Yoan Ganev ’19
Class Year
2019
Area(s) of Study
Double-major in Neuroscience and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hometown
Lake Zurich, Illinois
Achievements
Carr prize in Neuroscience, Richter Scholar, Haas Award for Merit in Scholarship, Phi Beta Kappa, Nu Rho Psi, Barry Goldwater Scholarship Honorable Mention
Graduate Study
MD program, St. Louis University
Solid grounding in academics and lab work
Yoan Ganev ’19 was a student who excelled in the classroom and laboratory, which propelled him to reach his goals of getting accepted into prestigious medical school programs around the country.
A summa cum laude graduate, Phi Beta Kappa inductee, member of Nu Rho Psi, and recipient of three awards at the 2019 Senior Honors Convocation, he capitalized on the opportunities the College has to offer.
Q: What initially drew you to Lake Forest College?
A: “The science program. When I visited DePaul University and Loyola University, their science programs did not really stand out. At Lake Forest College, I saw that students in the science programs were really involved, and they had opportunities to become even more involved. Students here can work in labs, make posters, and present these posters at national conferences. Last summer, I actually presented my research poster at the Great Leagues Chapter for the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, which was held at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Q: What experiences have you had here—besides your classes—that have helped prepare you for your future career?
A: “I think learning how to balance your schedule and knowing what needs to be done immediately versus what can wait is very important.”
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: “I like to play the piano, especially Beethoven and Chopin. I have been playing since I was six years old. For Brain Awareness Week, Professor of Biology Dr. DebBurman asked me to play at the race and theater lecture, and Assistant Professor of Music Anne Barry once contacted me with an opportunity to accompany the choir. I also performed at another event through the College with a fellow student, Claire Olson ’20, who sang while I played background music for a party at one of the houses in Lake Forest.”
Q: Do you have any advice for new students?
A: “You should know that academics are very important, but you should also find a field you really enjoy. Then, you will be able to study without saying, “oh I have to study.” It becomes something that you are both interested and invested in.”
Q: What are you doing now that you have graduated?
A: “I plan on going to medical school. Lake Forest College has been there for me every step of the way. It has provided me with a solid science background, multiple clinical experiences, and exposure to the research side of medicine.”
—By Sangjun Hornewer ’20