OUR Mentors
Lauren VuongMajor/Minor:
Biochemistry Year: 4th Research Description: Lauren initially conducted research examining the chemical and electronic properties of chiral materials including self-assembling monolayers via scanneling tunneling microscopy (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electrochemistry. She has now transitioned to working on developing unique chiral biomaterials that allow for the efficient growth of tissue models for various applications. Fun Fact: I have 4 pet chickens! |
Audrey Banzali-MarksMajor/Minor:
MCDB and Spanish Year: 3rd Research Description: Identifying the cellular mechanisms of topical steroid treatment for eczema Fun Fact: I was a contestant on Wheel of Fortune! |
Vivien SuMajor/Minor: MCDB and Biomedical Research Year: 4th Research Description: I am investigating the effects of long noncoding RNAs and RNA binding proteins on fat tissue development and body weight gain. Fun Fact: My hair color went through a natural dramatic shift as I grew older...from black to light brown! |
Lianne AlsonMajor/Minor:
Chemistry Year: 4th Research Description: I aim to study the properties and kinetics of cyanine dye J-aggregates using spectroscopic techniques. My current project involves studying the behavior when silver iodide is added to these dyes. Fun Fact: I have gone skydiving! |
Au VoMajor/Minor:
MIMG and HBS Year: 3rd Research Description: Sex differences in anti-tumor response of CD8+ T cells Fun Fact: My name is gold on the periodic table! |
Andrew WangMajor/Minor:
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Year: 4th Research Description: Analyzing bulk and single-cell RNAseq data to explore how infections during pregnancy can influence neurodevelopmental disorders (such as schizophrenia) in children. Investigating single-cell RNAseq data to find pairs of genes that are highly expressed in cancer cells but not normal cells. These gene pairs are used to develop selective cancer therapies. Fun Fact: I have double jointed elbows |
Raphael LowMajor/Minor:
Physics Year: 2nd Research Description: I am working on a mix of computational and experimental quantum optics research, where I worked on formulating the dispersion relations of light existing in subwavelength-scale waveguides and applying canonical quantization to discover interesting modes that can propagate in the waveguides. These modes are then simulated in Python. Fun Fact: I have never lived on the Hill |
Tiao TanMajor/Minor:
MCDB Year: 4th Research Description: I study the erosion of X-chromosome inactivation in female induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and how to delay it to increase iPSC therapeutic potential. Fun Fact: I have won every board game on my first try in 2023 :D |
Tiran SargsyanMajor/Minor:
Biology Year: 4th Research Description: My research is focused around the creation of new immunotherapies involving natural killer cells. My project involves measurement and analysis of luminescence levels in mice. Fun Fact: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as planning and taking hiking/camping trips to Northern California. |
Jamie CheungMajor/Minor:
Psychobiology and Evolutionary Medicine Year: 4th Research Description: I am aiming to keep T cells in their effector states instead of their exhausted states so that they maintain their cancer fighting abilities. Fun Fact: I once got stuck on a zipline in Hawaii! |
Zachary LammMajor/Minor:
Biochemistry and Food Studies Year: 4th Research Description: Studying whether glutamine is enriched around purinosomes, and if hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase loss-of-function mutations redirect glutamine utilization to purinosome. Fun Fact: I'm a big dog person! |
Ross LechnerMajor/Minor:
Biology Year: 4th Research Description: Leveraging wearable fitness technologies to promote digital health and performance of at risk populations and high level athletes alike. Fun Fact: I speak German |
Sabina HouseMajor/Minor:
MCDB and Bioinformatics Year: 4th Research Description: In one lab, my research involves studying plant growth-promoting bacteria. In a different lab, I run computer programs to determine trends between DNA methylation and phenotypic variation Fun Fact: I love skiing. |
Karly BeanMajor/Minor:
Biology Year: 4th Research Description: My research focuses on the effect the nuclear almond have on cellular function in the development of the tooth. Fun Fact: I’m a transfer student |
Audrey LaiMajor/Minor:
Cognitive Science and Applied Developmental Psychology + Community Engagement and Social Change Year: 4th Research Description: My research combines analyses of behavioral and fMRI data to understand how involvement in social physical activity during adolescence can improve executive function in children Fun Fact: I can juggle! |