Jillianne Junio ‘25
B.S., Biology, Minors in Chemistry and Public Health
Hometown: Oswego, N.Y.
“I love learning how our bodies fight infections and diseases—how cells, organs, and chemicals work together to stabilize our well-being and help us survive,” says Junio.
Drawn to medicine from a young age, Junio began working at her aunt’s pediatric practice in middle school. At Hollins, minors in chemistry and public health expanded her knowledge of disease prevention. But it was Immunology and Microbiology, taught by Mary Jane Carmichael, assistant professor of biology, that clarified her path. J-term internships at Oswego Hospital Medical Laboratory and Endocrine Associates of Oswego confirmed her post-graduation plan to work in an immunology or microbiology lab while considering graduate or medical school.
This systems-level thinking shaped her leadership at Hollins. As Student Government Association President—after serving as vice president and class president twice—Junio championed traditions, student voices, and community connection. “I always asked, ‘How can we help each other and come together as a community?’” she says.
Once a shy high schooler, Junio found her voice at Hollins—first through the Hollins Activities Board, then as class president. She later served as an orientation leader and president of Sandusky Service House, organizing community outreach events.
A proud Filipino-American, she spent three years on the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) committee, taught traditional dances through her family’s cultural organization, and choreographed for Hollins Repertory Dance Company and the K-POP Dance club, where she served as chair.
“When I came to Hollins, I thought I would focus on academics,” she says. “But the community showed me what I could do and how I could help. I’ve learned that I am never alone, and I can do anything I put my mind to.”
Favorite Class: In One Health, “Professors Gleim (Elizabeth Gleim, Ph.D., associate professor) and Spear (Janet W. Spear, biology chair) showed how closely the environment, animals, and humans are connected in terms of disease—it’s what led me to pursue a public health minor. Another unexpected favorite was public speaking. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it, but it definitely paid off and gave me confidence when writing speeches and giving presentations.”
Highlights
- Performance Arts Representative, Activities Board
- Intern, Oswego Hospital Medical Laboratory
- Biology Tutor, Hollins Biology Department
- Shadowing Intern, Endocrine Associates of Oswego
- Volunteer, Oswego Hospital, 2017-2021
