Members of the Viterbo Student Sustainability Club visited a biology class one day to give a brief presentation about the organization. Among the students in the class was Sophia Brunner, who liked what she heard and decided to join. She is glad she did.
“I like that many of our efforts are about improving campus and our local environment,” said Brunner, referring to club projects such as tree plantings and pollinator gardens. “The Earth is important because it’s where we all live and what we all rely on. I love getting out in nature. I find it both beautiful and relaxing.”
Brunner served as the project leader for the club’s Sunflowers for Ukraine fundraiser.
Two of her other favorite projects have been growing plants to give to freshmen moving into the residence halls and weaving mats for unsheltered individuals out of plastic grocery bags.
“It’s rewarding to know that we’re helping people and the bags are being repurposed instead of going to the landfill,” she said.
A sophomore biology and neuroscience double major from Medford, Brunner plans to become a doctor. She chose to attend Viterbo because coming from a small town, she liked the university’s “size and homey feel.”
“I’ve really liked getting to know my professors and classmates,” she said. “I feel very welcome and comfortable talking with faculty about their classes or just to have a conversation.”
In addition to the SSC, Brunner is a member of Viterbo’s STEM club and serves as a Anatomage virtual dissection table ambassador for the science department. She also volunteers at St. Clare Health Mission. Her hobbies include hiking, biking, playing pickle ball, cooking, and baking.
While becoming a physician is her definite career goal, Brunner is keeping her options open and learning as much as she can about possible specialties.
“I had a shadowing opportunity in general surgery and I’m leaning that way right now, but I haven’t decided yet,” she said.
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Build a strong academic foundation in science while gaining the hands-on experience and guidance needed to stand out for graduate school with Viterbo's pre-health program. Whether your goal is medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or another health profession, Viterbo prepares you to move forward with purpose and a competitive edge.
