In the Student Spotlight as of February, 2002: Name: Annis Spencer Major: Biochemistry Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Annis is a senior who transferred to Stony Brook this past year. She talked with Ruth Junkins about her Stony Brook experience.

Ruth Junkins: Why did you choose Stony Brook?

Annis Spencer: I felt that I could get a lot of benefits from being a student at Stony Brook. As a New York state resident, I save a lot of money going to Stony Brook. It is much less expensive than my previous college, Long Island University. When looking at universities, I found out that Stony Brook was the second best Research University in the country and I thought that it would be an honor to be at such a high-ranking school. Also, I wanted to get away from the city. I feel less stress in the quiet environment here.

RJ: Who is your favorite professor?

AS: My Pre-calculus professor, Bill Bernhard. He always took the time to explain problems, and worked with us to make sure we understood what was going on. In his class, people didn't feel shy. He wasn't intimidating, so we felt free to ask questions.

RJ: Outside of classes, what are you involved in?

AS: I am involved in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, where I am part of the worship team. I also play intramural badminton, and like to go to the gym to work out. I also work in a lab, for Robert Haltiwanger, where I am a lab assistant. I make sure that the graduate students have all the supplies they need to do their experiments and at times I also help out with experiments.

RJ: What are your plans for the future?

AS: After graduating from Stony Brook, I am thinking about going to a graduate school that specializes in Pharmacology. I'm not sure if I want to stay here in New York or go somewhere else. I'd like to get my Master's degree in two years and my Ph.D. in three, so I have five years of grad school ahead of me. After that I'd like to get married, have a family and work for a big Pharmaceutical Corporation, like Pfizer. I would also like to sing on the side. I may decide to take a year off during my career and cut an album.

RJ: Do you have any unforgettable experiences at Stony Brook?

AS: The midnight scream during finals. I am not usually a person who screams my lungs out like that, but it was a great way to get rid of stress. It was also a great opportunity to meet a lot of people.

RJ: What kind of books do you read?

AS: I love reading biographies. I love reading about the lives of people who are famous today, and seeing how they got where they are. My favorite book is "Gifted Hands," an autobiography by Ben Carson, one of the top neurosurgeons in the country. He tells about dealing with racism and segregation growing up, and about being the only black student at the top of the class. I find it very encouraging to hear about the goals that people have - it may look hard, but if you really study and put your heart into it, you can do anything. This book really encouraged me to go into the science field. I thought, "if Ben Carson can do it, I can do it too!" I also really like mystery books. I think that my favorite books are the Nancy Drew mysteries. I love a story where you never know what is going to happen.

RJ: Who is your favorite author?

AS: Terri MacMillian. Her books are very interesting. She writes romance novels. They show how a person can have a goal, and then a man comes into their lives and things get messed up. They emphasize to me the fact that it is very important to finish school before you start thinking about those things. They show how tricky romance can be.

RJ: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to spend time with me. Keep up the good work!