Interview with Sevana Wassilian
Between working at a hospital, researching cancer, and holding leadership roles in various local organizations, it is clear that Sevana Wassilian, a junior Biochemistry major with a minor in Human Nutritional Sciences, is passionate about community engagement. Sevana aspires to serve medically underserved populations as a doctor and researcher specializing in pediatrics, obstetrics, or gynecology. Her interest in women’s health has earned her a Claude Laval Award for Innovative Technology and Research, and her curiosity and genuine desire for meaningful change is obvious in every academic and professional endeavor she undertakes.
In this interview, Sevana discusses how she continues to grow her skills, expand the scope of her education, and stay active within Fresno State and her local community.
1. What is your name, class standing, and major/minor? Why are you interested in your major/minor and how does that relate to your career goals?
My name is Sevana Wassilian, and I am a biochemistry major with a minor in human nutritional sciences. I am hoping that my degree will help in my pursuit to medical school, as my ultimate goal is to be a physician, likely specializing in pediatrics or obstetrics and gynecology.
I believe an education in nutrition will help in my career, as having an understanding in not only nutrition but food psychology is an often overlooked, yet significant part of improving the health and well being of my future patients. From my nutrition classes, I've built skills to effectively communicate nutrition to others without harming their relationship with food.
2. Tell us about your scribe experience at St. Agnes. When did you start working here and how did you find out about this job? What do you do as part of your job?
After hearing about the Saint Agnes Scribe Program from a peer at Fresno State, I decided to apply and was hired in March of 2023! During my shifts, I help doctors keep track of their charts, but also get to observe their medical decision making, leadership skills, and how they handle the ins and outs of the ED.
Throughout my time at Saint Agnes, I've seen the patience, commitment, and empathy of so many individuals, all qualities I hope to emulate as a physician in the future. Being part of a team that helps patients in their most difficult moments is something I am immensely grateful for.
3. Why did you get involved in Camp Kesem? Describe your experience as a camp counselor, Operations Coordinator, and Co-Director.
I initially joined Camp Kesem my freshman year because I had been involved in scouts my whole life, and camping with kiddos has always been something I enjoyed! After attending camp for the first time, I realized how the community Kesem builds for children undergoing such hard times during their parents' battle with cancer is so important. This inspired me to apply for COORD, our leadership team, my sophomore year to continue building our community year round.
Being director this year, it's definitely one of the toughest positions I've had, but also the most rewarding. Throughout the year, I am responsible for managing our team of fourteen other coordinators and keeping communication with Kesem’s national organization.
Being a coordinator was challenging due to the workload, but being a director has been challenging in that it's pushed me to expand on skills such as leadership, management, and problem-solving, while still being a helping hand to the amazing kiddos that make Kesem so magical.
4. Who do you do research with on campus? What is their lab like and why are you interested in their research? How is this experience preparing you for your next career step? Why should students get involved in research?
I am in Dr. Corey L. Brook's biochemistry lab! I am currently working on a project using artificial intelligence to generate new proteins that can bind to a tumor marker commonly found in ovarian cancer cells. I am very fortunate to work on a project in the realm of women's health, an area of medicine unfortunately behind the rest, and I feel this will prepare me for the research I am hoping to do within the field in medical school regarding less invasive diagnostic tools for a variety of women's health concerns.
I've also been fortunate enough to receive the Claude C. Laval Jr. Award for Innovative Technology and Research, as well as admittance into the Howell-CSUBIOTECH Research Scholars Program, which rewards students pursuing research focused on women's health.
If you're looking to learn somewhere outside the classroom and expand your curiosity to lengths you never thought it could go, join research!
5. Are there any other clubs and organizations that you are passionate about on campus?
Yes! I am in Armenian Students Organization, and I have served as both vice president and secretary. Through these experiences, I've been able to speak about issues important to my community at public events and local news channels, such as the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and the ongoing conflict in Artsakh.
6. What is your favorite thing about being a Fresno State/Smittcamp student?
The people! I have so much gratitude towards my peers in Smittcamp, especially those further in their career paths than me, who have given me the most helpful guidance towards my future goals.
7. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Outside of campus, I love staying involved within Fresno's Armenian community. I am a proud member of the Armenian Youth Federation and Homenetmen Fresno Sassoon’s scouting division, and also as a basketball coach to girls 10-12!
I love advocating for my community and promoting the value of our culture and language among those younger than me.
