Reflections and next steps for Drew’s graduates
April 2026 – As the academic year ends, we turn our attention to the first steps the Drew University Class of 2026 will take as they share memories and appreciation for their time in The Forest.
Read on to learn where some of Drew’s outstanding students are headed next, and how their Drew experiences helped them reach their goals.
Jazshua Andes
Major/Minor: Double major in Biology (BS) and Anthropology, minor in Chemistry
Hometown: Union, New Jersey
Post-graduation plans: I will be attending Columbia University for an MS in Human Nutrition. I plan on attending medical school thereafter, with aspirations of becoming a physician.
Clubs/Sports/Interests: I am a member of Drew University’s biology honors society Tri-Beta (Beta Beta Beta), and anthropology honors society Lambda Alpha.
Favorite spot on campus: The RISE floor of the Hall of Sciences.
Advice for Drew students: Make use of the resources around you; as a small liberal arts institution, Drew University students have the pleasure of being able to connect with their professors at a deeper level; leveraging that connection allows students to seek better help through office hours, in class discussion, and be best supported during their academic career at Drew.
Reflection on your time at Drew: Drew University has provided me with some of the best years of my life. Although I was initially apprehensive about continuing my education at Drew during my first semester, I am eternally grateful that I chose to stay. Throughout my time at Drew, I met some of the kindest and most intelligent individuals—people who made that decision worthwhile. Drew is home to some of the most dedicated and encouraging professors and mentors I have encountered, whose investment in their students is evident in every aspect of campus life. Despite the school’s smaller size, the coursework is rigorous and challenging, reflecting how deeply the faculty care about preparing students for their futures. Because of that environment, I was able to fully immerse myself in opportunities such as medicinal chemistry research with Dr. Brian McKittrick and cellular biology research with Dr. Charles Lunn. I also participated in the Drew Summer Science Institute for two consecutive summers, allowing me to continue my research in a more intensive and focused setting. In addition, I had the privilege of serving as a Teaching Assistant for both Microbiology and Molecular & Cellular Biology under the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Joanna Miller.
These experiences have profoundly shaped my identity as a scientist and future physician. Drew University provided me with the foundation necessary to earn an internship at Weill Cornell Medicine NewYork-Presbyterian’s Center for Myeloma last summer, and it has instilled in me the mindset, discipline, and skills needed to succeed at the next stage of my academic journey. As I prepare to pursue my Master of Science degree at Columbia University, I know Drew has fully equipped me to thrive in graduate study and continue progressing toward my ultimate goal of becoming a physician.
Shoutouts: I would like to give a special shoutout to Dr. Joanna Miller, who served as my laboratory professor for Molecular & Cellular Biology and Microbiology. I later had the privilege of becoming her Teaching Assistant for two semesters of Molecular & Cellular Biology, as well as a Teaching Assistant for Microbiology. She is truly invested in cultivating competent, well-rounded, and well-versed scientists, and that dedication is evident in everything she does. She was there for me every step of the way—for every question, every doubt, and every aspiration I had. Her guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support have truly meant the world to me.
Ece Onatca
Major: Chemistry (biochemistry focus)
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey
Post-graduation plans: I am heading to Rutgers to pursue a PhD in Chemistry with a focus on bioinorganic chemistry.
Clubs/Sports/Interests: DUCS, Pre-health society, GSE. I also swam at Drew and was the captain for the 2025-2026 season.
Favorite spot on campus: RISE Reading Room.
Achievements at Drew: Present my research at the National American Chemistry Society Meeting in Atlanta.
Reflection on your time at Drew: I loved my time at Drew. It is bittersweet since it is coming to an end but I couldn’t have asked for a better undergraduate experience.
Shoutouts: Even though I would like to thank all of my professors, I would especially like to thank Dr. Mary-Ann Pearsall for helping me pursue my interest in chemistry. Also Prof. Sean Mooney—I have taken only one class with him but he has believed in me and has always been very kind to me.
Abigail Pereira
Major/Minor: Double major in Psychology and Sociology, minor in Women’s and Gender Studies
Hometown: Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
Post-graduation plans: Working at Lawrence Law, a matrimonial and divorce law firm in Watchung, NJ, currently and continued through this summer. Attending law school beginning August 2026.
Clubs/Sports/Interests: Women’s Volleyball Team, Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology Honor Society), Psi Chi (Psychology Honor Society), Triota (Women and Gender Studies Honor Society), Chi Alpha Sigma (College Athlete Honor Society), Student Government Senator, Attorney General, and Executive Board Member.
Favorite spot on campus: My common room in my suite—after a long day, my suitemates and I relax on the couch and beanbags and just talk. I’ve really loved living with my best friends.
Achievements at Drew: Eldridge and Edna Smith Prize, Bessie Stak Schiffman Award for Excellence in Women’s Studies, Writing Fellow (two years) under Professor Cousens for his Health Psychology class.
Advice for future Drew students: What you put into college is what you get out of it. Seek out opportunities. Don’t wait for them to come to you.
Reflection on your time at Drew: Drew has offered me so many opportunities and resources that have helped shape who I am today. It has been a meaningful stepping stone as I prepare to enter a new chapter in law school.
Shoutouts: I would love to recognize Professor Killian. I had her for Sociology 101 my first semester, and she inspired me to pursue a Sociology major. Since then, I’ve taken multiple courses with her—including Sociology of Families, Sociology of Reproduction, and Senior Seminar—and I’m now writing my thesis with a concentration in Sociology. Her mentorship is what made my Drew experience special and I am so grateful.
John Lewis
Major: Biology BS (pre-dental track)
Hometown: Far Hills, New Jersey
Post-graduation plans: I plan to apply to dental school and pursue a career in dentistry, combining my passion for science, patient care, and hands-on clinical work.
Clubs/Sports/Interests: Founder and leader of a Catholic youth ministry club, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Member, NSLS member, and mentor for the Fair for Emerging Researchers (FER) program.
Favorite spot on campus: The Ehinger Center, it’s a great place to relax, meet people, and take a break between classes.
Achievements at Drew: Dean’s List for eight semesters, Francis Asbury and McClintock Scholarship recipient, Dr. George deStevens Award for RISE Research recipient, and completed a 500-hour independent research project through the RISE program.
Advice for future Drew students: Get involved early and don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Some of the best opportunities I had at Drew came from simply saying yes and showing up.
Reflection on your time at Drew: My time at Drew has been incredibly formative. I’ve grown not only academically through rigorous coursework and research, but also personally through leadership roles and mentoring others. It’s been a place where I could explore my interests, build meaningful relationships, and prepare for my future career.
Shoutouts: A big shoutout to Dr. Anderson for his mentorship during my TunG research project. His guidance helped me develop critical lab skills, think independently, and gain confidence as a researcher.
