I was born in Goshen, Indiana and attended Northridge High School. While going through school, I was always more interested in science and math than other subjects. After taking calculus, I decided math was not the path for me, but through my International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology course, I did find a passion for biology.
A lot of what I learned in that class guided me toward a profession in healthcare and, perhaps, research. Coming to IUPUI as a biology major allowed me to explore both paths and ultimately decide where I fit best.
The start of something great
Transitioning to life at IUPUI went well! I didn’t live in a city environment like Indianapolis growing up, so that was a bit of a shock at first, but I enjoyed the change. It didn’t take long to get settled. I also took part in Bridge Week, which was optional at the time, and I’m so glad I did.
I got to know my roommate through bridge, and we’re still friends to this day. I also got to know people on my dorm floor who I’m also still friends with. In fact, I was even in one of their weddings! All that being said, the fact the I got one week on campus to acclimate to my new home before classes started and find a good group of people to lean on was very beneficial.
It was one of the most formative experiences I had not only at the School of Science, but in life.
Sophie on working in Dr. Balakrishnan’s biochemistry lab.
Life-changing experiences set foundation for success
As a first-year student, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work in Dr. Lata Balakrishnan's biochemistry lab, and honestly, it was one of the most formative experiences I had not only at the School of Science, but in life. When I first started researching with Dr. Balakrishnan, I mostly learned the environment, equipment, projects, and washed dishes. Once I got more comfortable, I started working with the graduate students in the lab, prepping things for them like buffers or gels, and eventually I started completing things on my own.
Aside from learning so many technical skills during this time, Dr. Balakrishnan instilled so much confidence in me as a scientist, student, and person. In fact, I can even pinpoint the moment in that lab when I thought, “Wait, I actually know what I’m doing and that’s really cool,” which seems small but showed me how to be confident in myself and what I know. This confidence carried into so many other aspects of my life outside of lab, and helped get me where I am today!
My favorite thing about getting my biology degree at the School of Science
What I enjoyed most as a biology student at the School of Science was the great education I received. It prepared me for the intensive coursework in the IU Doctor of Physical Therapy program where I am now. I also got to meet a lot of incredible instructors and students that made the experience that much better. There were plenty of opportunities to get involved, which made me feel like I had a role at the School of Science, rather than feeling like one of hundreds of students.
I am also thankful for the counseling I received at the Office of Pre-Professional & Career Preparation (PREPs). They helped me with my application, and setting up my path to PT school. When it came to applying, my PREPs advisor, Jaime Sperandio, helped make it easier and clearer than it would have been had I tried to do it on my own.
Continuing my education as a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the IUPUI School of Health and Human Sciences
Having an interest in science also led me to an interest in healthcare, which drew me to physical therapy, especially after needing physical therapy myself because of a nasty ankle injury I suffered playing high school soccer.
Entering IUPUI as a biology major, I had the space to explore both research and physical therapy. While I thoroughly enjoyed the research experiences I had, I really took a liking to my anatomy and physiology courses, which launched me into a full pursuit of physical therapy and my interest has only grown since then.
The one thing that really inspires me during this pursuit of physical therapy is the role I play in helping others reach their goals, especially those that are related to their health and make a major impact on their daily life. As a future physical therapist, I hope to make a difference in each of my patient’s lives with each visit, even if it is something as small as improving their range of motion by only a couple degrees.
