Zachary Ziccardi

Majors: Chemical Biology and Biology

Q: Why did you choose this area of study?

A: The pandemic caused me to have to shuffle my plans around a lot, but having two majors that were conducive to pre-med also allowed me to get credit for a much wider range of classes towards a degree that were purely in my interests. 

Q: What are you plans after graduation?

A: Obtain employment with the Cleveland Clinic for my gap year before medical school. I plan to be an infectious disease doctor. 

Q: Why did you choose CWRU?

A: I have a distinct memory in 2017, when I visited for the first time, when CWRU gave me a feeling of belonging that I hadn’t felt at other schools I’d visited. I attended a concert at Severance, ate at a restaurant called Ninja City (which has since moved), and walked around campus with an alum and a current student. I was able to sit in on an organic chemistry class with Dr. Sri on that day in 2017, and she ended up being my major advisor a year later!

Q: What is your favorite memory of CWRU?

A: One of my favorite memories is the time I was able to meet LeVar Burton and be part of a small group that sat and talked with him for a while about his career, our futures, his projects for improving literacy, and other things. I was so starstruck at first because he was such a titanic figure in media and culture. However, he quickly showed how smart, personable, and candid he was, and it was amazing to hear his stories, thoughts, and advice, and how dedicated he is to helping young people be successful in all walks of life. 

Q: What is the one thing you’d like to share with incoming freshman?

A: Success is rarely “if you do A, then B will happen.” The best things you can give yourself is some grace, and healthy introspection, and it’s fine to ask for help, advice, and guidance along the way.