Department Climate Committee

I’m Ivette Cornejo-Corona. Though Mexico City is where my journey began, I’ve embraced the thrill of living in three different countries and calling six unique cities home. Aggieland has been my enriching abode for the past five years. I proudly identify as a Aggie-biotechnologist, impassioned about guiding the next generation toward becoming better individuals.

My hobbies effortlessly intertwine with my scientific pursuits—I find solace in crafting illustrations and diving into captivating sci-fi novels. Nature’s allure, especially forests and lakes, captivates my heart. An intriguing tidbit about me: I devoted extensive time to artistic swimming; while the Olympic medal evaded me, I can hold my breath for a minute and navigate waters adeptly. Sociology and linguistics stand as my second interests, following science, of course. Additionally, I maintain a global network of friends fluent in various languages, stemming from diverse backgrounds and professions.

My involvement in the Climate Committee is driven by a desire to advocate for postdocs, ensuring our voices resonate. The Biochemistry and Biophysics department has been my academic family for over six years. I eagerly anticipate fostering a collaborative environment while contributing to our shared goals within the Climate Committee. Feel free to connect—I’m always open to engaging conversations and offering a cup of coffee at my office in BCBP NMR Bldg. Room 220, ready to embrace new perspectives and meaningful discussions.

I’m Betty Cotton, proud to serve as part of the dedicated staff within the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Originally hailing from Cleveland, TX, I’ve called Bryan, TX, my home for the past 24 years.

A typical day for me at work consists of reading emails, addressing questions, and providing information or guidance to any situation that arises within the department.  Outside these walls, you’ll find me at the College Station F45 gym, dedicated to fitness, or capturing precious moments through scrapbooking—memories from our family’s adventures and escapades.  I like to scuba dive, (but only in crystal clear water, with shallow depths, and no sharks, of course). 

Inspirational quotes fuel my days; among my top five are:

1. “What doesn’t kill you, will make you stronger.”
2. “I didn’t come here to play.”
3. “Work till Jesus comes, I’ll work…(song).”
4. “Let your conscience be your guide.”
5. “Two wrongs don’t make it right.”

Being part of the Climate Committee holds great meaning to me; it’s a platform to foster unity and familial bonds within our department. I extend a warm invitation for your participation in our events, hoping you find the committee as beneficial and inspiring as I do.

Feel free to drop by my office in room 103D for a chat or a simple hello.

Best wishes with your endeavors while here at Texas A&M University. It’s a great place to work and have a career!

I am Vishal M. Gohil, a faculty in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics since 2012. I was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, and grew up in a small coastal town in western India called Porbandar, which is famous as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. While Gandhi conducted his experiments with truth, I experiment with mitochondria!

In addition to mentoring students in my lab, I teach metabolism-related courses to graduate and undergraduate students and serve in various departmental committees, including the Climate Committee. Symmetry, harmony, and balance found in nature inspire me and guide all my work. I derive immense pleasure in training my students while making fundamental discoveries that can benefit human health. I like working with honest and sincere colleagues, whereas dishonesty, arrogance, and manipulation drive me crazy. Apart from work, I enjoy playing and watching cricket, a popular sport in India. I also enjoy reading biographies, listening to music, and watching movies. My favorite quotes that describe my life philosophy are:

1. “Truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
2. “Hard work never killed a man.”
3. “An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind.”

I have been very fortunate to have some dedicated students, a great family, wonderful friends, and teachers. I hope to create the same supportive environment in the department through the Climate Committee.

I am Swatadipta Chakraborty, a graduate student in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Originally from Kolkata, India, I have been calling Aggieland home for almost four years now. Currently, I am in the fourth year of PhD program in Biobio and my area of research is Epigenetics.

Apart from doing research, I deeply take interest in painting and music (specially classical and folk music). Being from Kolkata, famous as the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali poet, novelist, and painter best known for being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, art and literature always fascinate me. Art, in any form, is interesting to me and all I do after a stressful day is paint out my imagination on a canvas. I enjoy painting sketches, glass painting and fabric painting. Also, it helps to increase concentration and patience.

Additionally, I enjoy watching movies, cooking, and reading novels. During leisure time, I find peace and joy amidst nature’s laps and love travelling to new places. Few inspirational quotes which are a source of motivation during tough times are:

1. “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
2. “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
3. “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!”

Being able to be a part of the Climate Committee is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow graduate students, postdocs, and undergrads in the Department- we serve as a platform to foster unity and inclusive environment in the Department; so, feel free to connect anytime with us!

My name is Cole Janzow, an undergraduate student in the department of biochemistry and biophysics. I was born in Fredrick, Maryland. After several moves, my family now lives in Jacksonville, Florida. I am a second-generation aggie currently in my 3^rd year.

Outside of classes, I am a member of the Corps of Cadets and a student research assistant in Dr. Sacchettini’s lab. I enjoy lifting weights, surfing, and spending time with my family. 

Last fall, I was selected for president of the Biochemistry and Genetics Society (BGS), a student organization for those in the college. Our goal is to bring together students with academic or career interests in biochemistry and genetics. We give students an insight on career options and help build their aggie network. Having a group of like-minded students makes this huge university a little bit smaller.

I have very big plans for the organization. We have already grown to over 40 active members 2023/24 year. Our current focus is to use this year to prepare BGS for after we graduate (Spring 2025). I understand the next portion of BGS success will involve collaboration with the biochemistry and biophysics department.

The single most important lesson I have learned through the Corps of Cadets, BGS leadership, and my undergraduate is to value relationships. No conflict, disagreement, or stress is more important than the people you work with. I completely agree with the phrase, “it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.” It doesn’t cost you anything to be kind, show everyone respect and you will be rewarded.

You can find me on the Corps of Cadets quad, located on the south side of campus. Feel free to stop by and chat if you have any questions about undergraduate life in BCBP or interests concerning the TAMU Biochemistry & Genetics Society.

My name is Michelle Henderson Pozzi and I am a Principal Lecturer here in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. I currently teach BICH 410 and 411 to undergraduates and work with graduate students in the role of teaching assistants (TAs). I have also taught BICH/GENE 432, UGST 285/485, and BICH 485 courses. I am beginning my third decade with this department and am grateful to teach here at Texas A&M University and have the opportunity to work with Aggies. I love the field of biochemistry, although my true professional passion is teaching and motivating others to learn how they learn and think critically, applying that knowledge and recognizing their potential. Watching students develop the ability to learn and think, excel in their chosen fields, is truly rewarding.

I am excited to serve on the climate committee. We all are always learning; finding ways to generate ideas to make our department the most successful it can be, and this is important in shaping the department we all share. I am very thankful for all this department has given me, have found great value in the camaraderie and friendships I have with colleagues and students, and am grateful to work in this department.

Important reminders I have in my life:

1. Live each day with purpose and remember it is a gift – even the hard days
2. Keep on keeping on
3. Adversity is also opportunity
4. Do the right thing in the right way
5. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ~ Gal 5:22-23

Beyond my time spent here at Texas A&M University, I love being a wife and mom. My favorite way to spend free time is with my husband and us supporting or helping our sons in aspects of their life – this often has me at ball fields!! I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, including being a dog mom because my dogs are also my family! I love watching sports, in addition to my sons and their teams, this includes Aggie everything – certainly football/softball/baseball are tops! I do love the Houston Astros and have been a fan since the 1990s, Indiana Fever, and every year the little league baseball and softball world series are some of my favorite games to watch. I also enjoy regularly working out, a body at rest stays at rest but a body in motion stays in motion – gotta keep moving!