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My research interests lay within cultural criticism, specifically within film and the social dynamics it portrays and how it does it through the lenses of its creators. Looking at what might have caused patterns in the interests of marginalized communities despite gender is a main aspect of my research. I focus on the overlaps between the female and queer gazes, finding tropes or values that each gaze maintains and looking into what could have formed them. My passion for this topic comes from both my natural curiosity and that I plan to go into the entertainment industry. anI've worked with iHeart radio as a production intern and created an episode speaking on the correlation between the arts and trauma. Creating conversations about the connection between psychological and social happenings that were developed by history is what I love doing. Apart from my research and career goals, I have taken part as a directors of SPEC Sound for the first 2 years of my education and taken part in other groups such as Women in Animation as an outreach chair as a regular attending member at Penn before going abroad my 3rd year to London.

Academic Major(s): English, Cinema and Media Studies
Trinity Nieves

My research is broadly within the field of religious studies, but it has taken a few specific applications. I have assisted Dr. Talya Fishman in examining medieval Jewish works from Andalusian Spain, such as Judah Halevi’s Kuzari and selected poems of Solomon Ibn Gabirol. With the support of University Scholars and Dr. Fishman as my research mentor, I conducted an independent study that analyzed Benedict Spinoza’s Theological-Political Treatise and his thoughts on Moses, Jesus, and national religion. I am continuing to work on this project through the school year by looking closer at other notable figures in the early modern period who influenced Spinoza’s thought. All of my research has drawn on my interest in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, which I hope to research more in depth in the future. Outside of my research, I have various hobbies that I enjoy, such as running, reading, and playing piano.

  • PMG Group Leader
  • Research Assistant to Dr. Talya Fishman, Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures
Academic Major(s): Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, Religious Studies
Justin Miller

I'm broadly interested in judgment and decision-making, particularly within medical contexts. I'm fascinated by how different participants in medical processes interact with information and how the surrounding systems influence their decisions. Currently, I’m conducting independent research under Dr. James Won and Dr. Ethan Larsen at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Our study uses eye-tracking technology to analyze the visual scan patterns of radiologists as they interpret medical images. We aim to identify areas within images or workflows that consistently attract or divert attention, potentially leading to cognitive overload or lapses in focus that could impact diagnostic accuracy. Outside of research, I’m passionate about mental health advocacy and serve as the chair of finance for the Penn Wellness Student Coalition. For fun, I enjoy going to classical concerts and Broadway musicals, and I’m currently learning the art of brewing a perfect cup of coffee.

  • University Scholar
  • Human Factors Research Intern in the Department of Radiology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  • Summer Research Associate and Teaching Assistant at the Sports Analytics and Business Initiatives at the Wharton School
Academic Major(s): Cognitive Science
Ray Liu

I am passionate about exploring how science can directly improve lives, whether through understanding brain function or enhancing healthcare access. As a Research Assistant in the Eisch Lab, I have been investigating the intricate cell circuitry in a mouse model of Dravet Syndrome, a pediatric epileptic disorder. With the support of UScholars, I spent this past summer deepening my research, which also included developing a machine learning model to study psychosocial stress behaviors in mice. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to research that bridges the gap between fundamental science and real-world applications. 

My interest in applying science to improve healthcare also led me to spend the summer of 2023 in Madurai, India, where I conducted a study on eHealth readiness at Aravind Eye Care Systems. Supported by the Center for the Advanced Study of India (CASI), this experience allowed me to see firsthand the challenges and opportunities in implementing digital health solutions in low-resource settings. 

I've also been fortunate to connect with the broader Penn and Philadelphia community outside the lab. I’ve participated in Penn Dance and Penn Chamber, volunteered at CHOP, served as a Research Peer Advisor, and advised the College Dean as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board (DAB).

  • Research Assistant: Eisch Lab, Hippocampal Circuitry in Brain Health, Injury, and Disease (April 2023 - present)
  • Co-investigator: Aravind Eye Hospital, Digital Habits, Access, and Attitudes of Patients at an Eye Hospital in Southern India (June 2023 - present)
  • PMG Group Lead (May 2024 - present)
Academic Major(s): Bioengineering
Sage Leland
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