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Alumni Spotlight
Sharing Post-Graduation Accomplishments
In our Alumni Spotlight, we showcase the remarkable achievements of our alumni, highlighting how an Honors education has propelled our graduates into career success. By sharing your post-graduation accomplishments, you can serve as a source of inspiration for current students and a testament to the value of your educational experiences with the University Honors Programs. We invite all our alumni to share their stories with us and to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
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Mentorship Opportunity
Impacting the Next Generation
Being a mentor to a current Honors student can have a significant impact. Sharing your knowledge and experience to provide guidance and support can help students navigate their academic and personal journey. Your insights and advice can make a real difference in helping them achieve their goals and reach their full potential. As a mentor, you can inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, scholars, and innovators, leaving a lasting legacy.
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Remain Engaged
By connecting with current students, you can offer mentorship, share career advice, and provide networking opportunities. Your continued involvement can make a significant impact on the academic and professional journeys of aspiring professionals, while also allowing you to stay current with campus developments and connect with fellow alumni.
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Giving Back
Contributing to Your Alma Mater
As alumni, there are many ways to give back to your alma mater. Another impactful way to contribute is by making a financial gift through the Stony Brook Foundation. Your generosity can make a real difference in the lives of current Honors students and in the future of our university. Whether you choose to support scholarships, academic programs, or campus initiatives, your contribution can help shape the university's trajectory and empower the next generation of students. Get involved and make a meaningful impact.
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Meet our Honors Alumni
Andrea DeRosa
Biology, May 2022
WISE Honors
Andrea DeRosa graduated summa cum laude from Stony Brook University in May 2022 with a degree in Biology, specializing in Interdisciplinary Biology. As a member of the WISE Honors Program, she gained valuable research experience at the Matus Lab, presenting her work at the WISE Research Showcase and URECA Symposium. Her achievements earned her the Irwin Oster Award for Excellence in Genetic Research.
After graduation, Andrea completed the Accelerated Baccalaureate Nursing Program at Stony Brook University, earning her nursing degree with a 4.0 GPA. She became a Registered Nurse in July 2023 and now works in the Medical ICU at Stony Brook University Hospital. In August 2024, she obtained her CCRN certification in critical care and is involved in a project to reduce pressure injuries in ICU patients.
Andrea attributes much of her success to the support and opportunities provided by the WISE Honors Program. Her advice to current students is to seek out every opportunity, even if unsure where to start. She encourages students to explore different fields, shadow professionals, and connect with program directors who are eager to help them succeed. She believes the key to navigating college and beyond is to follow the path that brings the most joy and fulfillment.
Her future goals include becoming a Nurse Practitioner and pursuing further research. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, cooking, and learning Italian to connect with her heritage.
If she could return to Stony Brook for a day, Andrea would visit the Matus Lab and meet with current Honors students to share advice and encouragement.
Emma Keegan
Biochemistry and Psychology, 2022
WISE Honors
Emma Keegan graduated from Stony Brook University in 2022 with a double major in Biochemistry and Psychology, and a minor in Writing and Rhetoric. She is now a first-year medical student at Upstate Medical University. During her time at Stony Brook, Emma was a member of the WISE Honors Program, where she gained invaluable mentorship, leadership skills, and a unique perspective on STEM through courses like "Service Learning in STEM" and "Society and Gender in STEM."
One of her most memorable experiences in WISE was organizing an event with the Health Occupations Partnership for Excellence (HOPE) program, where she mentored high school students interested in STEM careers. This reinforced her passion for helping others and shaped her approach to mentorship.
After graduating, Emma worked as Chief Medical Scribe at Stony Brook Gynecology and Obstetrics, which ignited her passion for women’s health and inspired her to consider specializing in OBGYN.
To Emma, an honors education meant being part of a supportive community of driven, intelligent women in STEM. It opened doors to mentorship and unique learning opportunities, helping her build confidence in her career goals.
Her advice to students is to take advantage of every opportunity, actively seek mentorship, and give back by becoming a mentor when the time comes.
In her free time, Emma enjoys solving New York Times crossword puzzles, crocheting, and staying connected to her Stony Brook roots. If she could return for a day, she would attend the Roth Regatta and visit Mendelsohn Community, where she lived for three years.
Sonali Bahl
Biochemistry, 2015
Honors College
Sonali Bahl graduated from Stony Brook University in 2015 with a major in Biochemistry and minors in Chemistry and Writing. She went on to earn a PhD in Molecular Medicine from The George Washington University and is currently pursuing an MBA at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
As a member of the Honors College, Sonali valued the strong sense of community and the opportunity to explore diverse subjects outside her major, such as Impressionist art. A highlight was a class trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which inspired her to continue exploring new interests and adventuring into nearby cities.
After completing her PhD, Sonali became a Senior Engineer at a biopharmaceutical company, focusing on biologics manufacturing and process improvement. She credits the Honors College for shaping her problem-solving abilities and fostering a multidisciplinary approach that is essential in her career today.
For Sonali, an Honors education meant being surrounded by ambitious, driven classmates who constantly motivated her to excel. The experience expanded her knowledge, communication skills, and confidence, both personally and professionally.
Sonali advises current students to embrace opportunities outside their comfort zones and connect with advisors and peers for support. In her free time, she enjoys cross-stitching and exploring different cultures. She remains connected to Stony Brook and is happy to offer mentorship to students.
Gowri Yerramalli
Biology, 2021Doctor of Medicine, 2025
Honors College & Scholars for Medicine
Gowri Yerramalli graduated from Stony Brook University in 2021 with a major in Biology and was part of the Scholars for Medicine program. Currently a fourth-year student at the Renaissance School of Medicine, she reflects on how the Honors College helped her grow beyond her science background. “The Honors College really broadened my horizons,” she recalls, highlighting how it introduced her to new subjects like music and literature that she wouldn't have encountered as a Biology major. A standout moment for her was meeting a music producer who worked with Jon Bellion, which deepened her interest in the behind-the-scenes aspects of music.
Since graduation, Gowri’s path has remained closely tied to Stony Brook as she pursues her medical degree, set to graduate in 2025. She credits her Honors College experience for helping her build deeper connections with patients by exposing her to diverse topics and perspectives. Alongside her medical studies, Gowri has been actively involved in advocacy through the American Medical Association, where she served as Chair of her state medical society—a role she is particularly proud of and hopes to continue expanding.
Her journey was shaped by key figures like Kunal Shah, her Honors College "big," who mentored her from day one and supported her throughout medical school. She also benefited from resources like the Career Center and Honors College advisors, who provided essential guidance on course selection and career preparation.
Gowri’s advice to current Honors students is to fully enjoy their college years and make the most of the opportunities to build lasting friendships and connect with people from different backgrounds. Looking back, she wouldn’t change a thing about her time at Stony Brook and emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Honors advisors to make the most of the program.
In the future, Gowri aspires to become an anesthesiologist at an academic center where she can teach and mentor students. She also plans to continue her advocacy work with the AMA on a larger scale. In her free time, she enjoys singing with friends and has recently taken up clay jewelry making. If given the chance to return to Stony Brook, she’d spend the day relaxing on the Staller steps, enjoying the warm weather and reminiscing about her college days.
Gowri Yerramalli’s journey is a testament to the value of a diverse education and the supportive community she found at Stony Brook University.