Natalia Bilchuk always wanted to be a doctor. At Stevens, she is on the path to making that dream a reality, with some unexpected components added on to help enhance her journey.
A Chemical Biology major, Natalia (’10) decided to pursue a minor in Philosophy to complement her studies. “In our current environment, ethics are vital,” she says. “Philosophy is a natural fit to my determination to be a doctor. I have an interest in humans, and human nature.”
During her freshman year, Natalia was inspired by a class she took with Dean Lisa Dolling. She loved discussing issues with Dean Dolling and other students, and trying to find solutions. Natalia believes that Stevens gives students the tools to be leaders in their fields, in addition to providing the Humanities background needed to be good citizens and recognize how their research can contribute to society. These beliefs led Natalia to restart the Stevens Philosophy Club, of which she is currently the president.
“I would like to be able to make a mark on the school, because Stevens has made such a mark on me,” Natalia says. Given the success of the Ethics Bowl hosted by the College of Arts & Letters each year for high school students, Natalia saw the opportunity to bring this enriching experience to the undergraduate population. Elected as honor chair of Gear & Triangle, and with the support of the Philosophy Club behind her, Natalia has instituted what she hopes to be the first annual Undergrad Ethics Bowl. “The Ethics Bowl will help prepare us for our future as ethical professionals.”
Currently canvassing faculty for their support drawing up case studies, Natalia envisions that every major offered at Stevens will be represented. The first round of Undergrad Ethics Bowl is scheduled to kick off on February 3, where 24 teams will be pared down to the final 4. On February 10, those four teams will compete for the title of most ethical discipline. The department represented will receive the Ethics “Bowl” for the year. This will serve as a testament to the department and the way the faculty teaches and presents their lessons and research.
“Our Honor Board has been doing this for years. With the 100th year of the honor system, and our 140th Anniversary in 2010, this is a landmark time for us. We want people to say: Not only are Stevens students leaders in their field – top scientists, engineers, lawyers, doctors – they are also making a positive impact on society,” asserts Natalia.
In addition to her work with the Undergrad Ethics Bowl, Philosophy Club and Gear & Triangle, Natalia is in the Scholars program, serves as an RA, is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon and the Student Faculty Alliance and contributes to RedShift, Stevens’ literary magazine. She is currently preparing for medical school interviews, having submitted her application to several prominent MD and PhD programs.
Source: Stevens Institute of Technology
