What is your research interest and who do you work with (mentor, PI, etc)?

I am a student in Dr. Weg Ongkeko’s cancer and immunology research lab. With Dr. Ongkeko, I analyze RNA sequencing data to comprehensively profile the immune landscape of different diseases, including cancer and COVID-19. I have investigated the roles of enhancer RNAs, transfer RNAs, and intra-tumor microbes in disease progression and prognosis. We hope our research will help in identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for more effective diagnosis and treatments.

Why did you choose Bioengineering & UCSD?

I have always been passionate about biology, medicine, and service, but it was only in high school when I became interested in coding. Every Sunday, three of my best friends and I would meet to learn a new programming skill, design iOS apps, and attend hackathons. We built an app called Boba Beacon (which is available on the Apple app store!) that allows boba lovers in the Bay Area to post reviews, recommendations, and photos of their favorite boba stores and drinks. So, when it came time to apply to college, the interdisciplinary field of biotechnology seemed to be a unique blend of my interests in both biology and engineering, and the perfect major for me.

Bioengineering at UCSD is one of the highest-ranked programs in the nation. At UCSD, I knew I would be able to learn from the best faculty, work with brilliant students, and perform cutting-edge research in the biotech hub that is San Diego. I also loved UCSD’s campus and its lively atmosphere. Not to mention that UCSD is located in one of the most beautiful, temperate cities in the world. I am looking forward to returning to the Geisel library, going to the beach with my friends, and watching the sun set over the ocean every day.

How did your major curriculum help with your research?

My major curriculum certainly helps by providing an important context to my research. The research I do in the lab specifically involves post-sequencing analyses, and courses like BENG 168 with Professor Peter Wang and BENG 160 with Professor Kun Zhang taught me about various amplification and sequencing techniques that are used to collect RNA sequencing data. I also hope to apply and incorporate what I have learned in my coursework to my research and develop new data analysis techniques and omics technologies.

You are one of the three students awarded with the Goldwater Scholarship in 2021, what does this award mean to you? What was the hardest challenge in winning it?

I feel incredibly lucky to win the award, and I am especially grateful for my mentor Dr. Ongkeko and my labmates. Dr. Ongkeko has given me so many opportunities and immense guidance to conduct my own research projects and draft manuscripts for publication. His mentorship and dedication to science have inspired me to pursue a lifelong career in cancer research.

You are also a Jacobs Scholar; how did this Jacobs scholarship help you academically?

Since the very first day I arrived on campus at UCSD, the Jacobs scholarship provided me with a supportive community that I belonged to. I could reach out to older students whenever I had questions about class, research, or career paths, and I have made lasting friendships with scholars in my major.

When you face difficulties in your research and studies, how do you overcome them?

Being a part of a research lab has transformed me into a more patient and persistent person. When I face difficulties in my research and studies, I try to retrace my steps to figure out what went wrong or what exactly I am struggling with. If I still need help after troubleshooting, I will consult my friends and mentors. For me, problem solving with other students and scientists is one of the most exciting aspects of scientific research.