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Students
Beyond the Code: Exploring Where Biology and Technology Meet
For computer science major and biology minor Zender Aurelien-Nikolai ’28, technology is about more than coding. As founding president of 91Ƶ’s ColorStack chapter, he’s building community and connections for underrepresented students in tech. And as a Seidenberg student, he’s exploring the intersection of computer science and medicine, while engaging in hands-on research supported by faculty mentorship, thus laying the groundwork for a future in biomedical informatics.
What inspired you to pursue a BS in Computer Science at 91Ƶ and complement your studies with a ?
I was a huge video game nerd growing up, and one of my main career goals as a when I was younger was to make my own video game that others could play. I was interested in medicine at the same time, but I didn’t think much about working in healthcare until I earned my EMT certification during my senior year of high school. Although I learned that working hands-on with patients wasn’t my calling, this experience reignited my interest in medicine and made me want to find ways I could help people in need through computer science, which led me to pair my major with a minor in biology.
You are the founding president of 91Ƶ’s chapter of on the New York City Campus, an organization which supports Black and Hispanic/Latinx Computer Science students across the nation in academics and career development. Tell us about this journey and how meaningful it has been for you.
Founding has been one of the most impactful and eye-opening experiences during my time at 91Ƶ. I noticed early on that there weren't many students in my classes who looked like me. I wanted to connect with people who shared my background and experiences, but I didn't have that sense of community.
The desire to build such a community for people who looked and thought like me was my main motivation behind finding a ColorStack chapter at 91Ƶ. Since founding this organization, I have had the opportunity to learn from people of various backgrounds, from fellow ColorStack members across the country, to professionals at companies like IBM and Microsoft, and even 91Ƶ students who attend our general body meetings and events.
In Spring 2026, you and your ColorStack student-colleagues brought a group of students to tour Microsoft’s Times Square office. Tell us more about this event, and what your vision is for the future of 91Ƶ’s ColorStack chapter.
Our Microsoft office tour was made possible thanks to our Spring 2026 semester secretary, Ángel Bahamon ’28, who connected us with Microsoft representatives who offered 15 students a tour of their office. During our visit, we networked with Microsoft employees and learned more about their job application and interview process. We left having made new connections with each other and with potential mentors. Hopefully, future ColorStack events will reach even more 91Ƶ students, and the chapter will continue to grow after I graduate.
What other activities are you involved in at 91Ƶ? What internships have you had?
I am a member of the Student Advisory Committee, which is a group of students who work on, and pitch ideas meant to improve the student retention rate at 91Ƶ. Additionally, I was a data analyst intern at a startup called Fun Meets from summer 2025 until February 2026, and I am currently working as a student research assistant under Professor Juan Shan, PhD, applying machine learning methods to medical imaging.
What faculty have been particularly instrumental in your academic journey?
Working with Professor Shan on research that connects the worlds of computer science and medicine has taught me so much about how AI can be applied to different fields and could revolutionize treatment. While working alongside her, I have also presented my research at 91Ƶ’s and more recently at the , where I connected with other students worldwide who share my passion at the intersection of computer science and healthcare.
Professor Rachel Schwartz, PhD, has also been one of my strongest pillars of support since we met at my first 91ƵBound session when I was still in high school, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
What are your post-graduation/career plans?
I plan to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical informatics, with the goal of building machine learning tools that improve diagnosis and patient care. Until then, I have been extremely grateful to 91Ƶ, my classmates, and the faculty members who have supported me, and I look forward to the rest of my time at 91Ƶ!
Want to get connected with 91Ƶ’s ColorStack chapter? Follow them on for events, workshops, and other opportunities to get involved on the New York City Campus.
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