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Veronika Khariv is a sophomore at NJIT majoring in applied chemistry. She was born in the Ukraine and came to America when she was 4 years-old. She grew up in Smithville, N.J., outside of Atlantic City, but now lives on campus.

Favorite movie:
The Labyrinth.

Favorite bands:
Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack, Deftones and Incubus.

On my iPod:
Mostly rock, indie and trip-Hop



Why NJIT?
I had visited many larger schools in the Pennsylvania area, which mainly specialized in liberal arts. I wanted an education focused on a specialized scientific field, while still incorporating the liberal arts. NJIT was perfect for that. Not only is NJIT a great engineering school, but it also offers many non-science programs as well. I visited NJIT four times and was extremely pleased with its facilities and programs.

Your Major and Why You Chose It?
I enjoyed chemistry class while in high school, having taken both honors and AP courses. I liked being in a lab setting, mixing and assessing chemicals and their properties. There are also so many fields I can go into with a degree in chemistry. The possible professions range from medicine to teaching chemistry.

Favorite class:
Analytical Chemistry Methods Lab: In this class we performed an experiment on Lays Potato Chips to see how much sodium was in a given amount. It was interesting to see how much grease and oil was actually in a single chip -- chips that I USED to eat! All the grease clogged my funnel and I went through three funnels in one experiment! Although the class was four hours long, the time went by fast because everyone was into their work. The professor and the teaching assistant offered help to all who needed it and the students also helped each other. Lab is fun because it is hands-on work and the experiments are in your control.

What’s best about NJIT?
One of the best parts of NJIT would have to be the campus size. The school is relatively small compared to other top-ranked universities. Since the student body is so small, the classroom sizes – the student to teacher ratio -- is also small. With fewer students in a class, about 30-50 depending on the course, you get more out of your education. The professor is able to assist you more and you won’t feel like just another face in a crowded lecture hall. The professors will know you by name. Also, NJIT is an excellent school in which to network. You can work with professors side by side during the school year or do research projects with them during the summers.

Clubs and activities:
I am the secretary the Music Interest Club. I am the president of ACS, the American Chemical Society, -- a national club I’m establishing here. It is in its beginning stages but will surely prosper. I plan to bring speakers to NJIT and to arrange student tours to chemical companies and technical conferences.

Research/Work Experience:
I go home for the summer, to Smithville, where I have two jobs. I work as a wedding server at a winery and also as a waitress at a restaurant. While I am at NJIT, I work as a student ambassador, giving tours to interested students. I also work as an administrative assistant in the Provost’s office.

Student Ambassador:
Being an NJIT ambassador is one of the best activities I am involved in. I really like meeting new people and helping them. I enjoy talking to parents and easing their concerns. I know it was hard for my parents to send me off to college. I also relate to the students because I, too, was in their shoes. I know the NJIT campus like the back of my hand and don’t have a problem showing off ever corner of it!

Favorite On-Campus Spots?:
I must say that my favorite spot on campus is the terrace, or better yet the roof of the campus center. On a nice spring day you can sit outside and have the view of the entire campus. There is also a wonderful view of the city skyline. It is an excellent place to relax or a nice spot to sit and socialize with friends. You can eat there or read a book or do your homework. To me it is the most peaceful spot on campus!

Career goal:
I love perfume and cosmetics! I must say I spend way too much money on these products and probably own too many perfumes as it is. I would love to be a perfume chemist or specialize in a cosmetic field. My perfect job would consist of working with amazing scents and mixing them in such a way as to produce perfumes that would drive consumers crazy!