As a member of Future Farmers of America at her agricultural high school, Trumbull native Jillian K. Bowen naturally assumed UConn’s outstanding College of Agriculture, Health & Natural Resources would be a good fit. But she probably never envisioned bringing shower mold to class as part of an experiment. That was only one of the memorable experiences, activities, and pursuits that helped define her time at UConn.
Why did you choose UConn?
The academics were the main draw for me. As an R1 institution, I knew that UConn had a lot of research opportunities, and that really drew me in.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
My major is Pathobiology, or disease biology. I attended an agricultural high school and was a member of Future Farmers of America, so I already had an interest in animal science, but the pandemic was definitely a big factor in stimulating my interest in infectious diseases. Pathobiology is a perfect combination of those interests!
Did you have a favorite professor or class?
My favorite class by far was Medical Microbiology of Bacteria and Fungi in the Pathobiology Department. We were able to grow our own samples in the lab, and it was so fun to come in every week to see what new organism we would be studying next. I remember a time the professor brought in cheeses for the class to eat, then we sampled the mold from the cheese and cultured it in the lab! I even brought in the mold from my shower to culture.
What activities were you involved in as a student?
I was a member of Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), which is an organization centered around supporting minority students in STEM. I was also in UConn Survivor, where we filmed our own version of the show right here on campus! I started a club with my friends called Crafting Care – we send care packages with handmade crafts to women’s shelters, managed care facilities, and other organizations in the community.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
I was surprised at how easy it was to find a place for myself. Since UConn is so large, I was worried I would get lost in the crowd. However, there were so many ways to get involved and engage with people who have the same interests as you, and I’ve found a great community of people that have supported me through the years. It really is true when people say you can make campus as big or as small as you want!
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
I am planning to attend UConn’s Master of Public Health program with a concentration in epidemiology.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
Being at UConn has really inspired me to approach every new experience with an open mind. Some of my most formative experiences were ones that I was initially hesitant about – one of the biggest takeaways from my time here is embracing the unknown and seeing the potential for growth and new opportunities in everything. Having that mindset makes life so much more exciting!
Any advice for incoming students?
Get involved and get out of your comfort zone! Now is the perfect time to discover new interests. Variety is the spice of life, so don’t be afraid to try something completely different – learn how to breakdance! Join an improv group! Start a book club! The world is your oyster.
What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Sledding down Horsebarn Hill. There is absolutely nothing better than zooming down the hill at top speeds while all your friends are watching. It’s beautiful in winter, too!
What will always make you think of UConn?
Every time I see a husky I can’t help but think of Jonathan! I was lucky enough to get a picture with him this year, and I feel like he is such a symbol of my time here that every husky is a UConn husky to me!
