Admissions Office
Hassan Aamir
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan
Major: Economics
Minors: Data Analytics and Math
Why did you choose Union? In my quest for the right college, my top priority was the pursuit of diverse and enriching opportunities. Relocating from Pakistan, I sought a program that seamlessly blended focus and holistic development. Union College emerged as the perfect fit, aligning precisely with my aspirations. Its comprehensive offerings and dynamic environment convinced me that here, I would not just acquire knowledge but be immersed in a transformative educational journey. Thus, with confidence, I chose Union College as the ideal platform to shape my academic and personal growth.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? Embrace the unknown, and open yourself to the richness of life by saying yes to every new experience that comes your way. In the uncharted territories of unfamiliarity, you may discover the most unexpected and rewarding facets of your journey.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? Under the guidance of Professor Cigdem Cidam, my favorite class assignment involved creating a podcast on a topic of personal significance. I delved into the entanglement of racism in the 2020 European soccer tournament, particularly examining its impact on the English team—an experience that seamlessly merged my academic pursuits with a cherished hobby.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? My go-to activity is catching a captivating show at Proctor’s Theater, complemented perfectly by a delightful meal at my favorite restaurant, Simone’s Kitchen. It's the perfect blend of entertainment and culinary indulgence, making for memorable evenings in the heart of the city.
Gabby Baker
Pronouns: she/they
Hometown: Boston, Mass.
Major: Political Science
Minors: Psychology and Sociology
Why did you choose Union? My college search process was more difficult than I anticipated it to be. I didn’t realize how much of an impact being a first-generation college student would have on my self-esteem when applying to colleges. While my mother was always encouraging me to apply to any college I wanted, she wasn't able to provide much insight on what I should be looking for in schools, other than one that is in-state (and preferably very close to her)...which I knew I didn’t want. I found myself constantly feeling left out: my friends spoke about their parents' advice on applying to colleges, and some even considered attending their parents' alma mater. I was introduced to Union through the Posse Foundation, and as soon as I opened the website, I was flushed with a sense of familiarity because Union sported the same shade of garnet and underrated trimester system as my high school. After applying and enrolling at Union through Early Decision, I visited in April and met with the first-gen advisors and other faculty on campus. I'm not one to ask for much help, but I knew it would be there when I needed it. By the end of the visit, I knew my mother felt comfortable, too.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? You don't always have to hit the ground running; it's okay to take a look around first.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? My favorite class at Union has been Environmental Geology, and our lab assignments were essentially field trips to nature reserves. Plus our professor brought us cookies for the final (can’t beat that).
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? In Schenectady, I love to go to Novel Biblio Brew on State Street. They have the best matcha lattes and lots of natural lighting – great for reading and doing homework.
Hannah Casalena
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Acton, Mass.
Major: Neuroscience
Minors: English
Why did you choose Union? My final decision came down to Union and another college deeply rooted in my family history (my mom attended and my grandfather taught there for over 40 years). Despite these familial ties, I ultimately chose Union because I found its community to embrace diversity and individuality wholeheartedly. It was a conscious decision to chart my own path and deviate from family traditions. Union's commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment aligned with my values – and since making that choice, I couldn't be happier. My decision has been rewarding, as I've found a sense of belonging and personal growth within Union's community that surpasses my initial expectations.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? Truly "trust the process" by embracing the journey and understanding that personal and academic growth unfolds on its own timeline in a dynamic environment. Recognizing the "ups and downs" as opportunities for learning and adaptation, as opposed to viewing them as discouraging, allows for chances to learn and adapt, all while taking advantage of Union's incredible resources in the process.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? In a Mind and Behavior psychology course with Professor Weisse, a standout assignment for me involved researching a drug's neurological effects of your choice. I chose to explore the substance linked to the accidental overdose of a close family friend. This task transformed a heartbreaking event into an opportunity for learning, reflection, and remembrance, making it one of my favorite and most impactful experiences at Union.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? One of my favorite things to do off-campus in Schenectady is go to Arthur’s Coffee with a book to read or my laptop to do work! It’s nice to do work in a different environment from time to time!
