As an undergraduate student majoring in Bioengineering at the University of Washington, I am interested in the intersection of research and medicine in the context of streamlining current healthcare practices, particularly in terms of diagnosis. Not only does an effective diagnostic method allow for patients to receive immediate help, it reduces the ripple effect of infection spread, emotional detriment, and economic damage. In the Lai Lab, I focus on developing oligonucleotide hybridization reactions that profile and isolate breast cancer-specific exosomes, in addition to utilizing temperature-responsive polymer-antibody conjugates in the development of a COVID-19 diagnostic device. Outside of research, I also enjoy learning new languages, practicing the piano, and crafting.
Education and Training
2019 - 2023, B.S., Bioengineering
University of Washington, Seattle
2015 - 2019, International Baccalaureate Diploma Graduate
Skyline High School
Experience/Positions
2019 - Present
Lai Lab - Undergraduate Research Assistant, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington
Develop oligonucleotide hybridization reactions for breast-cancer specific exosomes isolation
Utilize temperature-responsive polymer-antibody conjugates in the development of a COVID-19 diagnostic device
Integrate laboratory skills (e.g., gel electrophoresis, protein purification, gel analysis, and spectroscopy)
Participate in weekly research literature meetings to learn current engineering techniques and progress
2021 - Present
Scan Design Foundation Innovations in Pain Research Scholar, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington
Design and pilot study protocol for understanding movement-evoked pain in older populations
Develop accelerometer workflows to trigger physical activity-based ecological momentary assessments
2020 - Present
Engineering Peer Educator, College of Engineering, University of Washington
Create personalized lesson plans to support and teach a class of 20-25 engineering freshmen (Fall 2020 - remote; Fall 2021 - in-person)
Build community-building and meaning-making activities to promote student development and engagement with engineering at the UW
2020 - Present
Undergraduate Research Leader, Undergraduate Research Program, University of Washington
Practice public speaking by promoting information and resources related to undergraduate research to 5-6 groups of 20-25 first year students during fall quarter
Engage in professional development workshops hosted by undergraduate research program staff
2017 - Present
Escort Volunteer, University of Washington Medical Center
Gain insight into the workings of healthcare and patient support
4+ hours per week of transporting, supporting, and interacting with a diverse range of hospital patients
Awards/Honors
2021
R Kanemori Scholarship for Engineering Leadership
Rice 360 Global Health Technologies Design Competition, Semifinalist
2020
Boeing Emerging Leader Scholarship
2019
Washington Seal of Biliteracy - Chinese and Japanese