Ayesha Mallick

Hi! My name is Ayesha Mallick, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Biology. I know how overwhelming it can feel to take the first steps into research — from figuring out how to find opportunities, to reaching out to professors, to getting comfortable in a lab environment. Having received guidance myself from CURF, I’m excited to help other students navigate that process and feel confident pursuing research.

I can help with finding and applying to research opportunities, identifying labs that match your interests, drafting outreach emails, preparing for interviews, deciding between different research paths, and learning how to contribute effectively once you join a lab. I can also provide guidance on balancing coursework with lab responsibilities and making the most of mentorship relationships. My goal is to make research feel more accessible and to help students gain confidence and clarity as they explore their scientific interests.

Outside of research, I love exploring new cafés and restaurants, shopping, and being involved in my community through many of the cultural and religious centers at Penn. I’m always happy to connect, answer questions, and share practical advice about getting started and thriving in the research community at Penn!

• Researcher, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP): Using fly models to study degeneration and exploring potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.