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For Sofia Renna, '26, choosing ӣ������ Manchester meant more than choosing a college; it meant finding a place where opportunity, support, and ambition come together. As a biological sciences student with big goals, Sofia has taken full advantage of the programs, mentorship, and close‑knit community that define the ӣ������ Manchester experience.

A Strong Start Through the Millyard Scholars Program

Sofia’s journey at ӣ������ Manchester began with the Millyard Scholars Program, a scholarship and academic support program designed to help high-achieving students transition confidently into college. Sofia shares,

"I chose ӣ������ Manchester because I was lucky enough to have really good grades in high school and got a full ride through the Milliard Scholars Program."

The Millyard Scholars Program offers more than financial support; it provides structure and personalized guidance during the critical first year of college. That built-in support is amplified by ӣ������ Manchester’s small classes and close campus community.

"The Milliard Scholars Program is a scholarship program where you have your first year basically built in for you. It’s heavily personalized and the smaller classes and smaller community helps with that so much."

For Sofia, the Millyard Scholars Program created space to focus on academics, build confidence, and start planning for the future early on.

Studying Biological Sciences in a Supportive Community

As a student in the Biological Sciences program, Sofia is enrolled in ӣ������ Manchester’s largest and most popular major, known for its flexibility, hands-on learning, and preparation for careers in health, research, and graduate study. Small labs and accessible faculty allow students to engage deeply with the material while forming strong connections with professors and peers. That sense of community has been central to Sofia’s experience.

Faculty mentorship plays a major role in the biological sciences program at ӣ������ Manchester, especially when it comes to helping students explore research opportunities. Sofia shares,

“It’s a great group of people, especially the professors. They will help you find research opportunities or even research with them, like I’ll be doing next semester.”

Gaining Hands-On Experience Through Undergraduate Research

One of the most exciting parts of Sofia’s time at ӣ������ Manchester has been participating in undergraduate research, where she's had a chance to do work that connects classroom learning to real-world challenges.

"In my personal group project, we’re testing to see if there’s a way that we can find new antibiotics from waste of animals. I’m really excited to think I could be working on a brand new antibiotic that could save lives."

Undergraduate research at ӣ������ Manchester allows students like Sofia to collaborate closely with faculty, think creatively, and develop skills that will serve them long after graduation. She adds, “There are a lot of opportunities here to grow.”

Looking Ahead with the Accelerated Master’s Program

As Sofia prepares for her next academic step, she’s planning to take advantage of ӣ������ Manchester’s accelerated master’s program, which allows students to begin graduate-level coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree.

"With the accelerated master’s program, you can do your master’s and your bachelor’s at the same time, which is what I’m planning on starting in the spring."

This pathway allows motivated students to build momentum, deepen their academic experience, and stay connected to the faculty mentors who have supported them throughout their undergraduate years.

What’s Next After ӣ������ Manchester

While ӣ������ Manchester has played a major role in Sofia’s journey so far, she’s already focused on the next step. Sofia shares,

"When I’m done at ӣ������, I plan on going to medical school. I really want to work at either Boston Children’s Hospital or St. Jude’s because I want to work with pediatrics, but pediatrics oncology is ultimately the goal."

A Place That Helps Students Move Forward

For Sofia Renna, ӣ������ Manchester has been a place where opportunity meets support. Through the Millyard Scholars Program, hands-on undergraduate research, close faculty relationships, and accelerated graduate options, she’s found a campus community that encourages growth and helps students prepare for what’s next. Her experience is a powerful example of how ӣ������ Manchester supports students in building strong foundations, while giving them the tools and confidence to pursue ambitious futures.

Watch and listen to Sofia's full story about her biological sciences journey at ӣ������ Manchester and what she's up to next!