How I chose biochemistry: A first-generation student's journey from undecided to research

Summer research at Nazareth.

Why did you choose Nazareth?

My parents didn’t have the opportunity to go to college, and they worked hard to help give me the ability to pursue my dreams. As a first generation student, it was important for me to know that I would have support not only from my parents but from others in my community during my transition to college. I wanted to attend a school that was relatively small and close to home, and my high school guidance counselor was very helpful with scholarship interview preparation and sharing resources about different schools, including Nazareth.

I also knew I wanted to study something in science as well as continue participating in music. Many of the schools I looked at did not have these two things together, but Nazareth does. I auditioned to be part of an ensemble and earned a music scholarship. I took clarinet lessons for two years and play in the Wind Symphony.

Wind Symphony clarinet section

How did you choose your major? 

I came in as an undeclared major. I took an organic chemistry class my first semester and for the first time considered that I may want to work in a lab for my career. To further explore my interest, I participated in research at Nazareth the summer after my freshman year. I realized I like having the ability to discover and learn new things, and to be able to expand upon and answer questions. I declared a major in biochemistry at the beginning of my sophomore year.

My interest in science also has personal ties:

• My dad has a genetic disorder called retinitis pigmentosa that causes progressive loss of vision. He is legally blind.
• Two of my extended family members were diagnosed with cancer within the last few years.

Summer 2025 research with students Jasmine Rivera and Emma Bruning, mentored by Dr. Tina Nedelkovska.

Recently, I decided to declare a second major, psychology, because I am also interested in learning about neurological disorders and human behavior.

My long-term goal: After I graduate from Nazareth, I would like to attend graduate school to further my education and become a successful scientist in genetics or molecular biology. Whether it be in graduate school or beyond, I want to perform research using gene or cell therapies to work towards treatment and prevention of retinitis pigmentosa.

How is Naz helping you achieve your goals?

The summer before my freshman year, I participated in Nazareth’s Summer Start program and became familiar with living on campus. I got to know Tonya and Ethan (staff in Student Access and Achievement Programs), and I had routine check-ins with them during my first and second year.

The professors and staff at Nazareth have been extremely approachable and supportive. I feel like there is always someone I can reach out to if I need help with something.

How’s your experience in college so far?

My experience has been good, even better than I had expected, in terms of the amount of opportunities offered. I’ve been able to pursue different areas of study that I am interested in, and feel supported in doing so. A mix of interests between biochemistry, psychology, and music is not particularly common, but I have enjoyed my classes thus far. I am always looking to challenge myself and reach my full potential, and I feel that I have been able to find ways to do that at Nazareth.

What’s been challenging?

Some of my initial challenges were finding the best way to study and keep track of due dates for my assignments. At first, I wrote everything on paper but I quickly realized that this did not work for me. It took some experimenting, but I now take digital notes, have my schedule in a calendar app, and organize my assignments in one large spreadsheet outlining due dates, which has worked well.

Additionally, I’ve had to work on time management. Last semester, I took 19 credits and worked about 10 hours a week. This really tested my ability to manage my time and avoid burnout.

How have your college experiences changed you?

My college experiences have changed me by making me realize I am capable of more than I think. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be attending two conferences in 2025, I would not have believed it. I have learned the importance of not only putting in the work, but also believing in myself and moving outside my comfort zone.

I worked with chemistry professor Dr. Guillermo Ardon Munoz and tried to find a more efficient synthesis method for a triazole, a compound that has antifungal, anti-inflammation, and anticancer properties that is used in many pharmaceutical products. I went to the American Chemical Society conference in San Diego this past spring and was able to present a poster alongside my research partner explaining our work to other professionals in the field. This experience would not have been possible without funding and support from Nazareth, and through it I learned that I like presenting and got to meet people I otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to.

I currently participate in biology research with Dr. Tina Nedelkovska, exploring Major Histocompatibility Complex Class Ia gene expression in Xenopus laevis (African Clawed Frog). Last semester, my research partners and I designed a new laboratory experiment and we presented this work at a Scientific Paper Session of the Rochester Academy of Science. The laboratory experiment will be used in Nazareth’s genetics lab this spring, and it is incredibly fulfilling to see work I’ve contributed to integrated into one of Nazareth’s own classes. This is not something that I had previously considered I would be able to do as an undergraduate student.

Recently, I authored a grant proposal to the Rochester Academy of Science Student Grant Program and was awarded $650 to support a new project exploring Major Histocompatibility Complex Class Ia gene knockout in Xenopus laevis embryos. I am excited to use CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in the lab, and look forward to expanding on my research experience.

Poster presentation at the 51st Annual Fall Scientific Paper Session of the Rochester Academy of Science held at SUNY Geneseo.

Are you involved in other activities on or off campus?

• Undergraduate Association: I’m a senator for the class of 2027.
• I work for Nazareth’s Partners for Serving program as a site coordinator for our community partner, Wilson Commencement Park. We work with kids in an after-school program, helping with homework and activities such as crafts and games.
• I also work for Mr. Tom Marchincin, the lab coordinator for the chemistry department. I’ve gotten to set up materials and mix up solutions to be used in Nazareth’s nutrition lab class and clean and calibrate some of the lab equipment.

Olivia Dibble is a junior majoring in biochemistry and psychology from Honeoye High School, Bloomfield, NY. She says her favorite place on campus is Peckham Hall because it’s where her favorite professors are based, where she spends most of her time, and is one of the nicer buildings on campus. “It feels like home,” she says.