow personally. It helped me feel more confident in myself. I’ve gained the best friends I’ve always wanted. I’m an only child, and becoming part of a sisterhood has been really nice.
“But Airband—the annual dancing and lip-synching competition that closes out Greek Week each year is my most memorable experience.”
What does being a Blue Hen mean to you?
“Being a Blue Hen means embodying the values of resilience, community, and pride. As a Blue Hen, you are part of a supportive, diverse community that allows you to grow personally and academically. I’ve faced obstacles with a bit more strength, knowing I have a community behind me. It’s a reminder that I can go anywhere in life and know I’ll carry the spirit of UD while striving for excellence and compassion in service.”
Yessenia Lagunas
Medical laboratory science major | First-generation college student
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Transformative. Holistic. Rewarding.
Why Yessenia chose UD:
"I grew up in this area and used to drive past Main Street and always see students out and about, and it looked like so much fun. I wanted to be part of that community."
How it felt to step foot on campus for the first time:
"It felt exciting and awesome to step on campus for the first time. I knew that once I was a Blue Hen, I’d forever be a Blue Hen."
Why did you choose your major?
"I was always interested in the immune and autoimmune systems and what creates symptoms in patients. I wanted to learn more about the biological and chemical aspects of disease and felt this major was a perfect fit.
"I also loved the idea of exploring different healthcare settings and hospitals, getting hands-on experience with instruments, and putting theory into practice."
Post-graduation plans:
"I will work as a medical laboratory technician at Nemours Children’s Hospital."
How did UD prepare you for your future career?
"The faculty and staff, specifically the MLS professors, have prepared me so that once I was in clinical rotations, I knew what to expect. I had hands-on experience in the lab in school and could apply that in a real-world setting and have the foundation I needed to be successful."
Favorite academic experience:
"All the hours I spent in the lab were worth it!"
Favorite non-academic experience:
"One of my most memorable moments outside the academics was late-night study sessions with friends and walking on the Green and along Main Street. UD has such a fun sense of community."
What does being a Blue Hen mean to you?
"Being a Blue Hen means you are part of the University of Delaware's proud community and a part of tradition. The Blue Hen is not just the university's mascot; it symbolizes the spirit, resilience, and pride of UD students, alumni, and faculty. As a Blue Hen, you share the pride of being part of a respected institution with a rich history. You are part of a community that values education, diversity, and service, and you contribute to the ongoing legacy of the university with a commitment to excellence."
Zoe Lehtonen
Medical diagnostics major | CHS Student Advisory Board member | STAR Ambassador
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Fun. Grateful. Creative.
Why Zoe chose UD:
“I came to UD for Decision Day. When I visited, I met STAR Ambassadors, and I could see myself in their shoes; they were so successful, and it really inspired me.
“Now, I speak as a STAR Ambassador at Decision Days, and I tell incoming freshmen that UD will give them the resources to thrive and the mentorship and guidance they need to be successful.”
How it felt to step foot on campus for the first time:
“I just knew this was going to be a place I called home. It felt like a small community on a big campus, which was everything I wanted. I was confident I’d find my niche here.’
Why did you choose your major?
“I always wanted to pursue a career in medicine, and what really stood out was that at Decision Day, students were speaking about medical diagnostics as a major where you’d learn material that would be preparatory for medical school. “
Post-graduation plans:
“I will take a gap year and return home to Rochester, New York, to run a program I created at the Eye Care Center, where we accept aspiring medical school students interested in ophthalmology. I will be scribing, providing technical support, and assisting in the operating room before I head to medical school.
“Ophthalmology is such a niche specialty that people aren’t always exposed to in medical school. This program is helpful because it allows students to explore this competitive specialty before entering medical school.”
How did UD prepare you for your future career?
“UD played a pivotal role in preparing me for the next step in my journey by providing a nurturing environment that fostered both academic and personal growth. Through its robust resources, supportive community, and diverse opportunities, UD helped me rediscover my passion for medicine and equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue it.
"The University's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy allowed me to engage in meaningful research, leadership roles, and community service, all of which have been instrumental in shaping my path toward becoming a physician. UD's support systems, such as the Pre-Health Office and student organizations like Lori’s Hands, gave me the guidance and encouragement I needed to overcome personal challenges and thrive academically and socially.
