Rachel Lee

Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience (cum laude) and Psychology @ Harvard College

Fullerton, California, United States

About

Experience

  • Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line
    Dec 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

    -De-escalate emotionally intense conversations using active listening, risk assessment, and collaborative problem-solving skills -Develop individualized coping and safety plans, including providing referrals to mental health and intervention resources, and coordinate with Emergency Medical Services as needed

  • Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital ()
    • Research Fellow | Karmacharya Lab
      Jan 2025 - May 2026 · 1 yr 5 mos

      -Awarded the Mary Roberts Gordon Fellowship and Harvard College Research Fellowship -Designed and conducted independent honors thesis research investigating neuroimmune mechanisms of maternal immune activation in schizophrenia using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia-like cells -Maintained iPSC cultures and performed 2D differentiation into microglia-like cells, RT-qPCR, immunocytochemistry, live-cell imaging, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis -Interpreted experimental data, troubleshot workflows and assays, and optimized protocols -Successfully defended thesis before faculty evaluators and presented results at the annual Harvard Mind Brain Behavior Interfaculty Initiative’s Research Showcase

    • Research Intern | Valera Lab
      Dec 2023 - Dec 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

      -Collected, processed, and prepared blood and hair samples from survivors of intimate partner violence to support a study examining the impact of traumatic brain injuries on chronic stress and neurodegenerative risk -Performed participant screenings and interviews, obtained informed consent, and digitized data

  • Volunteer at Massachusetts General Hospital
    Nov 2023 - May 2026 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    -Assisted clinical teams in the Chemotherapy Infusion Unit and Emergency Department by discharging patients, delivering lab samples, preparing paperwork for appointments, and escorting patients to rooms -Provided comfort to patients and families navigating high-stress environments, long-term treatments, wait times, and resource barriers by offering food, blankets, and presence

  • Co-Director at Harvard Undergraduate Music in Hospitals and Nursing Homes Using Entertainment as Therapy (MIHNUET)
    Sep 2022 - Jan 2026 · 3 yrs 5 mos

    -Led an 80-member music service organization bringing live performances to local hospitals, shelters, and long-term care homes -Partnered with other music-focused service groups in the Greater Boston area for regular performances and an upcoming benefit concert to fundraise for a designated charity -Launched MIHNUET’s first recorded album on SoundCloud to expand reach

  • Course Assistant at Harvard University
    Jul 2024 - Dec 2025 · 1 yr 6 mos

    -Supported instruction for introductory courses in neurobiology, chemistry, and physics (BIOS P-13502, PHYSCI 2, PHYSCI 11, NEURO 80) by facilitating discussions during lectures -Mentored small cohorts of students through the Peer Coaching Program and led tutoring sessions focused on conceptual understanding, skill-building, and exam preparation strategies