Justin Berg
Stamps 1693 Scholar
Hometown
Westport, CT (Staples HS)
Major
Self-designed major in Biochemistry and minor in Music
Why W&M
When I was in high school, I saw college as a place where I would have the freedom to explore my varied interests. I felt drawn to so many areas, and it still seemed as if I had only dipped my toes into any one of them. As I applied to colleges across the East Coast, I wanted to find somewhere I could fully dive in. I had visited William & Mary once before, but it wasn’t until the virtual Finalist Weekend that I truly recognized how much it had to offer.
Over the course of many Zoom meetings, I came to appreciate the opportunities to learn and discover here. The strengths of the biology and global studies curriculums were apparent, and even aside from coursework, I saw the best of two worlds at W&M. It offered the resources available at larger research schools, but far more advising and opportunities to take advantage of them. In their research, professors clearly valued undergraduates’ contributions, and I valued the chance to take part. It was more evident here than anywhere else that I could begin my exploration as early as I wanted, and that independent research was just as important to W&M as it was to me.
As I listened to the other scholars’ experiences, I noticed their rare curiosity and ambition, but also camaraderie and collaboration. I saw myself at William & Mary, surrounded by similarly passionate people and a general culture of discovery. Once I was invited to be a 1693 Scholar, I knew no other school could match the opportunity I had been given.
W&M Activities
- CPALs (Community Partnership for Adult Learners)
- President
- Vinyl Tap - WCWM 90.9FM
- CCL (W&M Citizens' Climate Lobby)
- Membership Chair
- W&M Symphony Orchestra
Research
- Young Lab at W&M (biochemistry)
- iGEM at W&M (premiere synthetic biology competition)
- Jonas Lab at Yale (neuroscience)
- Bass Lab at Columbia (gastric cancer)
High School Activities
- Violist at New York Youth Symphony
- Principal violist and Youth Committee co-president of Norwalk Youth Symphony
- Mentor/Tutor at Homes with Hope’s After-School Academic Program
Awards / Distinctions
- National Merit Scholarship Finalist
- Principal Violist of Connecticut All-State Festival Orchestra
- First Place in Connecticut Science Olympiad Tournament
