Neil Garrett Ruthen

Neil Garrett Ruthen

Bachelor of Arts

Biochemistry

Mathematics

When it comes down to it, I applied to Oberlin College on a hunch. After visiting campus as a junior in highschool, I had a vague sense of belonging and the intangible notion that I would be happy there. I did not know then what I know now: Oberlin would give me a chance to renew myself. Soon after arriving at Oberlin, I became heavily involved with two clubs: Oberlin Club Tennis and Challah Cappella. These two groups supported and reinvigorated my love of musical, cultural, and athletic expression. I, in return, have worked hard to maintain these two organizations over the past four years by taking on various leadership positions: co-chair, musical director, liaison, and captain. Within academics, I was lucky enough to have many mentors at Oberlin guide me as a multifaceted young scientist toward meaningful research projects and rigorous coursework. Their mentorship helped me secure undergraduate research positions at Oberlin and at Weill Cornell Medicine, find a match for my diverse interests in the field of computational biology, and reach my full potential as an independent learner.

I spent my 2019 Winter Term in Ulm, Germany studying molecular diagnostics at the University Hospital of Ulm. During my time there, I had the chance to explore Munich, Stuggart, and FrankfurtI even attended a cancer research conference hosted in the German Alps! It was truly an amazing experience, that Winter Term inspired me to learn German!

Research Assistant

Tutor

Lab TA

Stull Recital Hall will always hold a special place in my heart. The hall was the concert venue of choice for my a cappella group and it was tradition to have our final concert there to celebrate our graduating members. Stull Recital Hall reminds me of old friends, beautiful music, and the gorgeous light that streams through its many windows.

My favorite class I have taken was Biochemistry (taught by Professor Ryno). It was the perfect culmination of my studies at Oberlin. The course covered a broad and interesting set of topics. Not only did we explore the basic principles of biochemistry but also the ethics of pesticide use, a variety of analyses for biological samples, and drug mechanisms.The class gave me the opportunity to apply all that I had learned at Oberlin; a chance to advance my science writing, laboratory, and critical thinking skills to a high level. Most importantly, the class affirmed my passion for biochemistry and love of science.

Club Tennis

Challah Cappella

Club Sports Council

OSHOTS

The Synapse

"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." -Lewis Carroll

I will not forget the energy of the first study break concert I attended and performed at. As is tradition, we were singing to an audience tightly packed under the ramp of Mudd Library. It was a cold October night but I was warm with nervousness and excitement. We got out front and sang our hearts out while the crowd cheered and nodded to the beat.

05/25/2020

I am in the process of searching for a job in the biotech industry as a software engineer or bioinformatics analyst.