Why did you enroll in Integrated Science?

Before the start of freshman year, I received an email inviting me to participate in the program, so I started considering it as an option early on. I asked older friends and former students about the program, which seemed to be extremely hard but also proportionally rewarding. At first I enrolled with the intention of trying it out, and an alternative course plan in case I decided to drop it, but in the end I was completely drawn into the program, and decided to stick with it.

What was the ISC Freshman Sequence (ISC231-234) like for you?             

The ISC sequence was definitely challenging, in more ways than I had imagined. In retrospect, I consider all those challenges advantageous. Through the course I was introduced to a new integrative way of thinking about science, and I developed a strong reliance on my own knowledge and research skills to approach and tackle problems. ISC, besides a deep understanding of the quantitative principles underlying scientific thinking, has offered me a group of amazing professors I can approach for help, as well as a strong student community of former and current classmates I can interact with on a social, as well as scientific basis.

How have the courses benefited you academically, and has it made you think about what you want to do after you graduate?          

ISC not only allowed me to better understand the overlap between scientific fields, but also taught me a lot and in great depth about those scientific fields, with special attention to their quantitative aspects. The courses promote collaboration in an exceptionally effective way, help develop research skills and put them to good use, and are constantly stimulating and engaging.

How do you like working with the various Integrated Science faculty and staff?

The ISC professors and staff were very helpful and approachable. I enjoyed the rotation of professors, since it helped constantly challenge us with new and different ways of thinking, and exposed us to very distinguished faculty that could help us not only during ISC, but in our later careers as well.

What is it like going through Integrated Science with a close cohort of student peers?

One of the best parts of ISC was the strong community that developed between classmates, leading to lasting friendships. We all worked and learned together and from each other, and I definitely wouldn't have made it without them.