Connecting Careers to Biology and Health-Related Majors
There was a big turnout of students—some currently enrolled at Queensborough, some from local high schools and some who were visiting from other CUNY schools—who came together to learn more about Connecting Careers to Biology and Health-Related Majors. After the event, held on campus last week, students spoke one-on-one with faculty and advisors during a reception in the Medical Arts Well.
Mohammad Forqaan is majoring in forensic psychology with a minor in biology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Mohammad, who is planning to graduate from John Jay this semester, is taking a microbiology course at Queensborough this spring to complete his minor credits. “I am here today to learn about different career paths and connect with people within my field of study.”
Laysha Canela is a second semester biology major at Queensborough. “I love hands-on research in biotechnology and want to explore a career in neuroscience.”
“Preparing students for career success needs to be integrated into every step of the college experience, and that means creating opportunities for career exploration early on in their time at QCC, or even before they enroll,” said Punita Bhansali, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences and Geology.
Professor Bhansali explained that serving as a CUNY Career Success Fellow last year and now as a CUNY Career Success Leadership Fellow this year, inspired her to consider ways the department can proactively prepare students for success at every step of the way.
The event kicked off with a presentation about the majors of Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Health Sciences, and Public Health and Medical Assistant.
“Prospective and current students may learn about majors and careers they didn't even know existed,” added Dr. Bhansali.
For example, there are as many careers in environmental science as there are blades of grass: climate change analyst, environmental educator, wildlife biologist, conservation biologist, environmental consultant, or environmental scientist. Also, the growing job demands in biotechnology research and the many careers that fall under the umbrella of public health include healthcare social workers, biostatisticians, health education specialists and compliance managers.
Transfer paths from Queensborough include York College, Queens College, City College and select outside institutions.
Presentations at the event were given by the following faculty in the department of Biological Sciences and Geology:
Dr. Peter A. Novick, Associate Professor, Dr. Urszula Golebiewska, Professor, Dr. Sara Danzi-Engoron, Associate Professor, Dr. Sarbani Ghoshal, Assistant Professor, Dr. Anuradha Srivastava, Associate Professor, Dr. Joan Petersen, Professor and Dr. Punita Bhansali, Associate Professor.
This event was sponsored by: Collegiate Science Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), Health-Related Science Academy, associate in applied science Redesign Project (AAS Redesign), CUNY Career Success Fellows Program, STEM Research Club, Health Sciences Student Club, Women in Science Club, and National Institute of Health (NIH) Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program.
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