Senior of the Week: Aria Suchak

By CARLY CANSECO, URA SHI, ANDREW YANG, and SERENA YUE

Murmurs, gasps, and whispers fill the room. As the pungent smell of formaldehyde perfuses the air, sheep brains are strewn across the table, and students tentatively prod and slice at them with a scalpel. They are led through a fascinating exploration of the brain, traversing through the optic nerves, complex olfactory bulbs, and dura mater. Comparing an animal brain to a human brain, this experience investigates the captivating organ’s nuances, similarities, and unknowns. This task is daunting to some, but it is invigorating and enthralling to senior Aria Suchak, who is expertly leading the Biology Club through this endeavor.

A kind, thoughtful, and persistent figure on campus, Suchak’s positive disposition has impacted many. “As her prep year roommate, I was living with her, so I was pushed to become friends, but we became even closer friends because she would listen to me,” senior Kairene Ramirez said. “She’s honest and very direct when she gives advice.”

“She’s very caring and such a good listener. She also gives a lot of good advice and is a very supportive friend,” said senior Natalia Ulbin.

Suchak holds an expansive presence throughout the Academy’s STEM community as co-head of MATTER Magazine, Biology Club, and Women in STEM. 

“I’ve interacted with Aria in Bio Club a lot, and I noticed that when she speaks, she draws attention to herself very well,” fellow Biology Club cohead Ulbin described. “When speaking, she speaks with intention behind her words rather than just to speak. I think she knows what she’s talking about, especially in clubs.”

Fellow co-head of MATTER Magazine, CJ Smith, commented, “She is an awesome collaborator and teammate. We work together often to create and finalize our issue for MATTER, and she is always very reliable in helping put everything together with layout and editing.”

“Compiling and creating articles is a long and arduous process, but in the end, it’s a great feeling to see my work along with all of my writers’ articles in a beautiful magazine,” Suchak reflected.

  Suchak’s passion for STEM extends beyond club leadership positions, and her contributions to the Harkness table have been immense.

Instructor in Science Shimaa Ghazal described the growth she’s witnessed Suchak undergo throughout her four year tenure. “I first met Aria in an introductory biology class a couple of years ago and last year with the malaria class, and I can tell how much she showed progress in mentality and mindset,” Ghazal noted. “I think one of the best qualities she has is when she tries to explain something to the class, she takes her time for a comprehensive understanding of the concept and delivers the information without rushing or just trying to reach the correct answer. Being patient and willing to spend time on learning is an amazing quality to have in STEM.”

Suchak, in turn, described the course’s impact on herself. “The most impactful class I’ve taken is the BIO650 Malaria elective,” she said. “It is definitely my favorite class at Exeter because it wasn’t like any other class I’ve taken. It felt like the eight of us in class were labmates in a university lab, working together to solve real-world puzzles about Malaria. Dr. Ghazal, our instructor, just sat back and listened to us as we worked through these complex challenges. It was one of those classes where everyone who was there really wanted to be there. It really just helped me realize that I love biology and being in the lab.”

As a squash team captain, Suchak is also a great leader on the courts. When she’s not playing, she’s mentoring her younger teammates, advising them on the smartest shots to play, and cheering them on. “This is my fourth year on the team, and I love the team so much,” she said. “It’s a really fun group of girls who love squash. We are going to Squash Nationals next week, which we are all excited for.”

Upper Mathilde Senter, teammate and dormmate of Suchak, commented, “I appreciate Aria’s dedication to the squash team. Even though she was injured a few weeks ago, she still came to practice every day with her speaker, ready to be a great captain. When we’re on court together, she rarely slacks off. Whenever I get flustered, she tells me to reset. Having a role model like her makes me try my hardest every day.”

Suchak described her love for the setting of squash practices and matches - Fisher Squash Center. “I love Exeter’s squash courts, and I think they’re the best courts out of all the schools where we play. They are perfect for home games, and I especially love the posters that line the pillars outside each court. They represent our team’s attitude and positivity and the fun we put into the game. You can often find me soloing with my AirPods after a long day.”

Among many other leadership roles, Suchak is a proctor in Lamont Hall. She is often on duty on the basement floor, welcoming dorm members into her room to talk or just hang out. “She is very inclusive and welcoming to everyone, and is a great proctor this year, and has been a great leader,” Says Ms. Lovett, the dorm head of Lamont Hall. Over her four years at Lamont, Ms. Lovett has seen her grow in many ways. “I’ve seen her grow in self-confidence, communication, and interpersonal skills.”

Suchak looked back at her transition to Exeter and mentioned how her friends in Lamont made the process smoother and her Exeter experience more comfortable. “When I first came to Exeter, I was on the quieter side and didn’t speak up much. I think my friends in Lamont during my first two years, Sofia Morais, Claire Fu, Esme Eberstadt, and Kairene Ramirez, really made me feel at home at Exeter. They inspired me to follow their lead and become a proctor in Lamont,” Suchak reflected.

Suchak’s presence as a leader, teammate, and student has inspired many. “Aria, you are so well-rounded, and honestly, everyone has something to look up to you for because you’re such a strong leader who is passionate about what you do and who loves to learn,” Ulbin commented. “You’re just an amazing friend and an amazing person.” 

Heading into senior spring, Suchak warmly reflected on her Exeter experience. “I am so grateful for my time at Exeter and want to soak up all the joy in the weeks I have left.”