Biosketch
- Name: Angelina Blahodatna
- College: Kennedy College of Sciences
- Major: Major: Computer Science - Data Science; Minors: Chemistry and Math
- Hometown: Stow, Massachusetts
- Brief introduction about who you are, your role, and your academic focus:
Hey, name's Angelina. Don't want to repeat my role or major here, so here's a fun fact: I lost my first tooth when I bit my older brother in a play fight. - Favorite hobbies: Rock climbing/bouldering, playing badminton, cycling, reading
- What is your favorite thing about UMass Lowell (UML)?
Diversity. I enjoy getting to know people, so having the opportunity to meet such a wide range of individuals has been really exciting. The same goes for professors, a huge portion of them come from all around the world, each with interesting backgrounds and experiences they often share. As an international student myself, that makes me feel at ease. - Why did you choose to attend UMass Lowell?
I got into the Honors College, became involved with RHSA, and received good scholarships, so it was the most beneficial option. Don’t regret it, though. No matter where you are, there is always something valuable you can make use of in your environment. I’ve built meaningful friendships, gained research experience, and grown as a person overall. I’d call that a net positive. - What are your future academic and/or career goals?
I’m hoping to go into computational chemistry (stuff like running molecular dynamics simulations and building mathematical models to predict molecular properties and structures). I’m open to wherever life takes me, but I am not gonna lie, getting experience in drug development would be really cool. - What has being involved with the River Hawk Scholars Academy meant to you?
I’m a practical person: if there’s an opportunity in front of me, I take it. RHSA has given me a lot of support in moving toward my goals. Through it, I've gained practical research experience, connected with like-minded peers, and had the chance to help out first-gen freshmen, all while receiving financial support. - Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself in your first year of college?
Just go up and talk to people. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or “bother” others, because that’s exactly how I got my first research position. - What advice would you give to fellow UMass Lowell students?
Don’t just go with the flow: experiment, explore, and figure out what works for you. Make your time here worth it. - What inspires you to want to help first-generation students in the RHSA?
I’ve been in their place, and now I'm in a position where I can help. At this point, it’s less about why I would help and more about why wouldn’t I.