Important life lessons learned at ASU


December 12, 2022

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2022 graduates.

Claire Cerniglia, a recipient of the New American University President’s Award, came to Arizona State University from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to pursue her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with a minor in business. This week, she is graduating from the School of Molecular Sciences. Portrait of ASU grad Claire Cerniglia. Download Full Image

“My dad got his MBA with W. P. Carey in 2011, and he wanted to go to ASU since he was a teenager, even though he ultimately studied his undergrad in Pennsylvania,” Cerniglia stated. “I applied for ASU initially as a backup option, but because of the great scholarship I received and proximity to my home state, I found ASU to be my best option financially, and my dad got to see me enjoy my undergrad at his favorite school as a bonus.”

Cerniglia enjoyed the challenging coursework, having prepared well in high school. What she, and many others were not prepared for, however, was the impact the pandemic and lockdown would have.

“My time at ASU has radically changed my attitude towards the future,” Claire recalls. “In high school, the culture surrounding success placed a heavy emphasis on high grades and low awareness of mental health, so naturally, during the pandemic I suffered when my mental health fell to a low and so did my grades. Moving past this negative mindset has been a huge challenge for me, but my fears surrounding my future, my education and my abilities have dissolved as I do my best to tackle the hardships that come my way.”

Cerniglia, who is highly creative and outgoing, credits her tenacity and a strong network of friends for her success.

“I realized that no matter how challenging the course content was, I had a strong community of like-minded students," she said. "I have never regretted my decision to study biochemistry because my learning experience was made invaluable due to the people around me, and my love for all things science grows every day.”

Initially, Cerniglia was a student at Barrett, The Honors College at ASU, however, she withdrew after three years so that she could graduate early. After graduation, Cerniglia hopes to continue following her passion for science, applying for jobs in biochemical research. Her career preparation at ASU has developed her into a talented young professional with skills in science, marketing and business.  

Question: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

Answer: The professor who taught me the most important lesson at ASU was Dr. Redding. When I was in Biochemistry 1, I got extremely sick at the end of the semester, right before the final. Dr. Redding showed so much empathy and understanding for me, I learned a valuable lesson about being lenient with myself when it comes to my health and well-being. Being shown that kindness will always remind me to be empathetic toward others going through a tough time, and recovery time is just as important as all the work that you do.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: My advice for other students is to learn how to study and what method works best for you. I found that using a planner and breaking up tasks with a lot of wiggle room helps me finish my assignments without the stress and anxiety of looming deadlines. I would also advise (them) to take every day slowly and to enjoy the moments in between the speed of life.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

Answer: When I was in Barrett, the balcony above Honors Hall was my favorite spot to study. It was out of the way, but still public, so I had few distractions in my workspace. I tend to switch things up constantly, so in the past few years, I like to find a quiet spot in the library, a coffee shop or on a lawn with a blanket where I could just enjoy my time doing what I wanted to do.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: With $40 million, I won’t have the funds to reverse climate change or end world hunger, but I would have enough to set the example for other larger projects by funding the cleanup and preservation of natural spaces in the States. While the ultimate effect of climate change impacts our national parks at an alarming rate, we should still try to curb the damage of thousands of park visitors from pollution and the shrinking of wildlife habitats. The importance of wildlife to me is extremely important; I believe in the accessibility of public spaces for people to enjoy the beauty of nature and the intense amount of education required to keep the parks of America clean from litter and erosion from heavy tourist foot traffic. If I had the funds to allow for a comprehensive education on the ecology of the land, I would make sure every visitor understands the importance of preserving the world for future generations.

James Klemaszewski

Science writer, School of Molecular Sciences

480-965-2729

Graduate overcomes barriers for community


December 12, 2022

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2022 graduates.

While in high school, Ruwaida Jaylani Abshir took dual enrollment classes and earned an associate degree through South Mountain Community College. Through her science classes, Abshir became interested in medicine, which was noticed by her family, who had immigrated to the U.S. from Somalia. Portrait of ASU grad Ruwaida Abshir. Download Full Image

“Many of my parent’s family members who were older did not know how to fully understand English,” Abshir noted. “Anytime they would have an ailment or needed a trip to the doctor, they would call me and ask me for help. I saw that there is a barrier between elderly people in my community and their doctors that I want to bridge."

While volunteering in hospitals during high school, Abshir visited the hospital’s pharmacy most often, which led to her interest in medicinal biochemistry. Now, she is graduating with a degree in the field from Arizona State University's School of Molecular Sciences.

“I would constantly talk with the pharmacist there and look at all the medications,” she recalled. “I then wanted to go to pharmacy school and become a pharmacist to have a clinic of my own and be able to understand any medication a patient showed me. Thinking of my grandparents, I wanted them to be able to have more people in the medical field that looked like them and they could automatically trust would understand them. That’s why a degree in biochemistry was an automatic choice for me.” 

Abshir’s freshman year began normally; she could usually be found studying at Noble Library or in the basement of Hayden Library. After courses went online, it was difficult for her to be involved in ASU activities. However, she used Handshake to connect with a local pharmacist who gave her the opportunity to administer COVID-19 vaccinations for the elderly. This year, Abshir joined three clubs, which helped her make more connections at ASU. After graduation, she plans on connecting with more pharmacists and working in a clinic while studying for the PCAT.

Question: Why did you choose ASU?

Answer: I did not want to stray far from home, and my associate (degree) only applied to universities in Arizona, so I chose to go to ASU. My older brother also went to ASU, so it felt like a safe choice. Thankfully, ASU also offered a full ride. I was granted the Dean's Award, obtained a Federal Pell grant, the Obama Scholarship and a university grant upon entering ASU.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: One piece of advice I have would be to take advantage of the internships and research labs ASU offers, and participate in ASU events hosted by clubs that interest you.

James Klemaszewski

Science writer, School of Molecular Sciences

480-965-2729