Honors ePortfolio
Emerging Experiences
Introduction:
My emerging expertise lies in scientific research and leadership, developed through laboratory work, community engagement, and Honors experiences that integrate technical and interpersonal growth. These experiences demonstrate my ability to analyze complex biological systems, communicate findings, and lead with purpose in both academic and clinical environments. Through research and service, I have learned to bridge the gap between data and human experience, translating scientific insight into compassionate, patient-centered understanding.
For the Artifacts:
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Hydrocephalus Research Poster (Honors experience) - IUI Hydrocephalus Research Center
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Gene Expression internship - University of Wyoming
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Child Life Volunteering - Riley Hospital for Children
During the Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) at Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI) in Summer 2025, I conducted research in the Hydrocephalus Research Center under the mentorship of Dr. Blazer-Yost. My project focused on investigating the role of mechanosensitive ion channels in cerebrospinal fluid regulation using Ussing electrophysiology and cell culture models of the choroid plexus barrier.
This experience allowed me to strengthen my technical expertise in cell line maintenance, transwell assays, and electrophysiological measurements, while also improving my ability to interpret data and communicate findings in a scientific format. Presenting my results at the UROP poster session enhanced my confidence in scientific communication and contributed significantly to my emerging expertise in neurophysiology and translational biomedical research.
During my Bioinformatics Internship with Dr. Shukla at University of Wyoming in Summer 2024, I worked on analyzing gene expression and protein interaction datasets to identify molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. Using tools such as NCBI BLAST, Ensemble, and DNA sequence alignment tools. I gained hands-on experience in data cleaning, sequence alignment, and pathway mapping. This internship strengthened my understanding of computational biology, data-driven hypothesis generation, and translational applications of bioinformatics. Collaborating with Dr. Shukla's research group deepened my appreciation for the integration of computational and experimental approaches in modern biomedical science, shaping my emerging expertise in systems-level analysis and precision medicine.
As a volunteer with the Child Life team at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis from 2023 and on wards, I supported pediatric patients and their families in the stem cell transplant and oncology units. My role involved comforting young patients during procedures, engaging them in therapeutic play, and assisting nurses and Child Life specialists in maintaining a calm, supportive environment. Through this experience, I learned to communicate empathetically with children and families under stress, developing emotional resilience and clinical awareness. This exposure to patient-centered care strengthened my emerging expertise in compassionate healthcare delivery and pediatric support within hospital settings.
Reflection:
Each artifact reflects a meaningful step in my growth, both as a developing scientist and as someone who cares deeply about people. My hydrocephalus research poster taught me the excitement of discovering how tiny molecular changes shape bigger physiological processes, and presenting my work made me feel confident and proud of what I could contribute. My gene expression internship opened an entirely new world of bioinformatics, showing me how powerful it is when computational tools and biology work together. And my Child Life volunteering at Riley Hospital brought heart to everything I had been learning, reminding me how presence, kindness, and listening can bring comfort in moments that feel overwhelming. Together, these experiences have shaped me into someone who loves science and also cherishes the human stories behind it, inspiring me to pursue a future where research and compassionate care go hand in hand.
