I’m interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating sleep function across the lifespan; in other words, why do young animals sleep more and more deeply than their mature counterparts? My work at the Kayser Lab has focused on answering this question by identifying genes that play a role in proper sleep maturation. With the support of University Scholars, I am currently working to explore the link between early-life sleep disruption and neurodegeneration in later life. Outside of research, I am the co-founder/president of the Asian Pacific American Pre-Medical Students Association and have previously served as the vice president of the Korean Student Association. I am also a Research Peer Advisor and have TA’d for General Chemistry and Chronobiology and Sleep.

• Barry Goldwater Scholar
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Research Assistant to Dr. Matthew Kayser, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
• PMG Group Lead

My research interests are in the realm of women’s health and prenatal and/or postpartum care. I am curious about how and why access to healthcare resources could be less attainable and available to certain minority or disadvantaged women populations. Along with this, I hope to understand which policies and programs can be implemented to dismantle barriers for these populations. During the year, I work with Dr. Emily F Gregory in the department of pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia studying health after preterm birth. With the support of University Scholars, I am currently working on my independent research project looking at possible barriers for pregnant teenagers and young mothers in receiving healthcare resources. Outside of my research, I volunteer at Puentes De Salud and form part of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Physical Health Advisory Board.

• Research Assistant to Dr. Emily F Gregory, Department of Pediatrics

Across five years of research experience, I have worked in various settings ranging from ophthalmology to patient safety and developmental medicine. My academic interests span broadly across child development and translational neuroscience, but I am most passionate about research at the intersection of early adversity and developmental psychopathology. In my future career, I hope to combine rigorous qualitative methods with advanced neuroimaging techniques to study the etiological heterogeneity of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. 

Before transferring to Penn, I studied early childhood intervention under Dr. Philip Fisher in the Stress Neurobiology and Prevention (SNAP) Lab at the University of Oregon. At Penn, I research early socio-emotional development within parent-child interactions in the Emotion, Development, Environment, & Neurogenetics (EDEN) Lab under Dr. Rebecca Waller. Currently, I am assisting in developing a novel observational coding measure to characterize social affiliation in children and leading an independent project to investigate early affective displays as risk factors for callous-unemotional traits.

• Research Assistant in the Emotion, Development, Environment, & Neurogenetics (EDEN) Lab
• Research Assistant in the Stress Neurobiology and Prevention (SNAP) Lab (2019–2024)
• Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) Undergraduate Fellow (2021)
• PMG Group Lead

I am a research assistant at the Schmidt Lab where we are studying GLP-1R agonists (like the popular weight loss drugs, Ozempic and Zepbound) and how they can be repurposed as treatments for substance use disorders. I became interested in this field after first discovering it in my neuropsychopharmacology class and have since been fascinated by the neural circuitry behind motivation and reward. Currently, l am investigating the interpeduncular nucleus, a brain region we found where GLP-1R agonists may act to mediate opioid-seeking behavior. I am specifically exploring the impact of these drugs on dopamine neurotransmission. Outside the lab, l am the vice president of clinical operations for PennKDSAP, executive editor for the Penn Healthcare Review, and the biology department head of Moelis Access Science at the Netter Center. In my free time, I enjoy playing frisbee on high rise field, finding new restaurants in Philadelphia, and traveling.

• Ernest M. Brown, Jr. College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant
• Pincus-Magaziner Family Undergraduate Research and Travel Fund
• SfN 2024 Trainee Professional Development Award

See also: University Scholar Shares Research at SfN Conference

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

Prior to Penn, my research interests focused on Classics (Latin and Ancient Greek), and I worked on transcribing and translating ancient manuscripts. Currently, as a cognitive science and finance major, my research interests have shifted to decision making. Specifically, I am curious about methods to promote healthy decisions and establish good habits. With the help of UScholars, I have worked as a part of Penn Medicine's ALLSTAR study since my sophomore year at Penn. Using gamification interventions, this study aims to increase physical activity in racially diverse cancer survivors in order to improve their overall cardiovascular health. Outside of research, I am a member of the Women's Rowing team, the Delta Delta Delta sorority, and Wharton Undergraduate Founders and Funders.

• Research Assistant on the ALLSTAR study
• PMG Group Lead