Andrea (Pallante) Kichura

BS biomedical engineering '05

(PhD bioengineering '12, University of California at San Diego)

Residence: San Diego, CA

What memories do you have of your Keidaean year?

Senior Week. This was truly the perfect culmination to a great college career. I also loved that there were special events planned for the Keidaeans to supplement the regularly scheduled programming.

What were a few of the organizations, activities or pursuits you were involved in at the University of Rochester? Tell us about your experience in your favorite activity.

I loved every moment of my Rochester experience. I was constantly surrounded by extraordinary individuals in many organizations (SWE, Tau Beta Pi, Varsity Swim Team, Residential Advisors, Meridian Society). My favorite memory was probably the Girl Scout Workshop hosted by SWE every year where we taught young girls how fun science and engineering can be. 

 What advice do you have for the current class of Keidaeans?

You don’t have to have it all figured out by the time graduation day comes around. Find something that you love to do, relish in your accomplishments and have fun!

What did you do immediately after graduation? How did you decide to take that path?

Immediately after graduation, I headed back to my parents house to recharge. After a fun-filled summer of traveling and enjoying having little to no responsibilities, I started the job search. After a few short months, I moved to Boston to do neurobiology research at a hospital lab. This was just the experience that I needed to know I wanted to pursue a graduate degree.

I recently finished up by PhD in bioengineering and I’m probably facing the same questions as some of the graduating Kaidaens, “What the heck am I going to be when I grow up???” I’ll let you know when I figure it out.

How do you remain connected with the rest of your Keidaeans class and other Keidaeans around the world? How do you remain connected with the University of Rochester?

I actually haven’t stayed connected to any Keidaeans – but I’m hoping this may be the start to foster some of those connections. I also stay connected to UR by giving alumni interviews to prospective high school students. In addition, I am lucky enough to live in a region (San Diego) that is very well supported by local alumni and have attended several events in my area.