Name: Sohrab Vatsia

Hometown: Manhasset, NY

Year: Senior

How has research affected your academic journey/plans?
Participating in research was both rewarding and eye-opening. I thoroughly enjoyed working with my sponsor in a nephrology lab, and I learned A TON about the renal system, and probably most importantly, about patience. But, I also realized that I didn't see myself getting a PhD. My research experience solidified my desire to go to medical school and work hands-on in a clinical setting.

What is the most rewarding part of being a peer advisor?
Watching my students grow. It's really fun being part of a program that places underclassmen with little to no research experience in some of the finest labs in the country. I get to work with them along their journey as researchers, through the ups and downs, and that is truly a privilege.

What is something your students don’t know about you?
I'm a proficient violinist.

What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, brunching, swimming, and traveling!

What’s your favorite movie? Or one you've seen recently?
Inception, no question. It has infinite replay value. You can pick up on something new every time you watch it.

What book are you in the middle of?
I'm actually reading Glory Road by Don Haskins and Dan Wetzel right now. It's a super inspiring autobiography of the legendary Texas Western (UTEP) basketball coach Don Haskins, who started 5 African-American players in the 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship Game against the #1 University of Kentucky team and won. If you think the movie is good, the book is even better. Trust me.

If we looked in your email inbox right now, what would it look like? Are you the type of person who has tons of unread emails or none? Spam?
Zero unread messages! I can't stand the little parenthetical number/s next to "Inbox." Spam might be a different story. As a joke, a group of my close friends signed me up for the Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders LISTSERVs, so going through that inbox requires a ton of patience.

Favorite spot on campus?
The UROP Office, obviously. The Rackham Reading Room too because I spend so much time studying there. But, one of my favorite spots (pretty much on campus) is Comet Coffee in Nickel's Arcade. I'm a caffeine junkie, and I think Comet has some of the best coffee in town.

Favorite class? Favorite Professor?
Two separate answers. My favorite class that I've taken here is EDUC 212: The History of College Athletics. While Professor John Bacon is a fantastic lecturer, it's really the material that makes the class so interesting. I'm a huge college sports (and Michigan) fan, so coming to class is supremely rewarding. My favorite instructor is Professor Nick Harp over in the English Department. Nick is kind, caring, and hilarious. But, at the same time, he REALLY challenges you to push the limits of your writing abilities, and in the process, you end up learning so much about yourself. He's the man, take a class with him.

What is your dream job?
Chief of Medicine at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. I've always wanted to be a physician - I love helping and taking care of people. But, as COM, I know I can make the biggest impact at-large, and really be at the forefront of practicing and shaping healthcare at an incredible institution. I also think L.A. is one of the coolest cities in the world, so there's that.

What are your plans post graduation?
I'll be applying to med school.

Would you rather be able to speak fluently every language in the world or be the best in the world at something of your choosing? Why?
Be the best golfer in the world. I only started playing golf about three years ago, but I'm hooked. I would love to crush it on the tour for a while, but I would also enjoy coaching the game.

Would you rather live one life that lasts 1,000 years or live 10 lives that last 100 years each? 
10 lives that last 100 years each. Why experience life once when you can experience it from ten different perspectives?

Would you rather change the past or be able to see into the future and why?
Change the past. I'm trying to be more spontaneous these days - half the fun of waking up with that kind of a mindset is not knowing what's going to happen next!