Ryan Davis
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Severna Park, Md.
Major: Biology and Psychology Interdisciplinary Major - Leadership in Medicine Program
Why did you choose Union? Coming from a high school with more students than Union College, I knew I wanted a different experience where professors would know my name, appreciate my perspectives, and help me build on my strengths and grow from my weaknesses. Attending a liberal arts college quickly became an obvious decision for me. And at Union, I don’t have to sacrifice pursuing my academic passions in STEM. As soon as I toured Union, I was astounded with the facilities, especially ISEC and the Wold Center. And when I looked into a classroom, I was impressed with seeing an introductory physics class with less than 20 students! I knew this was it. Union was for me. During the admission process, I felt that I truly mattered. When I attended virtual info sessions, my admission counselor knew my name, she knew my high school, and she made me feel valued – all without even being a part of the Union community yet.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? Be kind. Kindness can take you far at Union. By inviting a stranger to come eat with you at Reamer Dining Center or by volunteering in the community, kindness will help you build new connections and become a stronger part of the Union community.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? My term project in Professor Chu-LaGraff's cellular neuroscience class was my favorite. I learned how to culture tissue samples, and I loved learning how to use new microscopy techniques.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? Proctor's Theater! Seeing Hamilton and Hadestown musicals at Proctors were some of the highlights of my time at Union.
Raquel Dueñas
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Ojai, Calif.
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Spanish
Why did you choose Union? As a first-generation college student, I had no idea where to start with college applications. After being introduced to a college advisor, she showed me where to start and broke me of my narrow mindset, introducing me to colleges that would have never been on my radar. Being from California, the first question I receive is “why did you come all the way to Schenectady?” And the answer is very simple: I am a firm believer in needing to leave where you grew up to really grow. At Union, I was accepted into the AOP program, which gave me an amazing scholarship and immense support. My decision came down to moving a 6-hour drive away from home or a 6-hour flight. I visited Union before deciding and fell in love. It felt like the perfect size, it felt welcoming, and it felt supportive. For me, it was an easy decision to make, and I have not regretted it.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? You belong here, I promise, and don’t doubt this.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? Presenting a sophomore research project on how people with ADHD experience time differently than someone who is neurotypical. It was a very interesting thing to study, and my class was really fun to present to.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? I love going to the Greenmarket and eating at Whistling Kettle during the warmer months!
Miles Fee
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Boulder, Colo.
Major: Quantitative Economics
Minor: Financial and Actuarial Mathematics
Why did you choose Union? While friends of mine had pinpointed exactly what they wanted to do at the end of high school, career and all, I often found myself answering incessant questions about my plans with "I don't know." Faced with endless options, schools left and right specializing in one thing or another, I searched for the one with all the options. Staring at me from the bottom of my list (alphabetically), Union was the place where I could do it all and more. I could receive just as much support as I needed to get back on my feet again and try something new from a list of endless possibilities. Union was the one that stood out to me because of a specialization in everything: science to social science, humanities to music to art.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? Union is designed to expand your horizons. Don't be afraid to reach out and try new things, it’s hard to truly fail in such a supportive environment.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? I was scared at first when I looked at the syllabus for Contemporary Problems in Macroeconomics and noticed that over the course of the term, I would have to complete more than 20 pages of thoroughly researched writing. My final paper turned out to be the work I’m most proud of, and the process as a whole gave me skills that I’ve already found super useful in writing my thesis.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? Bud's on Jay, hands down! The food and drinks are great and so is the atmosphere. It's a great place to study and/or escape from campus for a bit.
Ally Gowern
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Manchester, N.H.
