Sixty-First Commencement
Class of 2026
Jaren Tasnim
Biology major
When Jaren Tasnim arrived in the United States from Bangladesh on her own, she had to adjust to a new culture, language and education system. "Even though it was difficult at first, those experiences helped me become stronger, more independent, and more determined to succeed," said Jaren.
She knew she wanted to study science and healthcare when she enrolled as a biology major straight from high school. She just didn't yet know how far that interest would take her.
“I wanted a college where I could grow academically and personally. Kingsborough gave me opportunities that completely changed my life,” she said. “I chose Kingsborough because of its diversity, supportive environment, and strong science programs. My research and clinical experiences at Kingsborough made me even more passionate about biology and medicine.”
The experience she points to most happened in the lab. Through the CUNY Research Scholars Program, Jaren conducted original research with biotechnology professor Sarwar Jahangir on an important environmental health problem: the breakdown of PET plastic, the material found in water bottles and synthetic clothing, which has been detected in human blood, lungs, brain and even placental tissue.
Working with genetically engineered strains of E. coli expressing PETase, an enzyme first discovered in 2016 in a plastic-eating bacterium, Jaren helped develop a biological strategy for degrading PET plastic particles, with results analyzed under electron microscopy. "Professor Jahangir taught me important scientific skills, but more importantly, he taught discipline, patience, and how to think critically," she said. "His mentorship completely changed how I see science and my future career goals."
Her research experience also helped bring her out of her shell. "Most people would probably be surprised to know that I used to be extremely shy and afraid of public speaking because now I enjoy presenting research and leading academic activities," she recalled.
Jaren completed a 135-hour clinical internship at Maimonides Medical Center in comprehensive pediatrics through the CUNY Spring Forward program. There, she worked alongside nurses, shadowed pediatric doctors and assisted with patient data collection and checking vitals. "This experience gave me real exposure to healthcare and strengthened my interest in medicine and patient care," she said.
She also founded and served as president of the Biotechnology Club, creating a space for students interested in biology and research to connect. This semester, she organized a biotechnology seminar with guest speakers from Coppin State University. She also worked as a note taker for Access-Ability Services and volunteered in the Horseshoe Crab Cooperative Tagging Program.
When she’s not in the lab or the classroom, she enjoys picking up a camera. Photography, she says, lets her express her creativity and "see the world from different perspectives" — a skill that has served her well beyond the lens.
Jaren graduates in June with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Along the way, she earned Dean's List honors three times, received the Biological Sciences Department Award, the Science Scholars Award funded in honor of Dean Thelma Malle and the President's Award for Distinguished Scholarship. She also won KCC’s James C. Goetz Photography Essay Competition.
She was recently awarded the “Best Poster Award” at the CUNY Undergraduate Research Celebration 2026 and won first place at the CUNY INTREPiD Virtual Student Research Day 2026 for her pre-recorded presentation.
After graduation, Jaren plans to transfer to Brooklyn College to continue studying biology while pursuing additional research and clinical opportunities. Her long-term goal is a career that combines healthcare, biotechnology, and scientific research in order to help people and solve real-world problems.
“I wish more people knew how supportive and life-changing Kingsborough can be. The professors, mentors, and staff genuinely care about helping students grow and succeed,” she mused.“Kingsborough became more than just a college to me—it became a place where I discovered my confidence and direction in life.”