'I learned how to make connections between nearly everything I learned'

Casandra Moisanu

Chemistry
Centerport, N.Y.

What are the most valuable skills you gained from your Arts & Sciences education?

I think the most valuable skills I gained from my Arts & Sciences education are learning how to make connections between nearly everything I learn and also learning to be open to new experiences. Taking all sorts of classes in the College of Arts & Sciences taught me that everything is connected in one way or another, and when you can make those connections, you start to see the world a bit differently, and I appreciate that. As I tried new classes, I became more confident in trying new experiences both in and out of school, which have led to forming some amazing memories. 

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class was honors experimental organic chemistry lab, CHEM 3010. It was the class "that made the major." I enjoyed it because it was the most fun I ever had in a chemistry lab course. The syntheses that we did were interesting in their own right, and we got to make some amazing compounds. The lab section I was in also loved to have fun, and our TA encouraged it. We always played music and helped each other during the lab, and during the process we also got to practice some very cool chemistry. It was fantastic.

What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?

My main extracurricular activity is being a member of the Big Red Bands, both the Marching Band and Pep Band. Being a part of the bands means more to me than I can put into words. This organization gave me some of my favorite memories at Cornell, from parading all across campus to playing Davy after a hockey goal was scored at Lynah. This group of people is unlike any other, and I am grateful to have been a part of it during my time at Cornell. I have made my best friends thanks to this group, and I am so proud to be a part of it. 

What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of, either inside the classroom or otherwise?

I am most proud of my research project at Cornell. I've been working in the Milner Lab since the summer before my sophomore year, and I've absolutely loved being a part of a research group. The project I am currently working on, in a way, traces its origin back to some of the very first reactions I ran back in 2018. I've loved seeing how the project evolves over time and what I learn as I go, and I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish.

Where do you dream to be in 10 years?

I dream to be in a lab that is doing something to help the world, whether that means synthesizing compounds that can be used to treat illnesses or designing materials that can be recycled better or are more efficient at executing some process, I want to be using chemistry to actively make the world a better place. 

Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series. Read more about the Class of 2021.