Reflections and next steps for Drew’s graduates
June 2026 – Now that the academic year has ended, 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 recent graduates are headed next, and how their Drew experiences helped them reach their goals.
Samira Nazari
Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Parsippany, New Jersey
Post-graduation plans: I plan to continue pursuing physician shadowing and volunteering opportunities in my community to deepen my understanding of patient care and further immerse myself in the healthcare field.
Advice for Drew students: Trust yourself and your journey and always have patience. Growth takes place when you stay true to yourself, take risks, and believe in your ability to succeed and accomplish your biggest dreams.
Favorite spot on campus: The library is easily my favorite place on campus. The quiet atmosphere allows me to focus, reflect, and tap into my creativity—the library is where I am the most productive.
Achievements at Drew: During my time at Drew, I’ve been honored to be a member of the Biology Honors Society, Chemistry Honors Society, First Generation Honors Society, National Society of Leadership and Success, and Action Scholars, in addition to consistently earning a place on the Dean’s List.
Reflection on your time at Drew: My experience at Drew has been incredibly meaningful. Beyond the strong academic programs, it’s the people who made it unforgettable—my professors, peers, and especially my family, including my grandparents, parents, and siblings, who have supported me every step of the way.
Shoutout: I’d like to highlight the internship program with Morristown Hospital. This experience gave me the opportunity to shadow physicians and gain firsthand insight into the healthcare field, reinforcing my passion and future goals. I would also like to thank Dr. Jonathan Golden, as his support throughout my undergraduate years at Drew have inspired me to stay involved with my community and reminded me that dedication can truly change the world.
Kyle Johnson
Major/Minor: Finance major, Business minor
Hometown: Pittstown, New Jersey
Post-graduation plans: I will be starting as a Policy Operations Associate at Coaction Specialty Insurance in Morristown, New Jersey.
Sport: Drew University Baseball Team
Favorite spot on campus: The EC was my favorite spot on campus because of Starbucks and getting pasta at Lil’ Anthony’s.
Advice for Drew students: Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, especially hands-on experiences like internships, networking events, and real-world projects. Those experiences make a big difference after graduation.
Achievements at Drew: A big academic achievement was finishing strong in my senior year at Drew. An athletic achievement was hitting my first career college home run and recording my first career save in my last season as a Ranger.
Reflection on your time at Drew: My time at Drew helped me grow academically, athletically, and professionally. I developed strong analytical skills, built meaningful relationships, and gained experiences that prepared me well for my career.
Shoutout: I’d like to give a shoutout to Professors Yousefi, Liang, and Firestone, along with the Student Managed Fund course, where I presented stock analyses and gained hands-on experience using Bloomberg. These experiences gave me valuable real-world insight into finance and investing.
Brenna Hezel
Majors: Biology and English: Literature
Hometown: Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Post-graduation plans: Attending the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a PhD in the Program in Microbiology and Immunology (PMI).
Clubs/Sports: Academic & Research: Barkaway Lab Undergraduate Researcher and Baldwin Honors Scholar, Leadership & Editorial: President of TriBeta, Editor-in-Chief of The Drew Review and Executive Board Member of Sigma Tau Delta, Athletics: Women’s Basketball Player. Student Employment: CAE Subject Tutor, Writing Specialist, Academic Coach, and Athletic Office Assistant.
Advice for Drew students: I believe that everything happens exactly the way it has to. Take the risks, say yes to the unknown, and live without regrets.
Favorite spot on campus: The library! With so many floors to explore, it’s the perfect place to hide and focus.
Achievements at Drew: Awards & Recognition: Winifred Baldwin Award, Award in Biology, John G. Berg Jr. Memorial Award, John G. Honig C’47 Science Scholarship, Hazarian C’58 Scholarship, and the ICFNJ Novo Nordisk Award; Honor Societies: Phi Beta Kappa, Beta Beta Beta (Biology), and Sigma Tau Delta (English); Athletics & Academics: three-time CSC Academic All-District Team and eight-time Dean’s List; Candidate for Specialized Honors in Biology.
Reflection: It has been a journey, to say the least. I am not the same person I was when I first stepped onto campus. Drew has challenged me to think deeper, take bolder risks, and find my voice. From navigating changes in roommates and friendships to overcoming academic hurdles like Organic Chemistry and Molecular Biology, I’ve grown through every challenge. I can confidently say that I am prepared for the next chapter of my life or maybe I’m not, but Drew has taught me how to figure it out.
Shoutout: A huge thank you to Dr. McQuigg and the Barkaway Lab—Dr. Barker and Dr. Dunaway. I found a second family in them, and I know the connections we’ve made will last a lifetime.
Danielle Takacs
Major/Minor: Psychology major, Business minor
Hometown: Bridgewater, New Jersey
Post-graduation plans: I plan to work full-time while pursuing a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
Clubs/Sports/Interests: I served as the Events Coordinator for Medicine and Health in Society Today and as a Peer Mentor in the Counseling Center.
Favorite spot on campus: My favorite spot on campus is the Zen Den, a hidden gem offered through the Counseling Center where students can unwind and recharge. It’s a space that reflects the importance of balance and self-care, which has been essential throughout my college journey.
Advice for Drew students: Give yourself grace. College is a major transition, and it’s completely okay not to have everything figured out right away. Take the time to explore your interests, step outside your comfort zone, and get involved—those experiences are what lead to meaningful connections and personal growth!
Achievements at Drew: Some of my proudest achievements at Drew include being invited to join Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and conducting my honors thesis. These milestones have challenged me academically and allowed me to engage more deeply with my field of interest.
Reflection on your time at Drew: I can confidently say I’ve grown in ways I never expected. I’ve formed lifelong friendships, taken advantage of incredible opportunities, and met people who have truly shaped my experience.
Shoutout: I’m especially grateful to my honors thesis advisor, Professor Graham Cousens, who has played a significant role in my academic journey since my freshman year. From being my professor to my advisor, his mentorship and support have been invaluable.
