Describe your background
UCSC Biomolecular Engineering -- Bladder Cancer Research and CKD Sensor Development Research
Describe your area of research and/or your area of specialty
My research focused on exploring novel protein-protein interactions (PPIs) using a pooled genetic screening platform. Specifically, I investigated productive protein pairings by screening for interactions that produced changes in cellular fitness, allowing promising candidates to be identified and validated.
Describe your involvement within the department and UC San Diego (were/are you involved in student orgs, recreation, certificate programs, internships, etc. outside of curricular requirements?)
I served as a teaching assistant within the Bioengineering Department and was also involved with the UC San Diego Music Department, where I had the opportunity to perform at the ARCADES festival.
Have you received any outstanding mentorship or guidance during your time in the program that made an impact on your research and/or the trajectory of your career?
Yes! I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship of my PI, Alejandro Chavez, and my postdoctoral mentor, Hark Kyun Kim. Both invested a tremendous amount of time and effort into my development as a researcher, challenged me to grow scientifically, and made my graduate-school experience much more engaging and meaningful.
What has been your favorite part about your graduate experience in the program?
My favorite part has definitely been exploring UC San Diego--and subsequently San Diego--with my cohort, while meeting people from so many different walks of life. Graduate school has been such a unique experience, and I'm incredibly grateful for the friends and mentors I've made along the way.
Any thoughts or advice you'd like to share with prospective graduate students?
Take risks! Try! Fail! Succeed! Seriously--pursue the research interests, classes, and extracurriculars that *you* are passionate about. Graduate school gives you access to an incredible range of people, experiences, and resources, so take advantage of them. Try things outside your comfort zone, both academically and personally. Life is too short to spend it worrying about what others think you *should* be doing. Pursue what you want--even when it's scary--and your future self may thank you for taking the chance.
If you are an Alumni from our program, what is your current role, or what are your career prospects and plans for the future?
I am currently pursuing opportunities in the San Diego biotechnology and life sciences industry.