Two take part in NGMC research internship

Bialonska didn't get to know Torres until his senior year, which made her wish she had longer to collaborate with him.

"He's a rare gem," Bialonska said. "He's very modest while also being very hard-working and smart."

Levine, a senior from Woodstock, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology, presented her individual research, "Cardiac undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma presenting as cardiogenic shock," at the end of the internship. Her group work was a retrospective study on whether injury severity and pattern differed between falls from trees and falls from ladders and roofs.

"The shadowing of residents gave a realistic picture of what it would be like to be a physician, particularly a resident," Levine said.

A cadet who is on a four-year Army ROTC scholarship, Levine is also a member of UNG's Honors Program who will serve as Honors president at UNG's Dahlonega Campus for 2026-27. She plans to commission in May 2027 and apply for an educational delay to attend med school.

Dr. Meg Smith, a professor of biology and director of Honors in Dahlonega, has worked with Levine on research and through Honors. Smith said Levine was meticulous in their research at UNG on whether moths preferred to lay their eggs on cabbage or kale.

"She has unparalleled commitment and time-management skills. She's a delight to work with," Smith said. "It was outstanding to have a group outside the university recognize her potential."