My research interests are in the intersection of Design and Biology. I am fascinated by how we can use design to improve or solve different biological problems. I am also curious about how different patterns in nature help shape the world of design, whether based on function or aesthetics. I have worked under Dr. Laia Mogas-Soldevila at DumoLabs Research since my sophomore year at Penn. This past summer I conducted research on Mycelium and its functionality. We have tested our creative approaches in the realm of Mycelium-Based Composites by using 3D printing. I am currently still working on this project and exploring more of Mycelium’s acoustic protective qualities. Outside of academics, I am involved in a business and cultural club called SEAC, where I help in member engagement and professional development.

• Mayor's Scholar
• Research Assistant to Dr. Laia Mogas-Soldevila at DumoLabs Research
• College mentor for SEA 2 Uni that helps high school students through the college application process
• PMG Group Lead

I’m a sophomore from California, majoring in Bioengineering and minoring in Chemistry with a pre-med focus. My research interests center around diagnostic and therapeutic biomedical devices. I completed a research internship at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation with the support of UScholars working on microfluidics and organs-on-a-chip, and now I’m an undergraduate researcher in the Jiang Group, where I work on bioelectronics and biosensors for precision health. On campus, I’m an active member of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and the Penn Undergraduate Biotech Society (PUBS). In my free time, I love hitting the gym, exploring new foods, and spending time with friends and family.

• Undergraduate Research Assistant at Jiang Group
• Research Intern at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation
• Regeneron STS Scholar

As a biochemistry and mathematical economics major, my research interests center on genetics and its transformative potential for global development. At the Smilow Research Center under Dr. Kiran Musunuru, a leading physician-scientist, I focused on genetic engineering tools for therapeutic solutions to hypoglycemia, optimized CRISPR gesicle delivery methods, and investigated genetic approaches to treat Marfan syndrome. These projects deepened my interest in CRISPR technology and its practical applications, motivating my transition to my current lab to focus more on developing these technologies. 

Currently, I am a Research Assistant in Dr. Rahul Kohli’s lab at the University of Pennsylvania, enhancing CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing efficiency through innovative DNA delivery methods. We explore strategies to improve the delivery of double-stranded and single-stranded DNA, addressing challenges like cellular toxicity and inefficient DNA delivery in primary cells. This involves engineering proteins for more effective and targeted genetic material delivery into cells. 

My interest in developmental economics complements my biochemistry research, as both disciplines aim to create sustainable solutions for global challenges. I am passionate about applying economic principles to foster sustainable development and improve living standards globally. My studies allow me to analyze the economic and social impacts of scientific innovations, particularly biotechnological advancements, on global economic development. 

As a Perry World House Fellow, I engage in discussions on international relations and policy, bridging the gap between scientific innovation and global development. Outside academics, I serve as the elected vice chair of the International Students Advisory Board, representing over 5,000 students. Additionally, I am a sprinter in the 100-meter dash, have a keen eye for classic continental literature, and have a deep interest in learning new languages.

• University Scholar 
• Research Assistant to Dr. Kiran Musunuru, Smilow Research Center 
• Research Assistant to Dr. Rahul Kohli, University of Pennsylvania

My research primarily falls under cardiac electrophysiology, which essentially is a branch of cardiology that looks at the electrical activity of the heart, and how we as scientists can detect, classify, and treat abnormalities like rhythm and timing in the heartbeat. This sophomore year will be my second year working under Dr. Timothy Markman and Dr. Brian Salzberg. 

With the support of University Scholars this past summer, I first optimized our lab’s indocyanine green (ICG) imaging device, which under near-infrared light excites ICG dye (causing it to fluoresce) and detects changes in voltage. I then observed fluorescence in ICG solutions of various hydrophobicities, a characteristic of the cell membrane. And after staining myocyte cell cultures with ICG and stimulating them to generate an action potential, I observed changes in fluorescence during contraction. Nowadays, I am working on expanding my experiments to larger in vivo samples, like a pig’s heart, with the ultimate goal of one day being able to detect cardiac arrhythmias in the human heart. 

Outside of research, I’m involved in clinical volunteering at local dementia care units with the Brain Exercise Initiative as well as tutoring chemistry at the Weingarten Tutoring Center.

• Research Assistant to Dr. Timothy Markman, Department of Cardiology
• University Scholars