Marching to Her Own Beat

Zuni Perez ’28 seems to have more than 24 hours in a day. She majors in chemistry, minors in physics and mathematics, is in the Honors Program and the marching band, and works as a research assistant.

“I feel like I manage my time better at URI. I find it easier now to balance my health, social life, and academics,” said Perez. “I am focused on pursuing a PhD in nuclear chemistry!”

Perez grew up in Providence and discovered her passion for chemistry in high school. After spending her senior year in North Carolina, she decided to return home for college.

“I missed Rhode Island and chose URI primarily because of its chemistry department and the marching band,” said Perez. “The chemistry department’s curriculum and variety in research made URI an excellent choice. I’ve also been able to pursue an undergraduate nuclear engineering certificate.”

Although she never toured the campus, when she arrived on campus in her first year, she discovered how friendly everyone was. She has grown very close to others in the marching band and enjoys participating in the Honors Program classes and events. She also serves as a URI 101 mentor. It’s a hectic schedule.

“Our practices and game days are long and exhausting, but it’s absolutely worth it,” says Perez. “Being in the marching band is a welcome break from all my STEM classes. STEM might be my life, but music was my first love, and being in the marching band is truly something I prioritize.”

Although being accepted at URI was a terrific accomplishment, “Getting a scholarship was life changing,” said Perez. “It relieved a lot of financial stress on my family and allowed me to reduce my working hours. It allows me to fully focus on my career goals!

“I want to become a research professor in nuclear medicinal chemistry or radiopharmaceuticals at a university, and I’m grateful to be at URI and to have the opportunity to construct such a strong foundation that I can stand on for the future.”

And she marches on.