“This past summer, I had an internship at the University of Rochester Medical School, and as I looked at the curriculum, I saw hematology and immunohematology classes, medical microbiology, and I’ve already taken these classes, so I expect to be very prepared for my first year of medical school.”
Favorite academic experience:
The classes. “I knew I liked learning, but the amount of material in such a rigorous major made me realize this wasn’t something for the weak. I succeeded because of how the classes were taught by UD’s Medical and Molecular Sciences professors.
“I also loved leading the development of a text-based symptom assessment platform as part of the First-Step Research Program. This project allowed me to merge insights from my coursework in medical diagnostics, hands-on research, and collaboration with healthcare professionals at DuPont Hospital. The platform aimed to enhance patient care and streamline healthcare processes by optimizing wait times and improving operational efficiency. Presenting our research and platform solutions at a healthcare symposium was incredibly rewarding, as it highlighted the real-world impact of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing critical challenges in healthcare delivery. This experience deepened my understanding of the healthcare system and reinforced my passion for using innovation to improve patient outcomes.”
Favorite non-academic experience:
“Volunteering with Lori’s Hands, where I serve as co-president of the registered student organization. Through my time at Lori’s Hands, I have built a meaningful relationship with Regina Wheeler, a chronically ill elder who became like family. From painting pumpkins together to standing by her side during moments of loss, these experiences reignited my passion for selflessly caring for others and reminded me why I chose a path in medicine. Through Lori’s Hands, I evolved from a volunteer to a leader. Leading our team to win the YouDee Best Overall RSO Award in 2024 was a defining moment, as it affirmed the power of community, service, and advocacy. These experiences shaped my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to making a lasting impact through empathy and connection.”
What does being a Blue Hen mean to you?
“Being a Blue Hen means embracing a spirit of resilience, innovation, and community. It means taking advantage of the incredible resources and opportunities UD offers to succeed and thrive. It means being part of a family that supports and uplifts one another. I want to use my story to inspire and guide others through recruitment events. Being a Blue Hen is about forging my own path, guided by empathy, mentorship, and a commitment to making a lasting impact on this campus for others to benefit from. It’s about carrying forward the lessons and values I’ve learned at UD as I continue my journey toward becoming a healer and advocate for others.”
Matthew May
Medical diagnostics major, pre-PA concentration
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Fulfilling. Transformative. Unforgettable.
Why Matthew chose UD:
"I knew UD had amazing, reputable health sciences programs. I also remembered loving the layout of campus and the beauty and history surrounding it, and I was amazed by everything there was to do on Main Street."
Why did you choose your major?
"I was especially intrigued by the unique physician assistant-tailored curriculum offered in the medical diagnostics pre-PA major and believed it would go above and beyond in preparing me for physician assistant school."
Post-graduation plans:
"I have been accepted into the Misericordia University Physician Assistant program in Dallas, Pennsylvania, and will begin classes in early July."
How did UD prepare you for your future career?
“UD has equipped me with a versatile toolset that I will carry with me into PA school and well beyond. The masterfully tailored, unique coursework of the MMD Pre-PA program provided me with a diverse, extensive understanding and knowledge of various fields of medicine and related sciences. The University also had plenty of resources available for us students that helped build career readiness and professionalism, as well as extended a plethora of opportunities to volunteer in the local community to build skills of compassion, responsibility, and time management, among many others. The knowledge base that I have built at UD, along with this diverse toolset of skills that I have acquired parallel to it, will be crucial as I navigate my journey into healthcare down the line, from graduate school to the workforce."
Favorite academic experience:
"My favorite experiences within the academic sphere came in laboratory sections of certain courses, especially microbiology lab and anatomy lab. In my opinion, there is no better way to learn than to be hands-on with what you are learning, and thus I remember these laboratory sections being extremely helpful in making sense of what I learned in lecture, while also making the content more applicable to what I may encounter in the medical field someday. Anatomy lab helped deepen my understanding of the way the human body is structured and how it functions, a pivotal piece to the pursuit of medical knowledge. Microbiology lab introduced me to the microscopic world around us, something super applicable for aspiring physician assistants who will be dealing with patients suffering from infections regularly."
