INTRODUCTION: A strong science program and immense research opportunities attracted Amanda Newell to the University. A trip across the quad in her first year led to a stop at the rowing team's table. When her visit was over, she found a new sport.

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When did you first become involved in rowing?
I walked on to the crew team in the fall of my freshman year. I was on my way to class and came across their tent on the quad. They quickly handed me a flyer and I began learning to row. 
 
What attracted you to it?
I was a swimmer throughout high school and most of my elementary school years. When I first got to campus, I really missed the team environment and heard that rowing was looking for people to join. It was something different from what I was used to. As a part of crew, I would get to compete as a part of a whole instead of as an individual like I had been for swimming. 
 
Your hometown of Newton is in the northern part of New Jersey. Is there any chance of being able to row without traveling a long distance?
My hometown of Newton is not landlocked but none of the public high schools had a rowing team. I learned about it through my biology teacher that still competes at regattas today. There was no way for me to row without paying to a part of a boat club or renting a boat and oars.
 
Coach Gaskin lists you as rowing the Port (left) side. Where in the shell do you sit relative to the coxswain?
In the boat, I usually sit as either 3 or 5 seat which usually puts me 5 or 3 seats away from the coxswain prospectively. Because I row starboard side, my oar is on my left but because we sit backwards in the boat, it is actually on the right.
 
The season was canceled last year due to the pandemic. Were you able to work out at all?
Even though the season was canceled last year, I still found ways to stay in shape from home. I wrote my own workout plan that I ended up incorporating my family into to keep me motivated throughout the remainder of the spring and summer. I had a lot of fun creating my own HITT workouts, strength circuits, and weight-lifting routines.
 
What does a proper workout involve if you are not on the water?
A proper workout involves a session of cardio (either a sprint workout or a distance steady state), a lifting session (with circuits targeting a variety of muscle groups), and a core session.
 
When you are home, do you work with any youth programs – coaching, counseling, working behind the scenes, etc.? What do you like about doing that?
When I was in high school, I used to coach the junior high swim team with some of my fellow teammates. I really enjoyed helping them become stronger and faster, but the best part was seeing their joy and excitement after swimming best times.
 
What led you to the University of Rochester?
I came to the University of Rochester because I was drawn by the strong science programs and immense research opportunities.
 
Why did you choose Biochemistry as your major?
I chose biochemistry as a major because I am fascinated by the intricacies of life. I love studying metabolism and other molecular processes that occur every day almost undetectably to keep us alive. Biochemistry allows me to explore the details of how life works and will eventually all me to pose my own questions about the underlying mechanisms of survival.
 
Are you involved in any campus groups tied to your studies?
I am not involved with campus activities tied to my studies. I like to diversify and give myself different outlets for my stress. I am in Women's Choir and I love it! I did a lot of music in high school as well and did not want to let that go when I came to college.