Luis-Jaime Caseñas '26BS Psychology
Minor in Biology 

On his major/minor:

Quite honestly, I didn't start out imagining I'd study either of these fields, and it was a long-winding road until I realized they were where my passion lied. I think I realized I was fascinated by my own emotions and behavior, and really wanted to understand the biological reasons by which they arise.

Favorite class:

I think Molecular Psychology (PSY 358) taught by Professor Turhan Canli is an absolute gem of a class. As I mentioned, I’m fascinated by the intersection between behavior and its biological mechanisms, and this class is how that interest manifested. It was a masterclass course on how genetics and epigenetics interact with environmental factors to give rise to behavior, and how their dysfunction can lead to psychiatric disease and negative affective states. I always knew I wanted to study the brain and behavior somehow, but I can attribute this class to kick-starting my understanding of the field and clarifying my future career goals!

Plans for post-graduation:

I'll be taking a couple gap years to focus on Filipino Community Health work while doing research full-time at The Rockefeller University, studying the fundamental mechanisms behind memory. I'll be applying to MD/PhD programs in hopes of becoming a physician-scientist!

Advice for future Seawolves?

Be curious! If you have an interest in something, even a small inkling, pursue it. Whether that be taking a class, doing research, speaking about it with peers and professors or writing about it for a larger audience, I believe the pursuit of a curiosity is one of the most meaningful experiences you can commit yourself to.