Peabody, Massachusetts, United States
Harvard University undergraduate studying Neurobiology with a minor in Government and a citation in American Sign Language (ASL), pursuing a career in medicine with a strong interest in neurosurgery, translational neuroscience, and clinical innovation. Passionate about bridging scientific discovery and patient care through research that advances the understanding and treatment of neurological disease. Current research spans computational neuroscience, molecular neurodegeneration, and clinical outcomes research. Projects include developing AI-assisted MRI segmentation tools for peripheral neuropathy, investigating Alzheimer's disease mechanisms using advanced neuronal culture models, and conducting large-scale retrospective analyses of spinal fusion outcomes to identify factors associated with improved surgical success. These experiences have provided extensive exposure to computational analysis, neuroimaging, molecular biology, clinical data analysis, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Beyond research, actively pursue patient-centered experiences through clinical volunteering, physician shadowing, and leadership within Harvard's pre-health community. Committed to improving access to healthcare and neuroscience education through mentorship, community outreach, and global health initiatives, with a particular interest in expanding equitable access to neurosurgical care. Driven by a commitment to lifelong learning, collaboration, and service, with the goal of becoming a physician-scientist who advances evidence-based medicine while delivering compassionate, innovative care to patients.
Conduct Alzheimer's disease research under Dr. Doo Yeon Kim and Dr. Sang Su Kwak in the Genetics and Aging Research Unit, investigating molecular pathways linking amyloid-β pathology and tau neurofibrillary tangle formation. Culture 2D H10 and 3D ReNcell VM neuronal models to investigate amyloid-β accumulation, quantify Aβ40/42 expression, and study antibody therapeutics. Optimizing PKI-1422 inhibitor concentrations for experiments targeting downstream cAMP signaling pathways. Perform molecular and biochemical techniques including Western blotting, PCR, protein lysis, BCA assays, and MSD. Selected for the Harvard College PRISE Fellowship, with research featured in the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village abstract book and presented as a scientific poster.
Contribute to the development of an AI-assisted segmentation model to characterize nerve fascicle morphology in clinical MRI datasets from patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, supporting a semi-automated image analysis pipeline and 3D reconstruction of sciatic nerve fascicles with direct translational relevance to peripheral neuropathy research. Apply Python-based computational methods and statistical modeling to evaluate segmentation performance, quantify model accuracy, and generate publication-quality visualizations supporting a manuscript submitted to Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine. Represented the Song Lab as a speaker at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Journal Club by presenting research on the clinical implications of traumatic brain injury in young athletes and its pathological similarities to neurodegenerative disease.
Observe 100+ hours of complex peripheral nerve and reconstructive surgeries with Dr. Justin Brown, including intercostal nerve transfers, tendon transfers, and multidisciplinary reconstructive procedures with Dr. Kyle Eberlin, while participating in weekly MGH Paralysis Center research meetings reviewing surgical cases and ongoing clinical research. Shadow Dr. Antonio Chiocca during intracranial tumor resections and an investigational clinical trial of intratumoral viral therapy for glioblastoma, reviewing patient MRI and CT imaging to gain exposure to translational neurosurgical care.
Conduct a retrospective clinical outcomes study under Dr. Ganesh Shankar of 3,000+ patients with lumbar spondylosis who underwent spinal fusion surgery, investigating the incidence of implant subsidence and identifying patient-, radiographic-, and procedure-specific factors associated with postoperative outcomes. Collect and analyze clinical data from Epic electronic health records, operative notes, medical histories, and pre- and postoperative imaging to characterize patterns of subsidence and evaluate predictors of surgical failure. Apply statistical analyses to support evidence-based strategies for optimizing spinal fusion techniques, reducing subsidence rates, and improving long-term patient outcomes.
Volunteer weekly in clinical settings supporting 50+ cancer patients daily by providing wayfinding assistance, appointment escorting, and compassionate presence during treatment visits, including chemotherapy infusion sessions. Educate patients and families on 250+ Blum Resource Center services and hospital programs while maintaining a patient-centered, empathetic approach to care. Recognized as the first U-18 featured on DFCI Instagram Takeover (35k followers) and in Inside the Institute. Mentor and train 50+ volunteers (ages 14–65) in hospital navigation and clinical protocols, and facilitate a high school summer mentorship program expanding access to clinical volunteering across Boston-area communities.
Support volunteer program operations across Dana-Farber locations by facilitating access to 250+ patient and family care resources and expanding 130+ multilingual digital resources to improve accessibility for non-English–speaking patients. Expand the Junior Volunteer Program to additional hospital locations, overseeing scheduling, coordination, and daily task allocation for ambassadors across Chestnut Hill, Longwood, and newly integrated sites, while conducting data analysis research on Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) webinar engagement.
Direct program operations for Project CHANCE, coordinating SAT practice exams, review sessions, and academic programming for underserved high school students across multiple Boston-area schools. Recruit, coordinate, and mentor volunteers to support consistent tutoring quality, strengthen program logistics, and sustain long-term student engagement.
Provide academic tutoring and mentorship in English, math, and SAT preparation to 50+ underresourced high school students across Boston, Greater Boston, and Cambridge. Support college readiness and educational equity through individualized instruction, homework assistance, and sustained mentorship.
Provide weekly one-on-one companionship to residents with intermediate- to late-stage Alzheimer's disease, delivering patient-centered dementia care that reduces social isolation and supports emotional well-being.
Coordinate partnerships with Harvard student organizations, external organizations, and sponsors to execute large-scale professional and community events, including Visitas, the Fall Student Organization Fair, and HUPS-wide programming. Lead organizational communications and cross-functional coordination to support strategic initiatives and expand the organization's campus presence.
Serve as one of three selected representatives for 300+ first-year pre-health students, advocating for student interests and communicating feedback to the executive board. Help shape programming and resources that enhance the first-year experience and strengthen engagement within Harvard's pre-health community.