Ag Journeys
Marley Fish
Hometown: Butler, PA
Major: Immunology and Infectious Disease (IID)
Minor: Biology
Clubs: Lion Ambassadors and Atlas (club supporting Penn State THON)
Good at: Playing the violin, making a Spotify playlist for any occasion, buying and making too much coffee, reading.


IID to Dr.
“I've known for years I wanted to study medicine, so why Immunology and Infectious Disease? First, IID offers the solid science background I'll need to be a good candidate. Second, medical school admissions is competitive and this will give me something to stand out. And third, now that I'm digging into the major, I recognize that my unique window into human health, understanding the immune system and its stressors, will ground me in insights that will make me a much better doctor.”
Medicine skipped a generation in my family.
“My mom's a teacher and my dad's a police officer and I couldn't have asked for more supportive parents. But I got the medicine bug from my abuelo. My grandfather immigrated to Pennsylvania from Spain to practice medicine and has been my inspiration and motivation to be a doctor myself.”


Ag makes it better.
“The Ag Sciences community is all about optimism, purpose, and community. It makes Penn State a better place and I’m happy to be a part of it!”

Chemistry in Ireland.
“I studied organic chemistry in Dublin, Ireland, and it was nothing short of life changing and likely my favorite academic experience at Penn State thus far! Between being surrounded by accomplished chemists in Ireland and traveling to different countries throughout my time in the program, this experience was truly inspiring.”
“We’re the people who’ll keep you healthy and happy!”

Real-world medicine.
“I worked at Butler Memorial Hospital as a nurse’s assistant during the summer between my sophomore and junior years. I wanted a deep dive into real-world medicine. And that’s what I got. Real. Hands-on insights about hospital medicine. My biggest takeaway was that the people in roles like respiratory therapists, ER techs, and nurses make the whole thing work. They are the ones administering IVs, comforting frightened children, cleaning up, reacting to emergency codes, and interacting with people who are often distressed. They are the kind, competent, human face of a sterile institution. They do it all. When I am a doctor, I pray I will always have the wisdom and humility to hold them up on a pedestal.”

Hot coffee and chill.
“When I’m not in a lab coat, you can find me trying different coffee shops or restaurants downtown with my friends. I also love studying or relaxing on the HUB lawn when the weather gets nice! When the sun comes back after a Pennsylvania winter, the campus turns into a tribe of sun worshipers.”
Lion Ambassadors for the win.
“I have met amazing people through Lion Ambassadors who I now consider my closest friends. This organization connects you to the school’s large alumni program, hosts campus-wide events for the student body, and volunteers in town alongside passionate individuals who love Penn State as much as I do.”
