Spotlight on Integrated Science Curriculum Student Anoo Maskeri

Reflecting on the Program . . .

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What drew you to Virginia Tech?

I’m originally from Vienna, VA and attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. I visited Tech for a campus tour during my junior year, and once more to sit in an ISC class. Coincidentally, both visits were grey and rainy, but I was taken in by the warmth and welcoming atmosphere, and soon fell in love with the campus.

What majors/minors are you pursuing?

I am on track for a major in Experimental Neuroscience, as well as a minor in Computer Science.

What, specifically, drew you to enrolling in ISC?

Traditionally, math and science classes are taught separately, when in reality there is a lot of overlap between them. ISC offered a classroom experience that matched more closely to what I would observe in the real world, and challenged me to apply the skills learnt in a more meaningful way.

This is your final semester in ISC. What have you enjoyed the most about ISC?

Having had a class with the same people every day for two years has really allowed me to form strong relationships both with my peers and with my professors. Attending large lectures for other classes has allowed me to truly appreciate the more intimate, small college feel that the ISC provides.

What was your favorite ISC lab exercise?

Having had no background experience with nanoparticles, learning about them in the nanoscience module was an interesting experience. As a neuroscience major, it is unlikely that I would have gotten to experience and conduct such a fascinating set of experiments had I not been in the ISC program.

How do you think ISC differs from traditional science classes?

In traditional intro classes, there are lots of students crammed into a single room, and every class is a lecture where the professor just sort of talks at us. In the ISC, the smaller class size and table groups allow for a more interactive and hand-on learning process, and let you build a stronger relationship with the professors.

What are your career goals? Both short term and long term?

I’m interested in pursuing a career in research, although I’m still undecided on what area to specialize in.

Can you speak to the overall impact ISC has had on you as a student? As a person?

Being in the ISC has made me a better collaborator, and has taught me how to better myself both as a student, and as a group member.

What keeps you busy outside of the classroom?

I’m currently working in Dr.Mark Cline’s lab, studying the neurochemical aspect of appetite regulation. As research is career that I’m interested in, doing undergrad research seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to get some experience in a professional lab. I also love to play the trombone, and have been participating in a variety of music ensembles over the past two years, including the Marching Virginians, the Virginia Tech Symphony Band, and the Virginia Tech Trombone Ensemble.

What has been the highlight of your Hokie career so far?

Being a part of so many different communities, and getting to know people with so many different backgrounds and points of view.