G'Vanni Puchi and Rebecca Elia both took courses in a variety of academic disciplines while majoring in biology. They were also involved in numerous activities on campus. In this article, they share their future plans and their advice for younger students.
G'Vanni Puchi
G'Vanni Puchi has known since her freshman year at the University of Miami that she wanted to go to medical school, but she also took advantage of the wide range of courses offered in the College of Arts and Sciences. While completing her biology major, Puchi signed up for classes on everything from criminology to philosophy.
“As a Foote Fellow, I seized every opportunity to expand my intellectual horizons and uncover my passions,” she said.
Puchi, who grew up in Port St. Lucie, Florida, was also involved in numerous extracurricular activities. She served as a Dean’s Ambassador in the College of Arts and Sciences, a volunteer in a local middle school through the BioReach program, and a mentor for high school students through Inspire “U” Academy, just to name a few examples. She also worked as a research assistant in the lab of Athula Wikramanayake, the chair of the biology department, and at the Center for HIV and Research in Mental Health.
“Through my journey at the College of Arts and Sciences, I’ve been blessed to cross paths with exceptional mentors and faculty who have not only guided me but also opened doors to opportunities I never imagined possible,” Puchi said. “Their unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my path and expanding my horizons.”
During her sophomore year, Puchi had to take on the responsibility of supporting herself and her family financially. She worked several different jobs each semester while maintaining a full course load.
That didn’t stop Puchi from pursuing her goals. After graduation, she will be working as a medical assistant scribe at a gastroenterology clinic while she applies to medical school. Her plan is to pursue a career in academic medicine. “I aspire to continue the tradition of mentorship and pave the way for future generations of aspiring healthcare professionals who have faced significant adversity,” she said.
Rebecca Elia
Rebecca Elia loves promoting school spirit at the University of Miami. As the chair of the Category 5 Spirit Programming Board, which helps keep sports-related traditions alive, she has been actively involved in connecting the student body with University athletics.
“My organization, Category 5, has made my time at UM some of the greatest years of my life,” Elia said. “This organization has helped me become a better leader, friend, and supporter of the U.”
But Elia, who is from Cape Coral, Florida, didn’t just focus her energy on promoting school spirit. She is also a successful biology student in the College of Arts and Sciences with minors in chemistry and art history who will be attending Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in the fall. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in foundational and integrated medical sciences before starting medical school in 2025. After discovering a passion for human development in Athula Wikramanayake’s developmental biology course, she plans to become an obstetrician-gynecologist.
“My major and my minors allowed me to become a well-rounded medical school applicant, and the results paid off,” she said.
Elia’s passion for the University extends beyond athletics. As a President’s 100 student ambassador, she has led countless campus tours for prospective students. She also sat on the Student Government Executive Board.
Her advice to current students is to seize the many opportunities available to them. “I would encourage everyone to take advantage of everything the University and Miami has to offer,” she said. “We live in an incredible place unlike anywhere else in the world. Do as much as you can because you’ll be graduating before you know it!”
