Sarah Su

AI @ MIT

Los Altos, California, United States

About

Experience

  • Machine Learning Researcher at MIT Doug Hart Lab
    Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Uses machine learning models in conjunction with computational chemistry methods to develop a catalyst for aluminum-water reactions.

  • Artificial Intelligence Intern at Faction
    Jun 2024 - Sep 2024 · 4 mos

    Working on integrating artificial intelligence tools with autonomous vehicles.

  • Synthetic Organic Chemist at Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)
    Sep 2019 - May 2023 · 3 yrs 9 mos

    Semisynthesis and photochemical & photobiological activity of Berberine and analogs thereof Researched Berberine’s medicinal properties through semi-synthetic analogues as antimicrobial agents, as well as quantitatively analyzed the efficiency of Berberine as a Singlet Oxygen sensitizer to direct future synthesis of analogues in anti-cancer settings. Screened Berberine analogues in silico against DNA targets to develop a Structure Activity Relationship between Berberine and oxidative damage. Developed 1H NMR workflow for precise quantification of singlet oxygen photosensitization through a hetero-Diels Alder reaction between 1O2 and α-terpinene. Synthesized a library of 8-alkyl and 8-aryl substituted berberine analogs through a Grignard reaction, and determined their biological activity against cancer cells and against a variety of bacteria strains. 19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance enables the optimization of Biginelli condensation reactions towards the synthesis of Kinesin Eg5 inhibitors Co-developed a workflow for using 19F NMR spectroscopy to probe reactive intermediates in a complex multicomponent reaction. Evaluated relative thermodynamics of key intermediates in reaction pathways by density functional theory (DFT) analysis Reactivity-Guided Design and Structure-Activity Relationship of designed Covalent Inhibitors against Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 Used molecular docking to develop SAR of dehydroalanine (dHAla) based Michael acceptor inhibitors of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 Construction of the tricyclic core of forskolin through a regiocontrolled Diels Alder cycloaddition Screened Lewis acid catalysts for regiocontrolled normal demand and inverse demand Diels Alder cycloadditions from commercially available dienes and dienophiles towards a scalable synthesis of the tricyclic core of forskolin, a bioactive natural product key in reprogramming cell cycle processes and in aging research.

  • Project Intern at University of California, Berkeley & UCSF Anwar Lab
    Jun 2022 - Aug 2022 · 3 mos

    Wrote scripts to interpret optical readouts quantitatively to develop tracers towards usage in intraoperative cancer imaging through conjugation of antibodies with fluorophores.

  • Debate Leadership at MVLA Speech and Debate
    Aug 2020 - Jun 2022 · 1 yr 11 mos

    Mentorship Coordinator Hold and coordinate novice hour, a free program which allows new debaters to get training from varsity debaters and to expand their interests in debate. Works with the MVLA Leadership team to fund programs, as well as to lead debate opportunities such as holding debate tournaments and summer camps. Secretary, Exec Position Works with the MVLA Leadership team to efficiently communicate with other team members, and to increase engagement and productivity within the debate team. Works closely with the executive committee to organize leadership meetings and MVLA debate team meetings as a whole.