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Hometown: Burlington, Mass.
Major: Biology; medical humanities minor
Notable Activities: Barry M. Goldwater scholarship recipient; Phi Beta Kappa; Dean’s Scholar; Scholar of the College candidate; Undergraduate Research Fellow in the lab of Professor of Biology Daniel A. Kirschner; intern, Boston Children’s Hospital (Benowitz Lab, Neurosurgery Department); Scientista Intercollegiate Research Symposium presenter; teaching assistant for Assistant Professor of the Practice of Biology Danielle Taghian; Winchester Hospital volunteer.
Post-graduation plans: Interviewing for clinical research positions before applying to medical/graduate school.
Overview: Asdourian excelled in academics, as well as in research and outreach both on and off campus. A hallmark of her rewarding experience as a biology major and lab researcher was winning a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. Considered the premier undergraduate award in the sciences, the scholarships are made based on academic merit to the country’s most promising college students in math, science and engineering. For Asdourian, enrolling in the medical humanities minor – an interdisciplinary, humanistic and cultural study of illness, health, health care, and the body – rounded out her previously “research-intensive approach to the medical field.” Through the minor, she explored important humanistic and cultural aspects of medicine, which complemented her research experiences and will enrich her medical career. She has cited the profound influence of her parents – in her work ethic and desire to help others – and has been guided by the message they instilled: “Growing up, the most important thing was to be of service to others and to be welcoming to the people in your life.”
How has BC made a difference in your life?
My experiences at BC have allowed me to grow both academically and personally. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in biology undergraduate research, which has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college career. The medical humanities minor has given me some balance, allowing me to explore the humanistic and cultural aspects of healthcare and illness that will enrich my future service in the medical field.
How did winning the Goldwater Scholarship as a sophomore affect your final two years of study and research at BC?
Putting together the application for the Goldwater Scholarship, which included writing a theoretical research proposal, really helped focus my research interests. Shortly after, I began work at a Boston Children’s Hospital neurobiology lab where I’ve had the opportunity to learn a new set of lab techniques and surgical procedures. Carrying out more than one research project under the supervision of on- and off-campus mentors has been a very rewarding experience and solidified my interests in neuroscience research. I just recently submitted my senior thesis, and still can’t believe how fast these last two years flew by!
Who have been some of the most influential people you’ve known at BC?
There have been many supportive faculty members in the Biology Department and others – especially Professor Dan Kirschner. I was fortunate to have met him early in my freshman year after expressing interest in joining his lab. He spent more than a semester meeting with me weekly and helping me catch up on all the relevant scientific literature and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to be a successful researcher. He encouraged me to apply for the Goldwater Scholarship and assisted me throughout the whole process, and has continued to be a great mentor.
Professor Danielle Taghian is also one of the kindest and most thoughtful professors I’ve known at BC, always willing to offer guidance and support. None of my accomplishments would have been possible without their mentorship. Professor Amy Boesky has also been a huge help. During my junior year, I was able to join the medical humanities minor [which she directs]. Before our meeting, I wasn’t sure whether or not to participate in the minor, but her passion for the subject and interdisciplinary approach to healthcare and illness really struck a chord with me. She’s been a wonderful mentor and has helped me develop my creative non-fiction writing skills about [the topic of] illness.
What will you miss most about BC?
This is a tough one, because I’m going to miss a lot of things: the beautiful campus, the friends I’ve made over the last four years, the faculty mentors, the challenging and interesting classes, the late nights studying in Bapst, and the garlic knots from Crazy Dough’s.
What advice would you give to incoming BC students?
For those who have an interest in research, even if you don’t have an idea of exactly what you want to study – don’t hesitate to get in touch with professors early in your undergrad career. As a first-semester freshman it can seem pretty daunting, I know, but don’t let that stop you. All of the professors I’ve met in the Biology Department (and others) are incredibly helpful, supportive, and eager to mentor undergraduates.