Hugo Arellano ’09, who is from Mexico City, chose to attend Princeton because he knew he would be able to pursue his diverse intellectual interests, which range from biophysics to social and political issues.

He was particularly attracted to studying physics at Princeton because of the University’s Integrated Science Program, which bridges the traditional boundaries between the biological and physical sciences and offers exceptional opportunities for independent research.

"Professor Bill Bialek lectures as part of the program," says Arellano. "The way he lectures is just fascinating. You walk out of the class and say, 'Wow!' He offers a 'whole systems' approach that I find so interesting."

Arellano is taking full advantage of other opportunities at Princeton. He is earning a certificate in Latin American studies and is taking classes in sociology and Spanish literature. This summer, he is going to Mexico to do research on the cultural integration of indigenous populations in Veracruz. He currently is writing a proposal to get sponsorship for the project through the Latin American studies program.

Questions of integration and identity are an ongoing focus for Arellano, who believes that the problems behind so many social issues emerge because "people don't know each other."

Throughout his education, Arellano has looked for ways to go beyond "difference" by making friends with students from around the world and by participating in various cultural and service activities. Before coming to Princeton, he attended the United World College of South East Asia in Singapore, which is one of a consortium of international secondary schools that emphasizes a multicultural perspective and social service.

One of Arellano’s favorite activities, which he started his freshman year, is dancing with the Ballet Folkórico de Princeton, which performs traditional Mexican folk dances. "I love that," he says. "Not only is it very different from being in the lab, it also speaks to the culture behind the dances." He also is planning a Spanish theater group with Professor Arcadio Díaz-Quiñones to present plays by Spanish and Latin American authors, and possibly Chicano authors as well. Further, Arellano is active with the Davis International Center.

After he graduates, Arellano plans to earn a doctorate in sociology. "I want to dedicate my life to understanding social problems," he says. "I've been learning about the truth of life through biological systems. Now I want to find out more about people issues and the roots of social problems, which are often taken for granted."