I’ve experienced such intellectual growth at BSU. I’m thankful for the experiences, especially as a mom. Not every mom gets to have this experience.
From researching the psychological effects of the popular weight loss drug semaglutide to helping bring clean water to global communities, all while raising her four-year-old son, Benjamin, Genesis Rojas, ’26, is having a busy and impactful senior year at Bridgewater State University.
“Bridgewater has taught me so many things, enriched me, enlightened me,” she said. “I’ve experienced such intellectual growth at BSU. I’m thankful for the experiences, especially as a mom. Not every mom gets to have this experience.”
For example, Genesis participating in BSU’s signature Adrian Tinsley Program (ATP) for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work Summer Grants. Her project, “Psychological Implications of Abrupt Semaglutide Withdrawal on Individuals Diagnosed with Obesity,” explored the impact the drug has on anxiety and depression-like behaviors once it’s no longer taken.
Biology Professor Joseph Seggio mentored Genesis on the project.
When Genesis first started at BSU, she initially majored in psychology, but after taking a neuroscience lab and meeting Dr. Seggio, she found herself drawn to biology.
“I learned a lot from him, and it was a good learning experience and over time I transitioned into biology,” she said. “I fell in love with biology, it’s fascinating, all the different systems and the biochemistry behind it. Biology is like art to me.”
This summer, through the ATP project and under Seggio’s guidance, Genesis observed how mice behaved before, after, and during semaglutide injections.
What they found was surprising: there were no real major behavioral changes.
“This experience taught me that sometimes when you don’t have a finding, that’s still okay,” she said. “In research, there is always a takeaway. In every situation you can learn something. And when you don’t find something, you change direction.”
On October 17, Genesis presented her research at BSU’s Student Arts & Research Symposium (STARS).
Outside research, her focus on campus is to bring awareness to BSU’s chapter of Global Water Brigades, an international movement of university students working alongside communities to implement clean water systems in the developing world. Genesis helped start the BSU chapter.
“I’m working toward establishing a more sustainable program here at Bridgewater,” Genesis said. “It’s a great opportunity for any student, with any major.”
If that’s not enough on her busy plate, Genesis will also be preparing for the MCAT, the standardized exam required for admission into medical school, as she works toward her dream of becoming a traveling doctor helping people in need around the world.
“I try to remember, even though the mountain seems so big, I just look at the next hill. I take each hill and before you know it, you’re at the top,” she said. “I attack it little by little.”
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