Through a range of experiences, I have discovered that my deepest passions and interests lie within the scientific field and applying what I learn in an academic setting to a more greater purpose. As a biomedical engineering major with an interest in disease therapy, I decided to pursue undergraduate research as a freshman in order to work alongside pioneers in the field and contribute meaningful results to their research. As a passionate advocate for technology and service, I felt confident that research would allow me to apply my knowledge to a very important area of study and contribute meaningful results through this program.

During my first semester as an Emerging Scholar, I worked closely with the other researchers and students in my lab to quickly learn the skills and techniques necessary when running my own project. I recently joined a project, in which the relationship between the Abi3 gene and the production of amyloid beta plaques is being observed. Additionally, I applied the Sholl Analysis program to quantify dendritic deterioration in the spines of mice, which is important for a lab that studies neurodegenerative diseases. Beginning in the fall, I plan to utilize the skills I’ve acquired this past semester and lead my own project.