School of Science

(soon to be DO!)

Pronouns: He/him/his

Major: Biology

Minor: Finance

Class: 2016

Positions: President 2015-2016, Vice President 2014-2015, Secretary Spring 2014

About Me: After I graduated from TCNJ, I worked for 2 years as a medical scribe, and then entered into medical school in 2018. Right now (Fall 2021) I’m a 4th year medical student, preparing to apply for psychiatry residency!

Barkada’s Impact: Joining Barkada and eventually the executive board was probably my most formative experience in college. I was able to explore so much more about my own culture that I may have neglected if I had not joined. I learned how to work within and eventually lead a group of committed individuals. Most importantly, I made lifelong friends and formed memories that I will always cherish.

Advice To My Younger Self: I would advise my younger self to not be afraid of jumping into a new experience. One of my regrets from my freshman year was not getting involved with TCNJ Barkada as much as I did my last 3 years of college.

Ask Eboard for my contact info!

Pronouns: He/him/his

Major: Biology

Minor: Chemistry

Class: 2021

Positions: President 2020-2021, Fundraising Chair 2019-2020

About Me: I am currently taking a gap year while applying to medical school with hopes to matriculate the Fall of 2022. In the mean time I am working two jobs. My first job is working part time as a Virtual Medical Scribe for the Neurosurgery Department of Boston Children’s Hospital. I attend telemedicine outpatient visits with the physician and their patients and I assist in documenting all the medical information in the electronic health records. I am also concurrently working per diem as a Clinical Lab Assistant in Newton Medical Center. In this role, I receive, track and run various specimens for different pathology testing.

Barkada’s Impact: Barkada gave me the opportunity to embrace my Filipino culture which was a part of my identity that I always avoided prior. This club showed me others who were proud to be Filipino-American and I always strived to be the same role model for others to be proud in their skin as well. In addition Barkada introduce to some of my lifelong friends that will be my children’s future Tito’s and Tita’s! Being in Barkada made such an incredible impact in my time at TCNJ but also in my life at TCNJ and would not have traded the experience from the world :)

Advice To My Younger Self: The advice I would give to my younger self is to enjoy and appreciate every moment because life moves so fast. Take your time to be present and also don’t stress too much because all the obstacles you will face will help you grow and be a stronger person. Continue to be kind and with your heart and your drive things will work out and fall into place.

harvyporzuelo@yahoo.com

Pronouns: He/him/his

Major: Biology

Minor: Computer Science

Class: 2009

About Me: I am a Physical Therapist and the Clinical Manager for a Kessler Rehab Center.

Barkada’s Impact: I was around when Barkada was founded and suggested what would eventually become the organization's namesake. Watching it grow and flourish makes me happy to have been part of something special. It connected me with lifelong friends and was where I met my wife.

JustindelaPenaDPT@gmail.com

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: Chemistry

Minor: Psychology

Class: 2014

Positions: President, 2012-2014

About Me: After graduating from TCNJ, Anginelle earned her Master's degree in Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She went on to work as a project manager, then scientific writer and regulatory scientist at a pharmaceutical consulting firm in Durham, NC for 4.5 years. In June 2021, Anginelle moved back to NJ with her husband and dog and is now a Manager, Regulatory Affairs at Axsome Therapeutics in Manhattan.

Advice To My Younger Self: Relax a bit and enjoy your college years!

anginelle.alabanza@gmail.com

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Major: Biology

Class: 2021

About Me: I am currently an M1 at New Jersey Medical School! Right now, I’m interested in becoming an OB/GYN or pediatrician.

Barkada’s Impact: Barkada gave me the fullest college experience in the 3 years I was at TCNJ. It gave me my best friends, housemates, and a newfound appreciation for Jollibee. When I felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere else, Barkada accepted me with open arms! I grew so much as a person and met an amazing network of young AAPI advocates.

Advice To My Younger Self: You’re never going to feel ready for something, and if you keep waiting to feel ready, life is going to pass you by in a flash.

catdaichang123@gmail.com

Pronouns: He/him/his

Major: Biology

Minor: Psychology

Class: 2011

Positions: Secretary, 2008-2009

About Me: After TCNJ, I worked for three years as a lab technician at Rockefeller University, NYC. Following that, I went to Rutgers-NJMS for my PhD in immunology and have recently defended my thesis. I am a cellular immunologist currently on the job market for postdoctoral opportunities.

Barkada’s Impact: Having graduated >10 years out, the only people I remain in contact with from my college years are Barkada members. It is still part of my life indirectly, as my two younger sisters (Mariella/Marisa) are TCNJ students now and have joined the organization, which my generation was responsible for establishing.

Advice To My Younger Self: Take a break when you need it. Also, be kind to others, and also yourself.

marcbrill89@gmail.com

Pronouns: He/him/his

Major: Biology

Class: 2021

Positions: Secretary 2018-2019, External Vice President 2019-2020, D5 Secretary 2019-2020, FIND National Director 2020-2021

About Me: I'm currently (Fall 2022) a D2 at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine! No post-grad life because I started right after undergrad lol. I also live in NYC with my girlfriend (that I met through D5) (insert eyes emoji) (my superlative was Deep in D5). I keep myself sane during school by powerlifting, watching anime , and playing video games! Follow me on ig @jayguev & @jayg.kg (DM for coaching -- not really -- unless u really want to)

Barkada’s Impact: Barkada was quite literally my life in undergrad lol. As a freshman, I didn't really feel accepted anywhere for a while, and I found that through Barkada. These connections gradually grew as I branched out into D5 and later FIND. Besides making lifelong friends, mentors, and connections all throughout the country, Barkada molded me into a confident leader. Ngl being on e-board was one of the most stressful things I've done in my life, but it's a large part of why I am who I am today. I carry a lot of the skills I picked up on e-board with me into my daily life, and I would recommend anyone and everyone to try running for e-board! I am thankful everyday to Barkada for defining my entire college experience, and I will cherish those memories forever.

Advice To My Younger Self: Don't feel pressured to have a life plan figured out. Take your time to find what you're really passionate about, even if it means taking some time away from college, or taking some time post-grad. Everyone has different life timelines, and you shouldn't feel rushed just because other people are elsewhere in theirs. Life isn't a race!

j.guev812@gmail.com