My post high school goals include: Go to college and study something related with molecular biology, genetics or biochemistry.

STEM courses I have taken: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math and I am currently enrolled in Integrated Math III, and Honors Scientific Research.

Current research overview: I am researching how UV radiation affects Volvox, by identifying different mutants, as well as the potential protective effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on Volvox against UV radiation.

Volvox is a green algae found in freshwater. It is really important to the production of oxygen and serves as food for other aquatic organisms. It's exposed to UV radiation most of the time, and it's really sensitive in some developmental stages. My study is divided in two parts. In the first part,  wild type Volvox were used, as well as Volvox already exposed to UV radiation. Both of the Volvox were examined microscopically to find and identify different mutants caused by the UV radiation. In the second part,  4 groups (3 experimental and one control) were used. Tubes with 50 mL of wild type Volvox were used, and three different concentrations of cerium oxide nanoparticles were introduced into the different tubes. They were set into a fluorescent bank light at a distance that allowed 600 μW/cm2. They were under UV radiation for 1 hour, and they grew for another 48 hours. After this time, they were examined microscopically to compare the experimental groups with the different concentrations of the nanoparticles.

Volvox is really important for the aquatic ecosystems and habitats. The effect that UV radiation has on Volvox could disrupt the food webs, not only affecting Volvox, but all the aquatic organisms in the same habitat/ecosystem. The discovery of a chemical able to protect Volvox carteri, could lead to the discovery of new UV-protective compounds. And it could also contribute to understanding how Volvox might respond to changing UV levels in aquatic ecosystems due to climate change.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAF85Sqecq8/ytyhNf98JjdwYtvf5XFLhg/edit?utm_content=DAF85Sqecq8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton