'My majors allowed me to see the deep interconnections between language, culture, science and societal structures'

Salvatore Brancato: Biology & Society and Spanish

5/15/2025

Salvatore Brancato

Biology & Society and Spanish
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Why did you choose Cornell?

I chose Cornell University because it uniquely offered the academic flexibility, intellectual depth and vibrant campus community that aligned perfectly with both my personal values and professional ambitions. From the moment I began exploring colleges, I knew I wanted a university that would allow me to explore multiple disciplines without having to compromise on any of my interests, and Cornell delivered that in full. I was able to double major in Biology & Society and Spanish, while also being able to pursue double minors in Nutrition & Health and Psychology, all within the framework of a pre-medical track. The Biology & Society major allowed me to study science through a social, ethical and policy-oriented lens, which has been critical in shaping my understanding of healthcare as a system deeply intertwined with societal structures. Pairing that with Spanish not only strengthened my language proficiency but also prepared me to communicate more effectively with a broader range of patients in my future medical career. Additionally, Cornell’s College of Arts & Sciences fosters interdisciplinary exploration. I never felt boxed into a single path; rather, I was empowered to build a curriculum that reflected my diverse interests, from organic chemistry and behavioral sciences to medical ethics and cross-cultural communication. A defining moment of my Cornell journey was my semester abroad through the CASA Barcelona program in Spring 2024. Living and studying in Barcelona allowed me to immerse myself in Spanish and Catalan culture. Beyond academics, I was drawn to Cornell’s “big school energy.” Lastly, the faculty at Cornell played an instrumental role in my development. I had the privilege of learning from professors who are not only leaders in their fields but also deeply invested in their students’ growth.

What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of during my time at Cornell was participating in the CASA Barcelona study abroad program in the spring of 2024. As a Spanish major, I knew that full immersion in a Spanish-speaking country would be crucial to deepening my language skills and cultural understanding. My study abroad experience exceeded all my expectations and became the most impactful decision of my academic journey. While in Barcelona, I was enrolled at the Universitat de Barcelona, where I took courses entirely in Spanish alongside local students. Two standout classes were Medieval Castilian Literature and Linguistics, both of which pushed me to engage with complex historical and theoretical content in a second language. These courses demanded a high level of language precision, critical analysis, and academic writing in Spanish, all of which significantly improved my fluency and confidence. I even worked in Rosa Faner’s research lab on immunopathology and translational research in respiratory diseases, engaging with scientific material both in English and Spanish. Outside the classroom, the daily immersion with Spanish and Catalan culture was equally educational. I also took the opportunity to travel across Europe, visiting countries like Italy, France and the Netherlands, which gave me a broader perspective on global cultures. It also instilled in me a great passion for travel. The CASA Barcelona program was a defining part of my Cornell education, and it has shaped me both professionally and personally.

How have your beliefs or perspectives changed since you first arrived at Cornell?

Since arriving at Cornell, my beliefs and perspectives have evolved in profound and meaningful ways. Initially, I approached college with a more compartmentalized view of education, expecting to keep my interests in science and the humanities relatively separate. However, my dual major in Spanish and Biology & Society has significantly broadened and integrated my worldview, allowing me to see the deep interconnections between language, culture, science and societal structures. Through my Spanish major, I’ve developed a nuanced understanding of cultural identity, linguistic diversity and the global histories that shape communities. Engaging with literature, film and historical texts in Spanish has expanded my empathy and global awareness. Simultaneously, my coursework in Biology & Society has taught me to approach science not just as a set of empirical facts, but as a dynamic system that interacts with ethics, policy, politics, public health, etc. I’ve explored topics ranging from healthcare disparities to the socio-political implications of biotechnology. This interdisciplinary lens has helped me understand how scientific advancements affect — and are affected by — cultural and societal values. Together, these majors have given me a well-balanced and holistic education.

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?

The greatest influence on my Cornell education has been my family, especially my mother and my two sisters. When I was very young, my father passed away, leaving my mother to raise triplets on her own. From that moment on, our family story became one of resilience and unconditional love. My mother never let us forget the value of education, not just as a means to success, but as a tool for empowerment and self-discovery. She taught me that no life circumstance, no matter how difficult, should ever define your future. My sisters have also been pillars of support. As triplets, we’ve grown through every life stage together, and always have cheered each other on. They are my built-in best friends. Their belief in me pushed me to believe in myself, even during the hardest moments at Cornell. Whenever I felt overwhelmed — navigating difficult classes, heavy workloads, or moments of self-doubt — I thought about the sacrifices my family made to get me here. My family’s constant support reminds me that my journey is not mine alone, as it’s a reflection of everything we’ve overcome together.

If you were to offer advice to an incoming first year student, what would you say?

Cornell has an incredible range of opportunities — academically, socially and professionally — and my biggest advice is to take full advantage of everything it has to offer. Be curious. Explore classes outside your major, attend guest lectures and join clubs that spark your interest. Equally important is building connections. Form close friendships, seek out mentors and don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance. Some of your most valuable experiences at Cornell will come from the people you meet, like classmates, professors, advisors and friends who will challenge and inspire you. Remember, there truly is something for everyone here. Be open, be kind to yourself as you adjust, and trust that growth often comes from the moments outside your comfort zone. Most of all, enjoy the journey and have fun. It goes by faster than you think.

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.