During my study abroad at NYU Abu Dhabi, I immersed myself in a multicultural environment, engaging with diverse perspectives and learning from a variety of academic disciplines. I actively participated in cross-cultural exchanges, attended lectures by international scholars, and collaborated with students from around the world. The impact of this experience was profound. It expanded my worldview, enhanced my ability to communicate across cultures, and reinforced my commitment to promoting education and reducing inequalities, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities). It also strengthened my resolve to work towards creating more inclusive and equitable opportunities for all.
Academically, it broadened my understanding of how biomolecular science is approached in different cultural contexts, improving my critical thinking and ability to apply knowledge in diverse environments.
Professionally, it reinforced my goal of contributing to the healthcare field by addressing global health challenges and reducing disparities in healthcare access.
Personally, it deepened my empathy and cultural awareness, qualities that are essential for working effectively in the global healthcare sector.
During my trip to Portugal over spring break, I immersed myself in a new cultural and business environment that broadened my global perspective. I engaged with local communities and explored how businesses operate outside of the United States, which gave me valuable insight into international markets and practices. The impact of this experience was meaningful, as it expanded my ability to think beyond a U.S.-centered framework and strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills.
Academically, it reinforced my interest in studying global economic systems and understanding how cultural contexts shape decision-making and business strategies.
Professionally, it deepened my commitment to pursuing a career with an international dimension, where diverse perspectives are essential to innovation and problem-solving.
Personally, it enhanced my adaptability, empathy, and openness—qualities that are crucial for working effectively in global settings and creating inclusive solutions for the future.
As a volunteer in the Patient Care Unit at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, I provided comfort and effective communication to patients of all ages while assisting with their daily needs. My responsibilities included conducting pharmacy and lab rounds, responding promptly to call bells, assisting with feeding, and fulfilling family requests to enhance patient well-being.
By actively engaging with patients, I aimed to foster a supportive and reassuring environment during their hospital stay. Timely responses to patient needs and proactive participation in hospital operations contributed to both patient satisfaction and overall care quality. Through this experience, I developed strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, gaining a deeper understanding of patient care and the importance of empathy in healthcare settings.
This role reinforced my ability to work in high-pressure environments, collaborate with medical teams, and address patient concerns with sensitivity. The experience also strengthened my commitment to service and efficiency, skills that are transferable to any professional setting where communication, responsiveness, and attention to detail are critical.
As part of my commitment to community service, I volunteered at The Bowery Mission, a historic nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and hunger in New York City. During my time there, I helped prepare and serve meals to guests, working alongside staff and fellow volunteers to ensure that every person who walked through the doors was treated with dignity, warmth, and care. From chopping vegetables to plating hot meals and assisting with cleanup, I contributed to creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming dining experience.
This hands-on experience exposed me to the complexities of food insecurity in urban environments and deepened my understanding of how systemic issues like poverty and housing instability intersect with health and nutrition. It also challenged me to work efficiently in a high-pressure environment while maintaining compassion and sensitivity toward others. One of the most impactful parts of the day was seeing how a simple, nourishing meal.
Volunteering at The Bowery Mission reinforced my belief in the power of service to build stronger, more resilient communities. It reminded me that engineering solutions extend beyond technology — they begin with human empathy and a willingness to meet people where they are. This experience not only fulfilled a GLASS service requirement but also helped shape my broader perspective on what it means to be a socially responsible leader in STEM.
As a Subject Peer Tutor at the New York University Tutoring Center, I provided academic support in General Chemistry I & II, General Chemistry for Engineers, and Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology. Through clear explanations and personalized guidance, I helped students grasp challenging concepts, refine their problem-solving skills, and improve their academic performance.
By tailoring my approach to individual learning styles, I aimed to boost students' confidence and motivation, enabling them to approach coursework with greater independence. This experience strengthened my communication, mentorship, and problem-solving abilities, reinforcing my commitment to leadership in academic and professional settings.
As a participant in the 2026 United Nations ECOSOC Partnership Forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, I engaged in leadership-focused discussions on global governance and sustainable development. The event brought together students and professionals to explore how interdisciplinary collaboration and policy engagement can address complex global challenges. Through panel discussions and networking opportunities, I gained insight into how emerging leaders can contribute to building more sustainable and equitable systems.
By interacting with individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, I strengthened my ability to communicate ideas clearly, think critically about global issues, and engage in meaningful dialogue. This experience enhanced my skills in collaboration, global awareness, and strategic thinking, while reinforcing my interest in applying analytical approaches to real-world challenges.
During my study abroad, I worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant under Professor Kirmizialtin, conducting GROMACS simulations to analyze how different ion sizes interact with the structural components of DNA, including the backbone, major groove, and minor groove. Using VMD software, I visualized and interpreted simulation data to gain deeper insights into these molecular interactions.
This research aligns with UN SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and addresses Grand Challenges in health and medicine by contributing to the foundational understanding of DNA-ion interactions. Such knowledge is critical for advancing medical research, paving the way for more targeted and effective therapies that improve health outcomes and overall well-being.
At Saurabh Lab, I analyze high-dimensional biological data to track dynamic protein patterns, leveraging Python tools such as TrackPy and PySTACHIO to extract real-time insights and optimize analytical frameworks. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, I help design experiments that capture biomolecules in live cells, addressing challenges related to image resolution and biomolecular movement in imaging.
By refining data analysis techniques and improving visualization accuracy, my work contributes to a deeper understanding of protein dynamics in live-cell environments, advancing research in molecular biology and biomedical imaging.
I attended the SASE 2024 National Convention in Boston to expand my professional network, gain industry insights, and explore internship opportunities. Engaging in networking sessions, industry panels, and career workshops, I connected with professionals across energy, aerospace, defense, and other sectors, deepening my understanding of hiring processes, industry trends, and skill expectations.
Additionally, I participated in soft skills workshops focused on communication and time management, further enhancing my professional development. This experience provided valuable industry knowledge and practical skills to refine my career strategy and prepare for future opportunities in science and engineering.
I participated in the PREP summer research internship at the Technical University of Munich to strengthen my professional skills, gain international research experience, and explore the applications of AI in healthcare. Through my work on dermatological AI algorithms, I prepared and curated clinical datasets, implemented training and validation code, and evaluated approaches to multilabel classification for skin diseases.
Engaging in this research environment allowed me to collaborate with international scholars and gain insight into how advanced computational methods are applied in clinical contexts. In addition, I developed practical technical skills in machine learning while also improving my ability to communicate research findings and work effectively across cultural and academic boundaries. This experience provided me with both the technical expertise and professional perspective necessary to refine my career goals and prepare for future opportunities at the intersection of technology and healthcare.