The Biology Club holds a pizza lunch event for club members in the
Multicultural Center of Kelly Commons.
KRISTEN CADA / COURTESY
By Laili Shahrestani, Contributor
Manhattan University’s Biology Club welcomed both new and returning members to the organization by holding their first meeting of the fall semester in the Multicultural Center of Kelly Commons, which involved pizza for students as well as a brief overview of the club’s upcoming plans for the year ahead.
The Biology Club is committed to developing a social network, where members are able to engage with others who share similar interests and participate in group events both on and off campus. The club is dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all students who have a passion for science and a desire to learn.
The Quadrangle spoke with Lara Celik, a senior and the treasurer of the MU Biology Club, about the social events planned this year. She provided insight into a number of events that the club hopes to host in the upcoming semester.
“We have so many activities planned for the year, starting from going to the Natural History Museum, to hikes in Van Cortlandt Park, to watching ‘Wall-E’ all together,” Celik said. “We are aiming for events that bring people together, rather than just lecturing about biology.”
The Biology Club has traditionally been viewed as an academic group, but this year the board has implemented ways to redefine themselves as a vibrant community for individuals who are interested in plants, animals and science as a whole.
Senior Sophia Rosellon, president of the Biology Club, spoke to The Quadrangle regarding the overall mission of the organization.
“The Biology Club has been very inactive due to our presidency in recent years. My goal as president is to revamp and make this a social club, rather than have people think that all we speak about is biology and math,” Rosellon said. “I love animals, this is why I’m here. We want students to know that this club is a non-academic club, specifically geared to people who love exploring new things, socializing, going to events with one another and just learning something new.”
Although biology is a part of STEM, the Biology Club is open to students from all different departments and majors.
The Quadrangle spoke with Kristen Vazquez, a junior and the vice president of the Biology Club, about what type of audience the organization is aimed towards.
“There are no requirements, anyone can join,” Vazquez said. “Communication majors, philosophy majors, physics majors, engineering majors and anyone else are welcome. There are no requirements at all.”
The Biology Club enables a multitude of students to develop long-lasting connections with one another. When speaking with The Quadrangle, Celik spoke about how the motive of the club is to foster an environment for its members who share a love for our planet.
“The goal of this club would be outreach and to connect everybody who shares the passion of nature altogether. Let’s celebrate nature!” Celik said.
At the first meeting of the MU Biology Club, students mentioned how they were eager to be a part of a group that aligns with their interests.
Ece Yilmaz, a freshman and an international student from Turkey, spoke with The Quadrangle about her excitement about being a member of this organization. She is looking forward to being surrounded by like-minded students who will be able to support her throughout her academic career.
“I am a biology major, and am planning to go to medical school,” Yilmaz said. “Here, I will be able to meet new friends who may be on the same path as me. I can create deep connections, and gain good network opportunities here.”