Elizabeth Goberdhan
Biological Sciences
Queens, N.Y.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?
Organizing and executing Relay for Life is the Cornell memory I treasure most. It was more than just an event. It was a celebration of resilience, a space to honor cancer survivors, and a source of strength for those still fighting. Throughout the day, I listened as survivors shared their personal battles with cancer. Their words were raw and powerful, a reminder that behind every statistic is a story of courage and loss. As we lit Luminaria candles to honor those who have lost their lives to cancer, the atmosphere shifted into something sacred. We stood in silence, surrounded by flickering lights and each other, united in remembrance and hope. Most of all, Relay for Life reminded me why I chose to pursue a future in medicine and research. As one of Cornell’s largest fundraisers for cancer research, it allowed me to channel my passion into something tangible: uniting advocacy, remembrance and action.To be part of a movement that transforms grief into purpose and pain into progress is something I will carry with me long after I leave Cornell.
What are the most valuable skills you gained from your Arts & Sciences education?
Problem-solving, adaptability and collaborative leadership are among the most valuable skills I gained from my Arts & Sciences education. Above all, I learned how to think critically and approach challenges from a holistic perspective. This education empowered me to synthesize insights from diverse academic disciplines and life experiences, allowing me to generate innovative ideas and solutions that reflect both analytical rigor and creative thinking. As a study group leader in the Biology Scholars Program, I applied these skills to support underrepresented students through some of the most challenging chemistry and biology courses. By adapting my teaching to different learning styles and fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment, I helped students build confidence in their academic abilities while growing as a leader and mentor myself. Arts & Sciences taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers: It’s about creating space for others to discover their own.
What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my research in the Lei Lab. My research focuses on the GPX-1 gene and its role in type II diabetes. I used the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to analyze the distribution of heavy metals in various tissue samples which enabled me to understand the molecular mechanisms of diabetes. This has such an impact that I did my senior thesis on this topic and presented at various STEM symposiums and conferences. This research experience contributed to my education by deepening my understanding of molecular biology and its implications in clinical settings. Due to hands-on experience with the SEM, I learned data analytical and troubleshooting skills as well as how to interpret findings to provide optimal outcomes. This experience not only refined my critical thinking skills, but developed my ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts into simple terms so all can understand.
How have your beliefs or perspectives changed since you first arrived at Cornell?
Before coming to Cornell, I believed that success was always a solo effort and through hard work I could accomplish anything. However, Cornell taught me that though hard work must never be diminished, real impact only occurs through collaboration and in the sharing of ideas. Because when we do this, we leverage experiences and perspectives enabling us to challenge each other, building something greater together and leaving a legacy for future Cornellians.
Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?
My mother has been the greatest influence on my Cornell education. Throughout my academic journey, she has been my unwavering source of support, always reminding me of my strength, especially in moments when I began to doubt it. But more than emotional encouragement, she has been my greatest inspiration. I watched her overcome extraordinary odds: migrating from another country, teaching herself a new language, surviving ovarian cancer, and doing it all with relentless optimism and grace. Her resilience taught me that challenges are not roadblocks. They are fuel. More than anything, she gave me my mission in life: to become a physician who uplifts others the way she has always uplifted me. She showed me what it means to fight with purpose and love without limits, and now I carry that spirit into everything I do.
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 2025.
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