Sophie Mero ’22 Takes on the World
Sophie Neikou Mero ’22 says she has always been interested in biology and wanted to explore the subject at a higher level. Besides offering a great way to learn about the living things around us, she says, it is a lot of fun. Mero is planning a career in health care and she found biology to be a perfect match.
Note to pre-Grinnell Sophie … seek out all the wonderful opportunities Grinnell has to offer!
Mero hails from Dimapur, Nagaland, in India. She has taken every opportunity she can at Grinnell to explore the world around her through study and research. After her first year, she was offered funding for an internship in India, where she shadowed doctors in various settings and gained a solid understanding of how a rural secondary hospital functions. She says this opportunity helped her gain confidence in her plans for the future.
Mero says that critical thinking skills are one of the most important things she has developed at Grinnell. Grinnell students hone these skills by reading the scientific literature, unpacking the main ideas, asking questions (hard ones, as all Grinnellians do), doing research, and presenting the results. She says that the faculty at Grinnell connect the concepts learned in class to societal issues; this instilled a strong sense of social responsibility in her and made her experience at Grinnell all the more enjoyable and empowering. Because of this, Mero plans to pursue a career in medicine and research.
During her time at Grinnell, Mero has had the opportunity to conduct research with Professor Josh Sandquist, her academic and research adviser. She credits his guidance and mentorship for her growth as a scientist, scientific writer, and researcher.
Grinnell’s Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) has been invaluable, Mero says. Here students can find resources and guidance for planning academic studies, career development, and post-graduation plans. Mero says that she built a good relationship with her CLS adviser, Mary Jane Shroyer, who helped her plan her next steps after Grinnell.
Grinnell offers a globally-informed curriculum, a commitment to social justice, and collaborative community-building. Mero’s experience illustrates Grinnell’s ever-evolving and robust liberal arts program. We’re proud of you, Sophie! Take on the world!