Imaan Khaki

Program Assistant III - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center | Cell/Molecular Biology Student | Sullivan Scholar

Greater Seattle Area

About

My name is Imaan Khaki. I’m a senior undergraduate student at Seattle University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cell/Molecular Biology with a minor in Psychology. I have a passion for STEM and social justice, and it is my goal to find a career that will seamlessly integrate those principles. My interest in advocacy began when I started volunteering for API Chaya, a Seattle-based nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. This issue resonated with me because unfortunately, it is a problem fueled by generational learned behavior, and is present across all cultures and communities. I see the importance of education and unlearning these unhealthy patterns that, if they remain, will continue to be passed down to future generations. Combatting this issue aligns with my passion for psychology and social justice to foster long-term, positive change within my communities. I have volunteered and worked with API Chaya for almost five years, educating my local communities not only about gender-based violence, but also skills including healthy communication, boundary setting, and identifying red flags in relationships. I have also always enjoyed biology and the sciences, particularly when it comes to healthcare. Healthcare represents both innovation and social justice, using STEM skills to heal vulnerable communities. With the introduction of AI rapidly accelerating the trajectory of biomedical sciences, I am interested in exploring the field of biotech and understanding how we can use these new tools to maximize patient comfort and care. After recently interning with nonprofits like Fred Hutch and Global Kindness Foundation, I have gained firsthand exposure to serving underprivileged communities using advanced technology and medicine. I am looking for more experiences that combine STEM with social justice and compassion.

Experience

  • Seattle University (3 yrs 1 mo)
    • Administrative Assistant - Office of the Registrar
      Oct 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 9 mos

      - Assisted 30+ students, parents, and faculty per day via phone, email, and in-person. - Processed and safeguarded confidential student records in compliance with FERPA regulations. - Resolve inquiries efficiently and professionally - Maintain accurate records of inquiries and submitted forms

    • Undergraduate Research Assistant
      Jun 2023 - Oct 2023 · 5 mos

      Measured Streptococcus mutans growth and biofilm formation in various commercial beverages to assess dental caries risk factors. Prepared and cultured 50 μL S. mutans in 50 mL TSB broth at 37 °C, 250 RPM; calculated growth via optical density (OD) readings and colony-forming units (CFUs). Determined bacterial generation times by analyzing growth curves in beverage-supplemented media. Performed biofilm assays using crystal violet staining (0.1%) with spectrophotometric quantification at 550 nm. Presented a poster outlining abstract, methods, results and future steps to 300+ SU students and faculty members

  • API Chaya (5 yrs 6 mos)
    • Program Facilitator
      Apr 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 3 mos

      Trained to educate communities about gender-based violence, sexual assault and human trafficking Certified workshop facilitator for youth and community programs addressing healthy relationships. Led 6 workshops per year for children, teens, and young adults to discuss boundary setting and conflict resolution

    • Course Facilitator
      Jun 2022 - Jul 2025 · 3 yrs 2 mos

      Certified to facilitate workshops and trainings Independently led workshops for 12+ young adults about communication skills and family relationships Created a responsive environment for students to discuss boundary setting and conflict resolution

    • Natural Helper
      Jan 2021 - Jun 2021 · 6 mos

      I am qualified to facilitate workshops involving: - Human trafficking and forced migration - Gender-based violence - Sexual assault - Relationship skills - Community support

  • Shadowing - Genetic Counselor at Virginia Mason Medical Center
    Feb 2026 - Feb 2026 · 1 mo

    - Completed 6 hours of on-site clinical shadowing in cancer genetics risk assessment and patient counseling - Documented 3+ clinical cases, recording family history, risk assessment, and genetic testing recommendations

  • Summer Intern at Fred Hutch
    Jul 2025 - Aug 2025 · 2 mos

    - 5-week PACE (Program for Advancing Career Exploration) program, attending one day per week on-site to explore careers in biomedical sciences - Gained firsthand exposure to various innovative laboratory techniques including Flow Cytometry, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Proteomics, and Cryo-Electron Microscopy Analyzed real-life case studies, applying problem-solving and analytical thinking to practical scenarios

  • Intern at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
    Jul 2025 - Aug 2025 · 2 mos

    - Selected participant in Fred Hutch PACE program exploring STEM and biomedical career pathways​ - Engaged in structured sessions with researchers and program staff across Fred Hutch - Observed coordination of educational programming and career pathway initiatives