Zachary Rene

Hi, I’m Zach Rene, a senior from South Florida studying Psychology, Chemistry, and biology. After college, I plan on working abroad before going to medical school. My interests include volunteering, neuroscience research, and exploring Durham. Additionally, I am working as a women's center intern and learning more about how to challenge gender inequalities that are ingrained in our society and culture. I chose to study psychology and chemistry because I thought these two subjects encompassed what I wanted to get out of Duke: A natural science background that could be complemented by the perspectives of social sciences. I think understanding mental health is vital to a holistic medical approach. Since being at Duke I have tried to merge my scientific interests with my passion for serving communities. Over the past 3 years, I have volunteered with project build a pre-orientation program that introduces freshmen to Durham through community service. At Duke, I also teach local LatinX resident English, & work with the women's center on gender violence prevention. I have spent my last two summers doing neuroscience research at Duke and chemistry research at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. For fun I love playing volleyball, eating with friends, and working out. After college, I hope to take some time off to do international community service or work as an Emergency Medical Technician before entering medical school in hopes of becoming an ER doctor.