Research Projects
I truly enjoy research! I participated in the Regeneron Northwest Science Expo and the OES Science Expo, where I presented research in animal and plant biology. Through the SSP, Inc. Summer Science Program at Indiana University, I conducted research on enzyme inhibitors to combat fungal crop pathogens, gaining hands-on experience in biochemistry, enzyme profiling, and molecular modeling. This work led to a co-authored paper and over 100 hours of wet lab experience. Currently, I’m a research intern at the Providence Brain and Spine Institute, where I assist with clinical research on cerebral aneurysm treatments. I’m CITI-certified in research ethics and safety, and I contribute to study design and data analysis in collaboration with St. Vincent's Hospital neurosurgeons.
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Inhibiting Cdc14 in Diaporthe Helianthi to Combat Fungal Crop Infection
JUNE 2025 - JULY 2025​​
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SSP International - Summer Science Program in Biochemistry (Indiana University)
​Purified and characterized the Cdc14 protein in Diaporthe helianthi to evaluate its potential as a target for mitigating Phomopsis stem canker, a major crop disease. Screened a compound library and identified inhibitor G6 as most effective in vitro. Using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE), designed a novel inhibitor based on conserved active site features for future development.
Evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) self-expanding mesh device for treatment of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms
JULY 2024 - PRESENT​
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Reserch Internship - Providence Brain and Spine Institute
​Conducting a retrospective outcomes study at Providence St. Vincent’s Medical Center to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device in treating cerebral aneurysms. The study analyzes ~250 patient cases to assess device deployment success, occlusion rates (Raymond scale), postoperative complications, and retreatment needs. Secondary objectives include examining comorbidities (e.g., tobacco use, hypertension) and aneurysm morphology to identify predictors of patient outcomes.
Effects of N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide and Polyester Microfibers on the Swimming Behavior and Mortality of Daphnia manga
OCTOBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025
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2nd Place Category Award in Animal & Plant Biology, OES Science Expo – February 2025
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Society for In Vitro Biology Science Award, OES Science Expo – February 2025
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2nd Place Category Award in Animal Sciences, Northwest Science Expo – May 2025
​Investigated the effects of DEET and polyester microfibers on Daphnia magna swimming behavior. While individual exposures showed minimal impact, combined exposure significantly increased mortality, suggesting a synergistic effect. Trends also indicated possible swimming impairments from DEET. Findings highlight the need to study pollutant interactions in realistic multi-contaminant environments.
Protease enzyme Activity as a Non-invasive Biomarker for Urban River Pollution
JANUARY 2025 - JUNE 2025​​​
​Measured protease enzyme activity in the Willamette River upstream, within, and downstream of the Portland Harbor Superfund Site. Results showed a trend of higher protease activity downstream, suggesting microbial responses to pollution, though findings were not statistically significant due to variability and methodological constraints. The study supports protease activity’s potential as a noninvasive indicator of water quality, with future work focused on standardization and replication.
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Efficiency of FeCl2 * 5H2O Enhanced Biochar
JANUARY 2024 - JUNE 2024​​​
​Tested enhanced biochar as a potential solution for nitrate pollution by varying concentrations of iron dichloride tetrahydrate to improve nitrate absorption. While a negative correlation trend was observed in certain treatments, instrument calibration errors rendered results inconclusive. The study highlights the promise of biochar as a low-cost remediation tool, while underscoring the need for precise instrumentation in future research.
Identifying the Ideal Lightweight Insulator for Sustainable Aviation Applications
JANUARY 2023 - JUNE 2023​
​Aimed to address the challenge of storing liquid hydrogen. an environmentally friendly but cryogenically demanding aviation fuel, by evaluating lightweight cryogenic insulators. Tested Cryogel Z aerogel against polystyrene and foam using water-filled paint cans as models. Results showed Cryogel Z had the lowest heat loss and significantly outperformed the other insulators (p < 0.05). While limitations such as rusting containers and inconsistent temperatures affected precision, findings support aerogels’ potential as highly effective cryogenic insulators for sustainable fuel storage.
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