Major: Visual Arts
Minor: Film Studies
Why did you choose Union? When I started my college search I knew I wanted a place where I would grow and thrive in my academics for the next 4 years of my life. I also knew that I wanted to continue my swimming career and be a college athlete. I was certain that I wanted to study visual arts, as being creative is something I love and want to make a career out of. I looked at a handful of schools where either art would be the focus, or where I loved the swim program but they didn’t have my major. I was at a loss, I felt like I was at a point where I was going to have to pick between swimming and being an art major. My club coach pulled me out of the water one day and told me to look at Union. Sure enough, I googled the majors Union had to offer and immediately emailed the head swim coach. Unfortunately, the peak of my college search was during COVID-19. I was never able to come on an official recruiting trip, but I was able to receive a personal tour from the coach. I fell in love with the campus and the facilities. On the ride home, I had a feeling, and I remember texting my sister that I thought I just visited my future college. That night, I immediately started working on my early decision application. It was the best decision I have ever made.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? My one piece of advice is to get involved. There are so many things to try and you'll never know if you enjoy something until you try.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? My favorite class assignment was a recreation scene I had to do for Intro to Filmmaking. My group recreated a scene from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and it was fun and rewarding to watch back.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? I enjoy going to Bud’s on Jay for bagels every Saturday and Sunday morning. It's a fun tradition my friends and I have.
Morgan Napier
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Manlius, N.Y.
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why did you choose Union? I chose Union because of the aspect of liberal arts and engineering – mainly because I wasn't sure if I wanted to pursue engineering at the time. I also really appreciated the gender diversity within the engineering program, and the opportunity to balance it with two collegiate sports. I came in as a member of the volleyball and softball teams, and my coaches were extremely supportive of my academics.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? Buy a stapler…because the amount of times I had to walk to the library to staple my work in the middle of the snow storm is crazy! But in more seriousness, don't be afraid to try something new.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? In Orthopedic Biomechanics, we had to make a life-size model of the hip. It taught me a ton regarding time management and teamwork. I absolutely loved the showcase as well which is where we got to see all of our classmates projects too
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? My favorite thing to do in Schenectady is go to the Greenmarket near Jay Street on Sundays. It’s a great reset from a busy week.
Trish Kiran Rao
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Fair Lawn, N.J.
Major: Psychology
Minor: Law and Humanities
Why did you choose Union? I moved to the U.S. from India in my junior year of high school to gain access to better opportunities and to study subjects like Psychology that are not considered significantly important in the educational sphere back home. After spending my last two years of high school at home in the pandemic, I knew I wanted to go to a college that encouraged hands-on work, where I would collaborate with peers and faculty to emphasize individual and community growth. When I came across Union College through my father's colleague who is an alum, I did extensive research on what it had to offer and what I could bring to the table. Union's commitment to diversity and interdisciplinary academics stood out to me. I especially loved the fact that we could start research work as early as the first year and the trimester system, which allows us to take a wider variety of classes to figure out what we excel in. Union always had a special place in my heart because it was the first college I applied to as well as the first one that I received an acceptance from, so I knew it was fate!
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? Put yourself out there. Union is unique in the way it provides students with so, so many different opportunities to socialize and meet people – whether it is through Minerva events, or clubs like ACE with late-night events, dining pop-ups or annual traditions like Lobster Fest or Fall Fest. You don’t want to miss out on making friends or having fun out of fear or different ideas of what you think college is supposed to be like. There is so much here on this beautiful campus. So take a walk, talk to people (who are very friendly!) and don't hold yourself back! Remember everyone is about as nervous and new to this as you- so don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out on day 1!
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? I took an intro-level poetry class where we had to write poetry every week on things that mattered the most to us. I absolutely love writing poetry, and to be able to share pieces of my life in written and spoken word each week was so rewarding.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? My favorite thing to do and the best way to spend a Sunday is to walk to Jay Street with friends, grab an iced coffee and bagel at Ambition Cafe, and walk around Bear and the Bird to buy crochet wall hangings, stickers and mushroom earrings.
Haydn Russell
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: New Market, N.H.
