ZOE Chau

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

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