My favorite part about GMercyU is the love and support from the faculty and everyone involved or attending GMercyU. This University has many loving people and I definitely think it is because it is a smaller university, which is a great thing. Another favorite part are the many great experiences in the Biology program. I got a chance to learn and experience many experiments and techniques that would probably be impossible in other universities.
Journey to GMercyU
Diana Vasilevskaya attended the Arts Academy of Benjamin Rush High School and graduated in 2018. She heard about GMercyU through her high school and some relatives that attended.
The main reason or the selling point that made me want to attend was the loving and caring community that it had. I also loved how it was not compacted with so many students. There were small classes which made it better for me to get to know the professors well.
On campus, Diana was a member of the Student Association of Science.
“It was a good club organization because we would be involved in helping out with the different Biology projects and other things that involved the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy,” Diana said.
Experience in the Biology Program
“My experience in the program was amazing. I was able to learn a lot from my amazing professors,” Diana said.
She was always told that she is capable of more than she originally thought. Her professors encouraged her to always believe in herself.
These professors were angels, and I could not have been any luckier to have been taught by them. They have always looked out for their students and always wanted them to do more than they could because they believed in us.
Several staff members also stood out to Diana, including Rachel Burns, Jessica Azzarano, and Riham Halvorsen. Diana said that “they were amazing and were able to help provide us with anything we needed.” Diana couldn’t just choose one class that stood out within the program, because she enjoyed each one.
“Each biology course has taught me something new and has never failed to amaze me once I completed it,” Diana said.
Research
In Summer 2021, Diana completed research with a focus on ecology and microbiology. More specifically, she focused on the antimicrobial properties found in fish mucus and how it could potentially be a source for new antibiotics.
“I really enjoyed this research and had a great experience,” Diana said.
Post-Graduation
After graduating in May 2022, Diana plans to gain more patient care hours. Once she has enough hours and experience, her goal is to apply to Physician Assistant (PA) school to become a Physician Assistant in Pediatrics.
“I would let a prospective student know that they will be taken care of no matter what. I would also let them know that, because this is a small university, you grow strong bonds with faculty, and you are guided throughout the whole process. They will never feel confused or lost because they would have many faculty members to support them,” Diana said.
