ZOBIA CHAUDHRY ’28

As a first-generation college student, Zobia Chaudhry ’28 was drawn to RPI by the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program, a research-focused accelerated medical program that allows students to earn a B.S. and an M.D. in seven years. After studying in the School of Science for three years, Chaudry will fast-track to medical school at Albany Medical College for four years. For Chaudhry, who hopes to become a neurosurgeon, choosing RPI and entering the B.S./M.D. program was a no-brainer. 

During her freshman year, Chaudhry was able to pursue her interests through a biomedical engineering lab with Dr. Xavier Intes, where she worked on developing a light-sheet mesoscopy setup to image larger size brain organoids. She also gained hands-on medical experience as a member of RPI Ambulance, a fully student-run, transporting ambulance agency, where she started as a rider before becoming an attendant on the team. 

In addition to exploring opportunities in biology, Chaudhry participates in the RPI photo club and treasures her time with fellow classmates. She knows she has already built life-long relationships with her friends in Bray Commons, who began a tradition of surprise, and often elaborately planned, birthday celebrations for friends. 

An equally welcome surprise for Chaudhry was her scholarship from RPI. In gratitude for her financial support, she shared an Arthur Ashe quote that she’s been living her life by: “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” Chaudhry noted, “that is exactly what my scholarship donor is doing by supporting me and that is something I hope to do in the future as well.”