Priyanka Ranchod
Biography
What is your favorite word? What do you like about it?
My favorite word is meliora, a word of latin origin. Meliora directly translates to the pursuit of better. This word reminds me to always look for the good in the word, for things can always get better.
What is on your bookshelf?
Michelle Obama’s “Becoming”, Trevor Noah’s “Born to Crime”, Dr. Hawa Abdi’s “Keeping Hope Alive”, and J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” collection.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Both of my parents were born and raised in Zimbabwe, and over 90% of my family still resides there. We moved to America when I was 7, but for the majority of my life, Bulawayo was home.
What degrees do you hold and from what institutions?
I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.
What excites you about joining Texas A&M School of Medicine for your MS studies in Medical Sciences?
I am excited to be part of a like-minded group of individuals all striving to achieve similar goals. In addition, I look forward to working with the phenomenal faculty and staff at the COM, as well as becoming a part of the A&M community.
If you could meet any scientist throughout history, who would you want to meet and why? I would love to have met Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman in the US to become a doctor. She was a pioneer who constantly fought for women to have a place in medicine, and she never let adversity alter her path to achieving her dreams.
Tell us something you are passionate about apart from research.
One of my newest passions has become playing the piano. I have always had a deep love for music, and during the pandemic, I decided I wanted to teach myself to read music and play the piano. Over the last year and a half, this has become a major form of therapy and I have learned how to play so many of my favorite songs. Another passion of mine is watching television. While most people are movie connoisseurs, I have always preferred television. Shows like One Tree Hill, Friends, Manifest, and so many more were my form of escapism. Through each show, I was transformed into a completely new world with diverse characters, all with their own unique story, and I loved it. Being able to share this passion with others and seeing their faces light up when they enjoy a recommendation is simply the best.