Social Sciences: Hana Zhang '26

Major(s) and minor(s)

B.A. in Health, Behavior and Society

Pronouns

She/Her

Hometown

Westbury, NY

Areas of interest/focus in research

I first came to UR as a biology major and was doing biology research, but after looking into public health, my areas of interest aligned more with dry labs rather than wet labs. At the Social Stress Laboratory, it is interesting to see the physiological responses to stress. With Dr. Jee, it is interesting to learn more about how the environment is affecting families in ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é.

Labs / departments / offsite programs where research was conducted

Social Stress Laboratory - Dr. Jamieson

Pediatric Environmental Health at URMC - Dr. Sandra Jee

About me...

Nice to meet you! My name is Hana, I am a Health, Behavior, and Society (Public Health) major on the pre-medical track in the Class of 2026. At ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é, besides research, I am a leader in clubs, a teacher’s assistant, a medical center volunteer, work for Wilson Commons, and more!

I also volunteer as an EMT at my home fire department and as a Crisis Text Line counselor. For fun, I like to ski, read, watch movies, kickbox, and most importantly - hang out with my toy Yorkie, Vienna!

How has your experience as a researcher influenced your career objectives?

After learning more about the field of public health and seeing how it is in every facet of life, I would love to try to get into a dual MD/MPH program! This past summer I had the opportunity to meet a lot of MD/MPH professionals and see how they combine medicine and public health research to better the lives of so many people.

Campus organizations, programs, activities, clubs, awards/distinctions

Campus organizations/clubs:

  • Charles Drew Pre-Health Society
  • Grow for Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
  • Friends of MSF

Programs:

  • NYSCHECK’s Summer Academy learning about pediatric environmental health and how to advocate to stakeholders

Activities:

  • PHLT101 Public Health TA
  • BIOL190 Genetics TA
  • Project Level the Field
  • MedMentors, EMT
  • Crisis Text Line Counselor

Awards/distinctions:

  • Research & Innovation Grant
  • Meliora Scholars Research Grant
  • Dean's List (all semesters)

Fun Fact: when I'm not doing research you can usually find me...

Watching movies and eating ramen.

Areas where I may be particularly helpful

  • Reaching out to PIs
  • Interview preparation
  • Finding research opportunities

What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?

Do not fear rejection! When I started looking for research opportunities, I emailed countless professors and PIs, only to receive no responses or polite rejections. It was disheartening, but I quickly learned that this is entirely normal and part of the process. Rejection isn’t a reflection of your potential or what they think about you; it's simply part of the journey!

And remember, it’s never too late or too early to start research. Whether you’re just beginning your freshmen year or nearing the end, research experience can (and is) be incredibly valuable!

Email me at: hzh125@u.rochester.edu