science Research

I believe that curiosity-driven research is the first step toward meaningful discovery that can make a positive difference to the well-being of our communities. I’ve pursued opportunities that let me explore questions I’m passionate about and work toward impactful solutions.

ohsu raber lab

Research Intern (11th-12th, Summer FT, School PT, Ongoing)
raberlab.com
Conducted neurodegeneration research, developing tests & treatment strategies to improve brain function
Performed lab techniques such as brain tissue homogenization, behavioral testing, mice dissections/surgeries
Analyzed experimental data, including immunohistochemical data, behavioral metrics, imaging results (Cellpose/MATLAB), and biochemical assays
Contributed to innovative projects, including olfaction research & CaMPARI-enhanced two-photon imaging, linking neuronal activity to cognitive behavior

ohsu anand lab

Researcher/Virtual Intern (10th-12th, Ongoing)
school-of-medicine/anand-lab
Conducted biomedical research, focused on non-coding RNAs promoting tumor progression
Analyzed role of RIG-I and its gene signature in human cancers, including kidney clear cell carcinoma
Identified that 5-gene RIG-I signatures correlate with improved relapse-free survival using cBioPortal & KMplot, demonstrating strong prognostic potential

science research (11th)

“Computationally Engineered Peptides for Class III CFTR Mutations in Cystic Fibrosis”
2nd Place - State Science Fair (Biochemistry)
Project focused on designing peptide molecules to improve function of defective CFTR receptors and restore chloride ion transport in cells. Based on the RFdiffusion generative model, images from the protein data bank, and structural analysis, amino acid sequences were determined and the resulting molecules were modeled with 3D visualization. Optimized peptides were designed to target key CFTR binding domains (nucleotide, transmembrane, R group), providing a blueprint for potential therapeutic development.
Supported by OHSU Mentor
Selected as one of two high school presenters at Oregon Drug Discovery Symposium in undergraduate/graduate category

OREGON DRUG DISCOVERY SYMPOSIUM

science research (10th)

“Emotion Detection-Based Cognitive Stimulus for Psychological Relief of Parkinson's Disease Dementia"
1st place - GBSE (Life Science) | Honorable Mention - State Science Fair (Behavioral Health)
Developed ML model using real-time facial recognition to detect emotions in Parkinson’s patients, triggering tailored brain games to provide short-term psychological relief, cognitive support & improve quality of life. Games were carefully identified based on research studies that characterized their cognitive, neurological and emotional impact.
Launched public website - mindeasee.com

science research (9th)

“Gene Mutations for Early Detection of Crohn’s Disease”
Honorable Mention - GBSE (Health)
Created model which can predict pathogenicity of ATG16L1 alleles based on the amino acid polarity/charge, leading to early detection of Crohn's Disease with genetic modeling

johns hopkins' the global health leaders conference

Selected to attend international conference on global health and medicine. Engaged with peers and experts to explore public health challenges and solutions (11th)

deep learning project

Pneumonia Detection using Deep Learning (Inspirit AI)
Developed a convolutional neural network (CNN)–based computer vision model in Python to diagnose pneumonia from chest X-rays, under mentorship of Inspirit AI program. Voted as Best Project (11th)

perry outreach program

Selected as Perry Scholar and led hands-on mock orthopedic surgeries, biomechanical engineering experiments, and participated in interactive talks from prominent engineers and surgeons (11th)

ncwit - aspirations in computing winner

Honored for my projects demonstrating computing skills to solve healthcare problems, including ML application to build a neural network diagnosing pneumonia from chest X-rays and ML-based app providing emotional relief for Parkinson’s patients (11th)

science leadership & outreach

science bowl
TEAM captain

9th-12th
Organized and led team practices in preparation for Regional Science Bowl Competition. Provided study material, facilitated team practices, handled logistics

hosa
chapter president

10th-12th
Directed chapter initiatives, coordinated statewide conference logistics, increased member participation and achievements

oregon museum of science & industry

10th-12th, 72 hours
Featured Exhibit Docent & Volunteer Guide
Guided families & children through interactive STEM experiences. As Museum Ambassador, taught visitors about exhibits such as Exquisite Creatures Revealed and Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family