Student Spotlight: Julia Zheku

Meet Julia, a double major in biology and horticultural science from Woburn, MA. Her introduction to plant science occurred early in life, sparked by stories of her late grandfather, who was an agronomist for the Albanian government, studying potatoes and their fungal pathogens. 

Julia has worked as a student farmer at the UMass Student Farming Enterprise and serves as a research assistant in Tobias Baskin's lab studying plant physiology. “I joined the Baskin laboratory in the spring of 2023, not having any research experience,” recalled Julia. “While I was interested in research, I didn't know what it entailed. Tobias and his postdoctoral fellow Vikram Dattatray Jathar mentored and shaped me into the researcher I am today. Their support has motivated me to solidify my career goals, learn valuable laboratory techniques, and think critically. It was with their guidance that I was accepted for an internship at North Carolina State University to study plant pathology.” 

When she’s not in the laboratory, Julia likes to unwind in the pool as a member of the club swim team on campus. 

While considering her options for college, Julia was drawn to the extensive expertise and guidance that College of Natural Sciences (CNS) professors provide: “Everyone brings something new and exciting to the table. They will always help you if you are struggling. I regularly had professors encouraging me and my fellow students to apply for scholarships and internships.” 

Together, Julia’s studies, work, and extracurriculars have made for a unique college career: “I’m grateful for how my experiences at UMass have shaped me into a well-rounded and curious individual.”