Major: English and Political Science Interdisciplinary Major
Why did you choose Union? I visited institutions ranging from 1,000-15,000 students, some undergraduate only and some with graduate students, and all with a wide array of academic systems. In doing so, I found a handful of colleges I was interested in – but among them all Union rapidly and continuously became my favorite college. During my tour to the college and two other informal visits to the campus I was astounded by how differently (i.e. respectfully, amicably, honestly) the campus community treated me compared to other institutions I had visited. Every new piece of information I learned about Union made me want to attend even more.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? The most important piece of advice I would give to a first-year student is to say hello to everyone. I was provided this advice by a friend before attending Union, and it has allowed me to form countless friendships, professional relationships, and–most importantly–has allowed me to become an involved member of the campus community.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? My favorite class assignment has been my poetry portfolio, titled “Merope,” that I created as part of Professor Jordan Smith’s Junior Poetry Seminar. This creative piece allowed me to grow as a writer, feel valued by my peers throughout the process, and create something I am truly proud of within my passions.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? My favorite thing to do in Schenectady is to attend the many events that are held in the city throughout the year such as the Greenmarket, Greek Festival and Little Italy Street Fest.
Katie Seymour
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Potsdam, N.Y.
Major: Biology
Minors: Psychology and Classics
Why did you choose Union? During my senior year, I was in the unique position of being enrolled in college while finishing the requirements for my high school diploma. This experience played an important role in my college search process, as it showed me what I was looking for in an institution. It gave me an idea of the general size, geographic location and type of institution I was interested in. Additionally, I knew that I wanted to attend a school that allowed me to pursue all of my academic interests, while also providing me with a variety of options to get involved outside of the classroom. With this general outline in my head, I applied to a long list of schools. No one was more excited than my former boss when I received my acceptance to Union. He is a proud alumnus, and when I informed him of my admittance he told me there was no other place even worth considering! I knew before visiting that Union checked all of my boxes, but I didn't expect how at home I would feel when I visited campus for the first time. I had what I can only describe as a “wedding dress” moment: I instantly felt a sense of belonging that I hadn’t experienced anywhere else. This feeling is what ultimately led me to commit to Union, a decision I am so thankful for.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? Find an effective time management method. The trimester goes by fast and finding a system that works for you is the secret to success!
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? In my Evolutionary Medicine and Genetics class, I got to teach a subject of my choosing to my classmates. This is a pedagogical method that is often used in medical school classes, and it was a great experience to have in an undergraduate biology class!
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? I am a huge coffee fan, and I love to frequent the local shops we have in Schenectady. If you are looking for recommendations, Bud’s on Jay and Whistling Kettle are two of my current favorites!
Vaishali Srinivasan
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Frisco, Tex.
Major: Biology and Philosophy Interdisciplinary Major - Leadership in Medicine Program
Why did you choose Union? One of the most important aspects I searched for in a college was a small but cohesive and interactive community. Being able to form strong connections with professors and avoid being lost in a sea of hundreds of students in huge lecture halls was a vital component of what I envisioned for my college experience. I also was intrigued by the trimester system at Union. Being able to focus on only three or four courses at one time was something I really saw myself enjoying, as it would enable a deeper dive into the material and give me plenty of time to pursue extracurriculars. Another key component was the Interdisciplinary (ID) Majors Union offers. As a Biology and Philosophy ID major, I am not only cultivating my knowledge in and appreciation of STEM, but also expanding and diversifying my thought processes and understandings of the world through a myriad of philosophical texts.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student? Get involved all over campus and always be ready to try out new things! There is no better place to experiment and grow than here. You can commit to what you love best, but start college by getting your hands into every corner of campus life. I promise you will find the perfect circle for you.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union? A video project assignment where we utilized any method besides a typical lecture or PowerPoint to explain a physiological concept covered in BIO 206. My group used video editing and sound effects on clips filmed on an iPhone to show the passage of blood through the heart.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady? My friends and I love to get food on Jay Street! We also love to go to the Sunday Greenmarket and buy fresh ingredients to cook a great meal in the Minerva kitchens together. My favorite place to escape from the busy life of college is in a little neighborhood on Union Street. There is a beautiful view of the sunset there that always takes my breath away.