Why I Chose to Major in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry by Bruna

Why I Chose to Major in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry by Bruna - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

When I think about what I want to study in college, my thoughts are both personal and global. I want to learn science, which I love, and use that knowledge to tackle urgent problems, from human health to environmental sustainability. That’s why I plan to major in molecular biology.

My interest in biology began in childhood, shaped by weekends spent outdoors and a home filled with life. Our small garden was full of native plants like firebush, coontie, and jessamine. My sister and I learned that each plant attracted different animals, and whenever we replaced invasive species with native ones, we saw more birds and butterflies. We had a compost heap that turned food scraps into fertilizer and a hurricane-proof pen for our seven rescued Florida box turtles. Living near seagrass beds meant regular snorkeling trips, where I became familiar with marine ecosystems and how they were changing.

That early love for nature evolved into something deeper during the pandemic. Like many, I followed the spread of COVID-19 closely, but I had a unique view: my dad worked on our city’s pandemic response. I watched him take Zoom calls with research teams, discuss viral mutations, and contribute to variant tracking and testing efforts. For the first time, I saw science not just as something to study, but as something that could save lives. I became fascinated with how viruses mutate, how vaccines are developed, and how scientists work together to protect communities. That experience made me want to understand how genes are regulated, how cells respond to stress, and how we can use biology to solve some of the world’s problems.

More recently, I came across something during this time that introduced me to “climate change medicine.” I had never considered the intersection between environmental disruption and public health, but it clicked instantly. If ecosystems are thrown off balance, human health suffers, too. Rising temperatures, changes in (not just loss of) biodiversity, and pollution can all influence disease patterns and access to resources. The more I learned, the more curious I became about how life systems are truly connected.

I have pursued experiences to explore this curiosity further. I have taken AP science classes and competed in The Fairchild Challenge with my environmental debate team. I interned at a museum and designed an exhibit prototype on coastal conservation. I have joined beach clean-ups and participated in Global City Sampling Day alongside my dad, helping collect and analyze microbial data. These experiences have shown me that science is not just about discovery; it is also about communication, collaboration, and making a difference in the world.

In college, I can’t wait to dive deeper into life sciences: from genomics and immunology to ecology and evolution. My goal is to understand the complex connections between human and environmental health and to help develop real solutions to pressing global challenges. Molecular biology is the foundation I need to get there, and I am excited to take the next step on this path.