How/Why Research? I saw a lung experiment in middle school which got me interested, and lung cancer is one of the most fatal diseases. I chose UNC knowing the presence of the Lineberger Cancer Center, so I went through the researcher directory searching for lung cancer related research and began emailing professors at the beginning of school. After meeting with Dr. Pecot, I was able to concretize my research focus, and later made the decision to join the Pecot Lab.
Research Experience: I began research at a cancer lab in high school, where I conducted my own project on cigarette smoking and protein-based vaccine production of small cell lung cancer. I also worked at two other labs: one focusing on treating glioblastoma with optogenetic therapy and the other one relating to gene editing to treat presbyopia with a first-author paper published based on my research. In the Fall of 2023, I joined the Pecot Lab researching blood vessels and extracellular vesicle communications in the tumor microenvironment of lung squamous cell carcinoma. Through the experience, not only was I able to learn the wet lab skills, but I also went deeper into the subject that I was interested in and learned the logic and reasons behind the experiments.
Student Organizations/Clubs: UNC Moonlight Dance Crew, Carolina Cancer Association
Also Happy to Chat about: Making resumes
Random Fun Fact: I’ve performed at an NBA game before.