Name: Kavira Thakker
Class: 2025
Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Minor: Education
How did you decide on your major?
Back in 2019, I was assigned to read more about the major Macromolecules as a part of an extra credit assignment for my Biology class. Given the fact that it was an extra reading assignment that had minimal impact on the actual course syllabus, I simply brushed it off until the last moment and found myself exploring the intricacy of Biomolecules at midnight, hours before school. I began imploring into basics like structure, a few common characteristics, and slowly made my way into complex biochemistry. As a 12th grader, I understood very little about science or the dynamics of a biochemical system. However, it amazed me that a tiny little molecule, which essentially is impossible to visualize without aided technologies, could be the reason behind a healthy life or a diseased one. I read about DNA, genes, and how unrestrained elongation of DNA could alter a gene, just like in Huntington’s Chorea. The assignment that I started at midnight, snowballed into a 3-hour-long reading marathon without me even realizing it. At this moment I became an avid biochemistry fan and knew that my higher education would definitely be dedicated to unraveling the mysteries on a molecular level. So, when I decided to come to Rutgers University, I was set on pursuing my undergraduate education in MBB.
What is it about your chosen field (and the MBB Department) that appeals to you?
Coming from India, I never imagined that joining the MBB department as a student would open so many doors of not only opportunities but also personal and professional development. Until my junior year, I had a vague vision of all the cool research that was being conducted around the globe. However, ever since I took the niche courses that are dedicated to MBB, I have been able to expand my horizon by learning about the cutting-edge research happening around the world and at Rutgers by connecting to the amazing faculty and fellow students who are at the heart of such research!
Do you have a favorite class/professor within your major?
In my sophomore year, I had the opportunity to join a Metabolism lab at RWJMS. Since then, I have been involved in research investigating the mechanism behind Insulin resistance in obesity-induced Type 2 Diabetes. So, when I took the Biochemistry 407 class, I was able to connect to my lab’s research as well as gain a detailed comprehension of the complex mechanisms involved in other processes of our body. Biochemistry 407 opened multiple areas within human biochemistry for me to explore. It never fails to amaze me how the enzyme functions that I learned as a part of a singular biochemical reaction have a significant impact on our health. Taking the class was challenging, but rewarding at the same time I learned so much cool information about human biochemistry.
What are your favorite academic experiences outside of your major? What are your other Rutgers activities?
I cherish teaching and always look forward to uplighting those with confusion or concerns. In my time outside of classes, I serve as a STEM Academic Tutor at the RLCs and Peer Mentor for the Rutgers CSP program. I have also served as a FIGS Peer Instructor in the fall of 2023 to a cohort of wonderful first-year students. And in my free time, I like to read and do henna tattoos as a hobby.
What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation, I aspire to pursue Medicinal Research with an MD-PhD. I dream of supporting patients on a Macro Level while simultaneously understanding microlevel disease mechanisms that could give rise to more therapeutic options.