Meet Shashwati:
Shashwati Sikder Sharaya made the journey to Kent State University from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to pursue a degree in biotechnology. Currently in her junior year, she is an accomplished student involved in several organizations, including the Kent State University Honors College and also serves as a Peer Assisted Study Session leader. This upcoming summer, she will also participate in the Kent State Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). Working alongside Dr. Kim Min Ho, she is accomplishing her dreams in medical research by earning a bachelor's degree from Kent State's unique academic experience.
Adapting to Kent State Life:
When deciding between schools, Shashwati knew she wanted a university experience that had opportunities for research, a welcoming environment, and a balance between school and the community. Originally, when touring Kent State and then attending Destination Kent State (DKS) in spring 2024, Shashwati was introduced to the strong academic program and advanced laboratories in the biological science buildings which presented numerous opportunities.
When discussing the transition to Kent State, she explained, “Overall, my first impression of the campus was that it was very beautiful and welcoming. Both DKS and the international orientation made me feel very home, made me feel that I was not alone because I was introduced with all the other international students. That felt very nice, being in a room full of people where everybody else was going through the same experience, more or less as you were. I was in awe of the campus, which is very large with a lot of green space and modern facilities.”
Academic and Social Experience:
Completing an academic experience in a new country can be both stressful and exciting, especially when teaching and class styles are different. While discussing the experience, Shashwati described, “I expected the education system to be more fast-paced or a bit more challenging because I have never studied in an American setting before or a U.S. study setting before. However, when I came here, I realized how interactive and discussion-based many classes are. Students are encouraged to ask questions, share opinions and work collaboratively rather than just it being an assignment that you have to do on your own. I really appreciated how unique it was, and how all of the professors were so much help.”
Attending college often comes with the challenge of adapting to a new social environment. By getting involved in student clubs or organizations and building connections with others, students can find a sense of community that makes their college experience more enjoyable. Shashwati has incorporated a number of new clubs and experiences into her life, while also meeting those and connecting with those students navigating a similar experience.
"At first, it was definitely a bit challenging because everything was new and there was a feeling of homesickness that obviously stays with you. But I think overall now, like, I have friends from my own community and as previously mentioned, the class. Being comfortable, the group activities, especially focused in the freshman classes, really help bond with your peers that you're working with.”
Support From Faculty
Shashwati highlights the impact of the biotechnology department, Dr. Kim Min Ho, on her academic experience. “Working with him on my thesis is a big privilege and opportunity on its own. Overall, writing my [senior] honors thesis played a very important role in my academic development. The thesis experience has allowed me to go beyond the traditional classroom experience.”
The junior honors student also credits her honors advisor Theresa Yogi, who has been helpful with her transition to Kent State. As Shashwati continues work in her biotechnology major, she appreciates the guidance and benefits she receives as a member of the Honors College. She explains, “My honors advisor Theresa Yogi has been an extreme level of support to me, if I am ever having academic pressure problems or I'm confused about something. I always know I can reach out to her and in that way, the Honors College has really made me feel at home because I know I could go and share my confusions or my problems with her. She has been an amazing help, a great guidance on how my experience has been in Kent State. So it wouldn't be the same without her.”
The Future:
The Kent State Honors College promotes academically talented students, and Shashwati Sikder Sharaya is no exception. As a member of the Honors College, she has been able to extend beyond the classroom and participate in academic writing and research. This summer Shashwati is participating in the SURE program, where she is planning to research wound healing and further expand her independence with research. Her love for helping others and having an impact on their lives is what drives her both academically and professionally.
About the Honors College:
The Kent State University Honors College is part of a long tradition of promoting academically talented students with a unique academic experience. The Kent State University Honors College is an institutional member of the National Collegiate Honors Council and the Mid-East Honors Association. To learn more about the Honors College, visit the Honors College website.
Media Contact: Stephanie Moskal, smoskal@kent.edu, 330-672-2312