Favorite non-academic experience:
"Lori's Hands was an amazing opportunity to give back to the local community, and I would recommend it to any student at UD, regardless of their major. I built such a strong friendship with my client throughout the two years that I had the honor of making weekly visits, and I am so sad that I will not be able to continue after May. I am so glad to assist them, not only with chores around the house, taking out the trash, or grabbing their mail, but also for the chance to put a smile on their face and brighten up their week. This organization helped me foster a complex understanding of what individuals with chronic illness in the community experience in their daily lives, as I learned so much from my client and what they have been through. This is a critical insight that I believe will be crucial to navigating relationships with chronically-ill patients in the future, helping me foster a warm, welcoming, and understanding bedside manner that will promote the best patient care possible."
What does being a Blue Hen mean to you?
"To be a Blue Hen is to spread your wings and branch out and take advantage of the plethora of opportunities the University provides you to meet new friends and acquaintances, explore interesting hobbies and activities, and pursue your curiosities and expand your knowledge within fields that you are passionate about both within and outside the classroom, as well as both within and outside of the scope of your major."
Shane McGarry
Medical Laboratory Science major
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
Transformative. Enriching. Legacy.
Why Shane chose UD and his major:
“I was born in Newark, and my first job after separating from the Marine Corps was as a laboratory aid at the Blood Bank of Delmarva, which made me want to get my medical laboratory science degree to advance in the field.”
How it felt to step foot on campus for the first time:
“I had just gotten home from the Marines, and UD is such a nice place with nice people. It gave me a good feeling to be here.”
Post-graduation plans:
“I will be pursuing my master’s degree in medical sciences at UD. I aspire to be a laboratory manager and, ultimately, a professor.”
How did UD prepare you for your future career?
“The advanced concepts I learned in my labs and lectures prepared me very well to work in a clinical lab. By the time I began my hospital rotations, I had mastered many difficult subjects and was ready to apply my knowledge.”
Favorite academic experience:
The clinical rotations, especially in microbiology.
Favorite non-academic experience:
“Being a Double Del. I met my wife, Melissa, at UD at a meeting for Blue Hen veterans. She was in the Air Force and was a psychology major at UD. Now, we have a 2-year-old daughter.”
What does being a Blue Hen mean to you?
“Being a Blue Hen means living outside your comfort zone, being ready to face something new, take criticism, and use it to improve everything. Being a Blue Hen also means family.”
Percival Tran
Honors applied molecular biology and biotechnology major
Three words to describe the UD CHS experience:
New. Enriching. Perspective.
Why Percival chose UD:
“I went to high school at Newark Charter School, where a biotechnology pathway first introduced me to my major. While UD’s applied molecular biology and biotechnology (AMBB) major is relatively new, the program had so much potential that I wanted to join.”
Why did you choose your major?
“I’ve always been interested in molecular techniques and applications in genetic engineering and medicine. I’ve always loved biology and microbiology, and the AMBB major took it one step further.”
Post-graduation plans:
“I will be working as an associate scientist for QPS in Newark, where I completed my practicum experience during my senior year.”
How did UD prepare you for your future career?
“In the AMBB major, you get hours of hands-on experience in the lab in all sorts of fields from protein purification and cell culture to basic molecular techniques with DNA and RNA, so going into this practicum experience, I was very familiar with what it was like to work in a lab.”
Favorite academic experience:
“I really enjoyed my cell culture class. I am so grateful to have taken classes outside my major, including marine science and wildlife ecology classes. I wouldn’t have these experiences if I hadn’t attended such a large university.
“I also conducted undergraduate research through the Summer Scholars and Summer Fellows programs with Drs. Mona Batish and Vijay Parashar. I learned so much about academic research, including that the first time you try an experiment, it won’t always be successful; I learned to keep trying.”
Favorite non-academic experience:
“I’ve loved walking around campus with my friends. I made so many great friends here, and we’ve had so much fun together attending events at Perkins or walking on the Green when it’s nice outside--those are things I’ll remember for a long time.”
What does being a Blue Hen mean to you?
“Being a Blue Hen means taking advantage of all the opportunities that are given to you and making the most of them. Blue Hens are passionate about education and driven by strong career aspirations. I am not the first Blue Hen in my family. My father, my brother, and several of my cousins all attended UD before me. It came naturally to me, as I am a Delaware native, and UD has many strong and developed programs to choose from.”
