Roger Williams University: From The Lab To The Commencement Stage: Jules Gerstner Reflects On Her RWU Journey

Press release from Roger Williams University:

By Kelly Brinza

May 1, 2025

BRISTOL, R.I. – From academics to her eclectic student involvement, Jules Gerstner has had an incredible journey at Roger Williams University. Now, the double major in Chemistry and Biology has one more thing to do before she leaves – address the school as one of this year’s student commencement speakers.

“I'm really excited,” said Gerstner. “I really want to leave my mark on this place, because it's definitely left a mark on me.”

Hailing from Carlisle, Penn., Gerstner began her RWU journey in the fall of 2021. What started as a love for high school chemistry quickly evolved into a full-fledged academic path.

"I didn’t want to do biology at all,” Gerstner said. “But my advisor put me in a biology class, and I ended up loving it.” That unexpected enrollment turned into her second major.

However, her academic life hasn’t been limited to science. Art has always been an outlet for Gerstner, and her minor in Visual Arts has offered her a creative contrast to lab work.

“I am really passionate about art, and I've done it for a long time,” she said. “It's a great way to express yourself, and I feel like it's a great way to approach problems differently, thinking creatively rather than analytically.”

Gerstner’s commitment to learning goes beyond the classroom. She’s been deeply involved in undergraduate research, including a project focused on designing a sensor to detect thiocyanates, a chemical marker found in saliva that could aid in screening for oral and gastric cancers.

“Roger Williams has a patent on a sensor originally made for seawater, and we adapted it to test artificial saliva.” she explained. “It was exciting to take ownership of the research!”

Gerstner presented her research at the National Chemistry Conference, becoming the first undergraduate student from RWU to give an oral presentation at the NCC, something she considers one of her greatest achievements during her time here.

Gerstner’s real-world learning extended beyond RWU’s chemistry labs. She was also a chemistry intern at the University of Pennsylvania, where she gained experience at a major research institution.

"It was amazing to collaborate with grad students and postdocs. It showed me what’s possible at the next level.”

Another unforgettable experience for Gerstner was studying abroad in Athens. There, she was able to continue her studies in biology and art.

“I had the time of my life,” she said. “I met a bunch of other people who had been studying abroad. It was really cool to talk to everyone and compare our experiences, and get a whole new perspective on life.”

Stateside, Gerstner has been an active force in campus life. She served as Secretary and then General Manager of WQRI, the university's student-run radio station where she hosted Alphabet Soup and co-hosted Time Crunch. She also held Secretary and Treasurer positions in the Science Alliance, worked as a tutor, and as a research assistant in the CEED Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory where she studied turtle pathogens and shellfish diseases. "I like staying busy," she admitted.

With all that Gerstner has to keep her busy, she still found time to apply for and be selected as one of this year’s student commencement speakers.

“Part of me just wanted to see if I could do it,” she said. “I’ve had such a cool story here. I wanted to share that and send everyone off with a bang.”

While the contents of her speech will stay under wraps for now, she said her message has a little bit for everyone, tying together science and life.

“It’s about more than just college. It’s about life in general, and how we all move through the world and our time as people on this planet.”

Reflecting on her time at RWU, Gerstner said several faculty and staff members helped foster her drive to explore. Specifically, she credits Biology Professors Marcie Marston and Kerri Warren, and Chemistry Professor Lauren Rossi.

“I like to call them my women in STEM. They are role models for me, for what I want to be. They're very compassionate. They’re amazing at teaching and can convey complex material to students in a digestible way. That's just something I admire and aspire to.”

She credits Carol Sacchetti, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Programs, Leadership, & Orientation, for really pushing her outside of her comfort zone.

“She played a big role in influencing me to aspire to do more things on this campus, like going for general manager of the radio station and applying for commencement speaker. She's been giving me nudges all along the way, and she's just a great support.”

As Gerstner prepares for her next chapter as a graduate student at Yale, where she’ll pursue a doctorate in Chemistry, she already has her eye on the future.

“Eventually, I want to come back to academia. I love teaching and discovered a passion for it through my job as a tutor,” she said. “I think having a good teacher makes a world of difference in learning.”

This press release was produced by the Roger Williams University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.