Molloy University proudly celebrates two exceptional alumni—Anika Chowdhury ’20 and Kristen Lacey ’19—recent recipients of Molloy’s 30 Under 30 Alumni Award, an honor recognizing graduates under 30 who have achieved remarkable success early in their careers. Both women share a common foundation: a Biology degree from Molloy’s School of Arts & Sciences, a passion for science, and a commitment to improving lives.
Kristen Lacey graduated in 2019 and began working as a clinical research coordinator at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, contributing to groundbreaking studies on inflammatory bowel disease within the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology. Reflecting on her journey, Kristen explains, “My experience at Molloy definitely prepared me for my work in my current field."
Her success stems from the strong academic foundation and hands-on research opportunities she embraced at Molloy. Under the mentorship of Dr. Noelle Cutter, Kristen explored chemo resistance in ovarian cancer and oxidative stress in Ironman triathletes—projects that sharpened her scientific skills and ignited her passion for research. Today, those lessons in perseverance and precision guide her work improving pediatric health outcomes.
Anika Chowdhury, who graduated in 2020 with a Biology major and Chemistry minor while participating in the Honors Program, has charted a different but equally inspiring path. She is now a Physician Assistant specializing in pediatric emergency medicine and outpatient pediatrics, providing compassionate care to children every day. “My degree was exceptionally useful and critical in pursuing the profession I am in now,” Anika shares.
Like Kristen, Anika speaks highly of Dr. Cutter, whose mentorship helped shape her academic and professional journey. Anika’s research experience at Molloy was transformative—her four-person team published their work and earned first place in their division at the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists Conference (MACUB). That collaborative achievement taught her the value of teamwork in healthcare and influenced her decision to become a PA. Combined with guidance from faculty and exposure to diverse medical fields, Anika discovered her calling in pediatrics, later reinforced by an elective in pediatric hematology-oncology during PA school.
Together, Anika and Kristen embody the spirit of Molloy University: graduates who lead with knowledge, compassion, and purpose. Their stories demonstrate how Molloy empowers students to explore, discover, and thrive—whether advancing research that changes lives or delivering care that comforts families. As honorees of the 30 Under 30 Alumni Award, they stand as role models for future scientists and healthcare professionals, proving that a Molloy education is not just preparation for a career—it’s preparation for a life of impact.