Zenovia Gonzalez, a St. Francis College (SFC) student majoring in biology, has been accepted by Brown University to take part in the 2022 Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP), a fully paid nine-week internship sponsored by the university’s Warren Alpert Medical School. 

The SR-EIP provides undergraduates with training and mentoring in the principles underlying the conduct of research, preparing them to pursue competitive applications to Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. programs. Gonzalez aspires to attend medical school after she graduates from SFC. 

During her internship at Brown, Gonzalez will be mentored by professor of pathology and laboratory medicine Dr. Wafik S. El-Deiry, who also directs the Cancer Center at Brown. Her research project will focus on cancer, and Gonzalez is “really excited to be paired up with a leading researcher.” At the conclusion of the internship, she will present her findings at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium, a national networking conference that offers skill-building, networking and professional development opportunities for undergraduate students. 

At SFC, Gonzalez is a pre-med student and member of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (C-STEP). Last summer and fall, through the C-STEP, she conducted weekly water-quality tests from various piers in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Working with the Citizens’ Water Quality Testing Program, Gonzalez would test the samples for bacteria levels.  

“We are so proud of Zenovia and excited for her opportunity to study with leading researchers at Brown,” said Jennifer M. Lancaster, Ph.D., Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at SFC. “She is a shining example of the commitment and talents of our students.”

Noemi Rivera, director of the STEM Resource Center at SFC, added: "I have been impressed by Zenovia's passion for learning ever since she was a freshman in my general biology labs and freshman seminar course. We are so thrilled for her, as she is truly deserving of this opportunity to continue conducting research as she grows her passion for STEM."