Meet a Graduate: Karleena Bashista '16

Karleena Bashista ‘16
Research Assistant, Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School
BS in Neuroscience

Bay Path opened my eyes to my own potential. I learned to advocate for myself, ask for help when I need it, and set and achieve goals beyond my wildest dreams, like landing a position in a research laboratory even before completing my bachelor’s degree.

A couple of years ago, I job-shadowed a friend who was a work-study student in a Harvard Medical School neurobiology lab. Through that experience, Dr. Victoria Abraria offered me a position assisting in her research on sensory systems. Despite already having three part-time jobs and attending school full-time, I chose to "seize the day" and take the opportunity—a decision that has since opened many more doors for me.

After completing my bachelor’s degree, I was offered a full-time position with Harvard Medical School. In a few months, I will be conducting research on a new project and taking on lab management responsibilities. As I continue gaining experience in neuroscience, I hope to go on to a Ph.D. program. My bachelor’s degree is an essential step in completing my career goals in the science field.