Elizabeth Enriquez SEBS '26

I am grateful for the support I have received from the faculty and department along the way. For prospective students, I encourage you to seek out challenges, take advantage of research opportunities, and fully engage with everything the program has to offer.

I did not always know I wanted to study microbiology, but after taking upper-level biology courses, I became deeply interested in the field. I am fascinated by microbial life and its broad impact on the environment and human health, and my studies at Rutgers have helped me understand the complex and interconnected systems that sustain it.

During my time in the program, I completed an honors thesis through the George H. Cook Scholars Program, where I conducted research on the efficacy of various cryoprotectant agents for storage of bacterial cultures. This experience challenged me to think independently, manage my time effectively, and stay motivated throughout the research process. It also strengthened my interest in pursuing further research as a graduate student.