Student Testimonial: Rochester Institute of Technology

Elizabeth Faust - RIT

Why did you choose the Rochester Institute of Technology?

A major reason I decided to come to RIT was because I could earn a Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience Bachelor of Science Degree with a Bioinformatics Master of Science Degree and have multiple opportunities to play my clarinet as a Performing Arts Scholar. RIT has given me hands-on experience in laboratories through research and lab-based classes like Phage Biology and Environmental Microbiology, allowing me to practice necessary skills that are critical to working professionally.

What's it like being a Performing Arts Scholar?

RIT doesn’t offer majors in performing arts, which means that any musical ensemble I am interested in is open for me and students of all majors to audition for. The ensembles have many amazing people who are also incredible musicians, playing because they want to rather than having an obligation to. RIT has allowed me to play in a variety of ensembles as a creative outlet–including RIT Wind Ensemble, RIT Philharmonic Orchestra, and the RIT Game Symphony Orchestra (a student-run club that specializes in video game music). I have grown as a musician through taking individual private clarinet lessons and standard academic courses like Music Theory.

All these courses and activities have been inclusive and welcoming. We have an amazing community founded on the passion students have for making music. I have also had the opportunity to expand beyond the borders of RIT, including studying abroad in Copenhagen to experience the world of medicine and biology overseas, attending a music conference as part of the RIT Wind Ensemble, and having the Performing Arts Scholarship Program offer off-campus opportunities to see performances by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

How supportive are your professors at RIT?

My professors in both music and biotechnology are supportive of either of my passions and welcome opportunities that come my way in either field. Over the past four years, they have become friends and close mentors that have supported every step of my academic journey.

How has participating in music helped you develop professionally?

Participating in music allows me to practice professional skills like leadership, communication, and collaboration, that are transferable to my future career in biotechnology. I have served as the Wind Section Lead and as President for the executive board of the Game Symphony Orchestra. I have also learned how to network and connect to people with different backgrounds and academic training through our common interest in music. I extend much credit to both the Performing Arts Scholarship Program and Gosnell School of Life Sciences at RIT for preparing me for the future.