Student Profiles

Amanda Souza

A Mentor's Influence
My name is Amanda Souza. I am in the class of 2008, and will graduate with a degree in preprofessional biology. I decided to attend UNLV during my junior year of high school in order to stay close to family and friends. Also, my favorite teacher in high school received a biology degree from here and she was the first teacher that I perceived as a mentor. I trusted her opinion that UNLV, specifically the College of Sciences, was a great institution. I came to UNLV believing that I would follow in her footsteps and eventually teach biology at the high school level.

Top-Quality Education and Life Lessons
UNLV has definitely provided me with a top-quality education in its classrooms. I have studied with some of the best professors, most of whom are known in their field throughout the country. UNLV has also provided me with the personal growth I needed to become a mature adult. I have learned respect, responsibility, and gained insight into the reality of the world around us.

A Second Home
My ability to fit in at UNLV has surprised me most. I would have never believed that in a college of 30,000 students I would feel important. Each year has brought me closer to the staff, professors, and students in the College of Sciences. I have gained a new mentor, assistant professor of life sciences Eduardo Robleto, and I have spent countless hours in his laboratory. I have made friends where I least expected to; Dean Ronald Yasbin, pre-health advisor Joseph Nika, and all of the microbiology professors are just a few of the people at UNLV who have opened their office doors to me, willing to listen to any of my concerns, helping me plan my classes and short-term goals, and even make small talk.  I never thought that the College of Sciences would come close to the second home that I once called high school.

Years to Treasure
After graduating from UNLV, I look forward to applying to many graduate schools.  Whether I choose to become a doctor, physical therapist, or high school biology teacher, I always treasure the four years that I spent at UNLV and will look back on them with a sense of great happiness and accomplishment.

The College of Sciences offers research opportunities, including laboratory experience working side-by-side with professors.