Empowering future leaders through alumni engagement and career support resources

Meet Alumni Interviewer, Philadelphia Network, and a Real Reader member Taryn Mockus ’13

Share a bit about yourself! What are you up to now?

Currently, I live in Royersford, PA. I work as a researcher at GSK, mostly focusing on immunological responses to various diseases ranging from cancer to autoimmunity. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, reading, playing ice hockey, and playing my saxophone in a local community band.

What are your most cherished memories from your time at the University of Rochester?

Too many memories to pick from! I was a D’Lion for 1 year and a freshman RA for 2 years. I loved that role and sometimes miss it, even now. Some other fond memories are from the classes that I took as part of my concentration in neuroscience, especially the ones that I took on human anatomy and the auditory system. My fondest memories, though, are from the pep band and the women’s club ice hockey team. As a pep band member, I loved playing the songs and cheering on the Rochester teams at games. We tried to go to everything – we even played at a swimming meet once! I learned and fell in love with ice hockey at the University. We used to walk across the bridge to Genesee Valley Park for practices in the dead of winter, so it was not for the faint of heart! I still play with some of my University teammates in tournaments in the area.

How did campus life and any co-curricular involvement (clubs, organizations, teams, etc.) impact your personal and professional growth?

So many of the things that I did at the University impact me to this day. For example, I met my husband through pep band. Ice hockey has been a great way to meet people and make friends as I’ve moved through my career and the places it’s taken me to. My experience as an RA has made me more sociable and outgoing than I was before taking on that role, which are characteristics that I continue to grow. I can see a direct link between the rigorous academics of pursuing a biology degree and my undergraduate research experience to my current research and drive to develop better medicines for more patients.

What University resources or initiatives were most impactful to your next steps after graduating?

I relied on the Career Center heavily when I was applying to graduate school. They helped me with interviewing, applications, and preparation of documents, such as a personal statement. My undergraduate research experience was also essential to my future success in graduate school. It made me stand apart from other candidates and ensured that I could “hit the ground running” when I got started in the lab.

What sparked your initial interest in volunteering with the University? What role(s) have you held?

I have always had a strong drive to give back – volunteering with the University is no different. I volunteer as an Alumni Interviewer and a Real Reader. As an Alumni Interviewer, I help interview prospective students. It’s a lot of fun! I enjoy getting to meet them, discussing their goals and aspirations, and revisiting the fun moments I had at Rochester. As a Real Reader, I interact with current juniors and seniors taking WRTG 272. We start with an informational interview about my career and then I review their various career-oriented documents, such as resume/CV, networking notes, and cover letters. It is an interesting and engaging role.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in our alumni and friends’ community?

I guess two things. The first – it is highly rewarding to volunteer as an alum. I have met prospective students from all over the world, such as the US, Uzbekistan, Kenya, and China. I am happy to be a momentary “step” in their growth and success. For the Real Reader role, it is an honor to be able to mentor and meet these incredibly talented and driven students.

The second – if you are worried about availability, it is very easy to be flexible with these volunteer activities. There is a lot of support and excitement from the University for these roles, so they work to accommodate what you need.