Building Confidence in the Lab
Biology major Siya Patel, remembers coming to New York Institute of Technology as a shy and nervous freshman. But now, Patel is entering her senior year as a confident and very busy student, involved in many campus organizations and working as a genetics research assistant with Haotian Zhao, Ph.D., M.D., associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM).
Learn more about Patel and the can-do spirit she has developed during her years at New York Tech.
How did you come to be a research assistant in Dr. Zhao’s lab
During my first year of college, I wanted to see what research was about, and Dr. Zhao was looking for an undergrad student to help in his lab with breeding mice and managing genotyping. Now I go into the lab a few times a week. Dr. Zhao showed me how to open the mouse brain and remove a tumor. I can do tumor tissue isolation and choroid plexus isolation in the brain.
When I first came to the lab, I was confused about how genetics worked, but now after taking classes in biology, I have a better understanding of genetics and genotyping. It is super interesting and one of my favorite things I do at New York Tech.
You’re also very involved on campus as a member of the executive board of the Student Government Association, as the president of the Intra-Fraternity Sorority Council, and as the treasurer of the Campus Programming Board. Why are these activities important to you?
My mom knew I was introverted and told me that if I want to be a doctor in the future, I can’t not communicate and talk to people. So, I told myself, ‘I have to do this’—and I did. I wanted to be involved in as much as possible on campus. If you look for opportunities at New York Tech, you’ll be able to find them.
I met members of my sorority [the Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority Inc. Pi Charter], and they are one of the major reasons I’m talkative now—they helped build my confidence. The faculty also motivated me to be part of programs and organizations. I just had to find the internal motivation to do it. I realized that, especially in my second year, if I try something and I’m not good enough, that’s OK. It doesn’t hurt to try.
What has been your biggest takeaway from your time at New York Tech?
My experience at New York Tech helped me build character and taught me how to push myself to give 100 percent in everything that I do. I would rather try to do something than regret not trying. There’s no harm in trying things out—at least you got an experience, and now you know what works for you and what doesn’t.
This interview has been edited.
By Ashley Festa
More News
Her World Through Code
Graduate computer science student Neethu Thalappan Koroth thrives in her field of study while becoming involved in several on-campus projects to deepen her expertise.
A Collaboration Across Continents
Medical student Dongchan (Alex) Lee participated in an academic study at Dong-A University alongside South Korean researchers as they explored possible links between mineral intake and depression.
Innovation in Rehabilitation
Occupational therapy student Nihar Gediya developed a rehabilitative device during a fieldwork placement, fueling his passion for arm and hand therapy treatment.
Going With the Flow
One lesson Nanda Lahiri-Mushtaq (B.S.’ 05) took with her since graduating from New York Tech is to think outside the box.
A Lasting Impression
While being treated for a serious case of viral meningitis by osteopathic physicians, Chris Kyriakides (D.O. ’89) was compelled to pursue the practice and later inspired his children to follow his path.
For the Love of Engineering
Andra Voicu (B.S. ’08) found the love of her life—electrical contracting—after joining her father’s business and working behind the scenes on municipal buildings projects in the New York area.