Katherine (Kate) Vasquez, '26

Hometown: Trumbull, CT

Languages: Spanish, English

Major: Neuroscience

Minor: Music

Main Extracurricular Activities: Mamajamas co-ed acapella, Orchestra, WRMC College Radio, Southeast Asian Society, Yarn and Yap, Ceramics Club to name my favorites

Favorite study spot? Anywhere with lots of natural light! My most-frequented spots are the Great Hall or balcony study spaces in Bi Hall, or Wilson Cafe in Davis during less-crowded times.

Favorite food in the dining hall? Entirely dependent on mood, but Proc has a breakfast dish called a pancake bake, and it’s basically heaven (butter and carbs) in sliceable form. I also can’t not mention Atwater shrimp scampi & garlic bread night, or Ross beef tips…

Favorite Vermont spot: The Gorge or Bristol Falls.

Favorite academic experience: Hormones & Cognition with Prof. Elle Murata ‘19, my sophomore Jterm!

Where did you study abroad? I studied in Córdoba, Spain during my junior spring! I lived with a host mother, ate over 30 bocadillos de jamón, walked almost every street in the city, and had some crazy Spanish dreams.

Why did you choose to attend Middlebury? I thrive in academic settings where I can really get to know the people and opportunities around me, and this is truly the case at a small college like Midd. I wanted the freedom to pursue interdisciplinary coursework—-to combine neuroscience and music both in and out of the classroom but not limit myself there—-and I like when my extracurriculars and lifestyle can mimic that same mix: busy and overlapping in a variety of subject areas! You also simply can’t get the same tight-knit campus feel or close professor relationships at a larger university. All that, combined with the gorgeous Vermont scenery as a backdrop, was the perfect recipe for me.