Sara Vahdatshoar '23
Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity major
I worked with Dr. Sudhir Kumar for about two years participating in bioinformatics— specifically, I analyzed genomic data and helped develop models/programs to better understand phylogenetics and molecular evolution. Currently, I am working with Dr. Erik Cordes and deep sea marine ecology. I will be working with environmental data, population data, and video samples to understand the speciation and conservation of corals.
I love helping students find their research and dissolving the idea that research is hard to get into and only for people with Ph.D.s. Finding your passion through hands-on, empirical findings is incredibly rewarding. I hope to build my skills as a mentor and pass on the opportunities I have received as a mentee.
Other info about me: I’m a first generation Middle Eastern woman who came to Temple with no science experience outside of AP Biology. I was also admitted test-optional, and I am part of the Smith Future Scholars and Science Scholars Program. For fun facts, I love weightlifting, and I haven’t found an adult with the same size or smaller hands than me!