Jonna Rosenthal ’25

Other clubs, sports, activities you’d like to mention: 
Cross country, track and field, SCID (Sports Committee for Inclusion and Diversity), study abroad peer adviser

Describe your major in five words or less.
Interactions between humans and nature

Did you ever have trouble deciding on a major? What, ultimately, helped you decide?
When I originally came to Smith, I knew that I wanted to be a STEM major, but I had no idea where that would lead me. I have always been drawn to the environment, so I started taking classes in ES&P. I also took general chemistry with Professor Jamieson in my first semester and fell in love with chemistry. Only later at Smith did I realize that I could combine these interests through environmental toxicology, which is where my studies have focused since then. 

Who was your favorite professor and what did you most like about their style of teaching?
My all-time favorite professor would have to be Professor Shea from the chemistry department. I love how orgo is taught at Smith because the professors push you to problem solve in groups and be an active learner. I spent so much time in office hours, but it was always so rewarding to be surrounded by so many people who also wanted to learn. Being able to grow in tandem with my peers was an incredible experience.

Describe a moment from a class that particularly sticks with you.
The moment that sticks with me the most is presenting my ENV 312 capstone projects with my partners this last fall. Having the chance to work with a client all semester and receive such positive feedback at the end was an incredible experience. Furthermore, being able to conduct research that could have a beneficial impact on the City of Northampton significantly impacted my educational career. 

What was your favorite class outside of your major?
Podcasting: Storytelling and New Production in the Spanish-speaking World. During this class, I got to see all of the work that goes into writing, recording, and editing podcasts while also being able to speak Spanish at the same time. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus?
I love going down the pond path and walking through the woods. I run there all the time with my team, but my favorite moment is sitting in the sun by myself in nature. 

What do you see as your future dream job or career?
My dream is to work in international environmental toxicology. After a Ph.D., I would love to be able to integrate the work that I do into the environmental justice sphere as well. Remediation work is so important in the current global scheme, and I would love to be part of research that tackles some of these problems. 

What was most interesting or unique about your house and what will you miss about it?
I live with three of my friends in the Friedmans this year, which has been an amazing experience. I will miss the nights when we sit in the living room talking, drinking tea, reading, and just sharing company. 

Is there a piece of advice you wish you could go back and tell yourself as a first-year?
Take advantage of Smith resources! Tapping into the network of resources that Smith has makes navigating college so much easier. Ask upperclassmen for advice and share tips with your friends! 

What’s your all-time (big or small) favorite Smith memory?
Going to Flayvors with my team every preseason to get ice cream and see the cows. Overall, most of my favorite memories at Smith are the endless hours I have spent with my team and my friends.