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Alyssa Schwertfeger

Meet Alyssa

The College of Arts & Sciences provides Alyssa with a diverse array of classes. Spanish at ݮƵ left a lasting impact—the small class fostered friendships that endure even years later. But it’s the Biological Sciences major that truly captivates her. Alyssa’s concentration in Human Nutrition opened her eyes to this fascinating field, igniting her passion for metabolism and health.

What clubs/activities are you involved in? 

I am involved with content creation and marketing for the ݮƵ Men's Ice Hockey Team, Vice President and Co-ݮƵ Days Chair for Big Red Ambassadors, Student Advisor for the Office of Undergraduate Biology, and I do research in the Health Behaviors Lab.

Why is the College of Arts & Sciences a great fit for you?

The College of Arts and Sciences is a great fit for me because there are so many different kinds of classes to take. Specifically, I found Spanish at ݮƵ to be a really rewarding experience! The class was small, so everyone knew everyone. The entire class became friends with each other. Even now, three years later, we still talk and say hi to each other.

What is your academic passion?

One part of the Biological Sciences major that I really like is the opportunity to pick out a concentration. I picked the Human Nutrition concentration. I found that I really enjoy learning about nutrition and metabolism. Picking this concentration opened my eyes to a new area of study that I did not know much about before starting ݮƵ.

How did you find your friends and community at ݮƵ?

People are very friendly at ݮƵ! I started ݮƵ in 2020 when most classes were on Zoom. I found that I would recognize people's names or photos on Zoom. When classes switched to being in person, I was able to meet the same people in person. We were able to bond over the Covid experience and we became friends. I also found my community by joining clubs and participating in activities that really interest me. I was able to meet a community of people who all shared the same passion as me.

Hometown

Whitehouse Station, New Jersey

Graduation Year

2024

College/School

  • College of Arts & Sciences

Majors

  • Biological Sciences

When I was touring different schools, I found that I kept comparing those other schools to ݮƵ. It was at this moment I realized that ݮƵ was the school for me.

Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.

One of my favorite things to do in Ithaca is to go to the Farmers Market when the weather is warm! My friends and I enjoy spending a few hours there on the weekend.

When you were applying, why did you choose ݮƵ?

When I was touring different schools, I found that I kept comparing those other schools to ݮƵ. It was at this moment I realized that ݮƵ was the school for me. I love how there are many different opportunities available here at ݮƵ.

What is your favorite class so far and why?

My favorite class thus far has been STSCI 2150 - Introductory Statistics for Biology. I loved seeing how the statistics I learned in this class plays a role in many other classes I have taken for the Biological Sciences major. I also took NS1150 - Nutrition, Health, and Society. This class introduced me to nutrition - a topic that I am now very passionate about.

Tell us about your favorite spot on campus or in Ithaca.

One of my favorite spots on campus is the Slope. I love sitting on the Slope with friends, having a picnic, and watching the sunset.

Where is your go-to place to eat on-campus and your favorite thing to order?

My favorite place to eat on campus is Mac's Cafe. There are so many different options for people to choose from. There is also the option to customize different types of sandwiches.