Alex Chervenick
“To any incoming freshmen, make sure to introduce yourself to other peers during the first week of classes. I know it can seem nerve-wracking at first, but some of the people you meet at the beginning may stick with you for all four years.”
What did you study for your undergraduate degree? Was it here at WVU?
My major is Immunology and Medical Microbiology, and my minor is Medical Humanities and Health Studies. I have been completing both at WVU.
What made you interested in the program you chose?
Coming into college, I was originally a biology major. I had goals of attending medical or dental school at the time, so the biology program seemed like a good fit for me to get a strong education to attend this type of professional school. About a month before starting my freshman year, a friend from high school had mentioned the Immunology and Medical Microbiology program. I was intrigued by the focus on human diseases and infections as opposed to the ecological approach that the biology major prioritizes. In addition, the smaller class sizes and hands-on labs were very appealing.
Why did you choose WVU?
Growing up in Morgantown, I felt like WVU was the right place to go. I’m not one who likes to be far from home, so it was nice to be no more than 20 minutes away from home if I needed to take a break. In addition, the financial aid offers from WVU and the state of West Virginia for residents helped significantly with the cost of attendance. WVU also has an extensive list of extracurricular activities and clubs that are always welcoming to new students.
Were you involved in any student organizations or extra-curricular activities while at WVU and the School of Medicine? If so, what were those experiences like?
I was involved with organizations such as the Pre-Medical Club and the American Society for Microbiology. The experiences in both were great. The organizations brought in guest speakers from the medial and microbiological fields which allowed me to learn more about future careers in science.
Do you have a favorite memory from WVU and the School of Medicine?
I enjoyed the hands-on labs from the Immunology and Medical Microbiology department. They enabled us to dive into the world of immunology as we performed bacterial staining, cell culturing, parasite analysis and much more.
What are your career goals? What are next steps for you professionally?
After graduation, I will be matriculating into medical school at the WVU School of Medicine. I am very excited to begin the next step in my life to achieve my dream of becoming a physician.
What would you tell prospective students about WVU and the School of Medicine?
I would highly encourage prospective students to select a major within the School of Medicine Professional Programs. Also, if a prospective student is considering attending professional school or has dreams of conducting research, the Immunology & Medical Microbiology program should be high on the list!
How would you define the School of Medicine in one word? Why?
Community. As a senior, I have now spent four years in the Immunology and Medial Microbiology program. I can confidently say that the faculty is so welcoming to the students that it allows us all to enjoy each other’s company. I feel that I could walk up to any faculty member in the department, and they would be willing to help with any concern I may have.
Anything else you would like to share?
To any incoming freshmen, make sure to introduce yourself to other peers during the first week of classes. I know it can seem nerve-wracking at first, but some of the people you meet at the beginning may stick with you for all four years.