Student Spotlight: Divya Raghunathan

Divya is a microbiology major, a BDIC infectious disease studies major, and a Commonwealth Honors College student from Shrewsbury Massachusetts.  

Divya says she chose to major in microbiology because it's the best of both worlds - the major itself is relatively small and members of the department are a tight-knit, supportive group, but the curriculum is extremely vast and can be applied to a wide variety of scientific applications. The microbiology major is also preparing Divya for a future career in researching infectious diseases in a healthcare or research setting. 

According to Divya, her favorite thing about being a member of the College of Natural Sciences is that she is able to be a part of a large community of dedicated and passionate individuals. 

The various classes and research opportunities helped her and many other students she knows narrow down what subjects they're interested in and what they want to pursue in the future. 

Plus, she says, the faculty, staff, and advisors have been extremely helpful in making sure she makes the most of her experience at UMass. 

Divya's main piece of advice for anyone looking to major in microbiology, or any CNS subject? Make an appointment with your advisor! Your primary advisor and the department's peer advisors can be amazing resources for any advice or guidance about your major. 

When Divya's not studying microbiology, you can find her at a meeting for one of the many organizations she's involved with at UMass: the Jazba Bollywood Bhangra Dance Team, the South Asian Students Association, the UMass Pre-Med Society, and the UMass Microbiology Club.