Caps off: Abington faculty supported student marshal's medical school goal

ABINGTON, Pa. — Senior Saranya Ananth will cap off a remarkable run this week at Penn State Abington’s fall 2024 commencement ceremony, where she will graduate magna cum laude, receive her Schreyer Honors College medal and serve as a student marshal — all distinctions reserved for high achieving students. 

As a biology major, much of her time was spent immersed in research and opportunities on and off campus that laid the groundwork for the rigors of medical school.  

"My three undergraduate research projects were invaluable as they introduced me to different kinds of research. They were fundamental in helping me develop my creativity, problem-solving skills, and work ethic,” Ananth said of the campus research program known as ACURA. 

She said she benefited from the guidance of faculty mentors, and the projects supported her goals in different ways: 

• "The Chemistry of Wine" — “It was an excellent idea for the development of a general chemistry course that increases interest in the subject for those hesitant of science courses or for non-science majors. I was a general chemistry peer mentor for a while, and this course seemed like the perfect way to get students interested in and more comfortable with chemistry,” she said. 

• "What Does ‘pH Balance’ Really Mean for Your Skin?" — The concept for the project sprouted from a conversation between Ananth and student Ashley John.  

• "What’s in a Recipe?" — This project involved transcribing historic medicinal recipes. 

Throughout Ananth’s time at Abington, she developed relationships with faculty mentors, including chemistry faculty Ahmed Nuriye and Christine Krewson. 

“Dr. K has been an enormous pillar of support," Ananth said. "She encouraged, taught and supported me as a general chemistry student, peer mentor, pre-med student, in ACURA, and whenever I reached out. I have had several wonderful professors throughout my time at Abington who have been integral in my journey as an undergraduate student." 

Krewson, an associate teaching professor of chemistry and the advisor to students preparing for careers in health professions, praised Ananth for the value she places on learning. 

“Saranya has taken advantage of every opportunity she could find to prepare herself for medical school, participating in research projects, summer pre-med programs, and volunteer opportunities,” she said. “As a biology and chemistry peer mentor and as co-founder/leader of Girls Who Code, a new campus club, she supported her peers in their efforts to earn their degrees and start satisfying and rewarding careers of their own."

Ananth also completed the requirements of the University’s Schreyer Honors College, one of the top programs of its kind in the country. Her required senior thesis, "Community Interventions for Cervical Cancer in South Asian Female College Students," was inspired by a public health project she participated in at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Two faculty mentors offered their counsel as she worked through her thesis to earn her Schreyer medallion. 

“They supported me throughout the process with time, knowledge and patience as I navigated my way through my first research study,” she said. 

Ananth supplemented her research by signing on for experiences that synced with her goals. She volunteered for an elder life program at a local hospital, worked as a medical assistant and hospital community outreach worker, and she gained exposure to medicine through the Jefferson Pre-Med Program and the Eclose Institute of Research. She also managed to win multiple awards, tutor and earn her way onto the dean’s list along the way.  

Ananth said she plans to spend her gap year preparing for the medical school admissions test or MCAT and completing applications while working as a medical assistant and volunteering.  

As she reflected on the last several years at Abington — which she said she chose due to its strong sense of community, Ananth provided advice to help newer students remain on the path to graduation. 

“It is essential to communicate with professors as they are very supportive and understanding," she said. "Participate in internship programs as they may provide meaningful experiences and skills that help you determine what you are passionate about and navigate what opportunities you might pursue next."

Krewson called “working with Saranya one of my greatest pleasures. I honestly don’t know where she found the time to do it all, and do it so well, Any medical school will be lucky to have her in their program one day, and we were lucky to have her here at Abington for the past three and a half years.” 

About Penn State Abington 

Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With more than 3,100 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 25 majors, accelerated master's degrees, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics and more.