SARAH

July–September 2025

Pioneer Academics

About the Program:
– Pioneer Academics is the world’s first and only college-accredited online research program for high school students.
– It upholds the highest global standards for academic integrity, mentorship, and original research.

My Experience:
– Through Pioneer, I conducted independent research under the guidance of UChicago Professor Arji Daou

– Combined electrophysiological recording and Hodgkin–Huxley modeling to identify reduced SK channel conductance as a key mechanism underlying cortical hyperexcitability in stuttering.

July–August 2025

Cosmos UCI Summer Residential Pre-College Program

University of California, Irvine | Cluster: BioEngineering Your Brain: Controlling the World with Your Brainwaves

– Developed skills in neuroscience research methods, data analysis, teamwork, and scientific communication.

Selected to participate in a 4-week intensive neuroscience and bioengineering research program for talented high school students.

– Researched the impact of exercise on EEG and P300 Speller accuracy.

– Collected and analyzed EEG data to evaluate changes in brain-computer interface performance before and after physical activity.

– Presented findings at the COSMOS UCI Poster Symposium 2025, demonstrating research outcomes to faculty and peers.

April 2025

SCIENCE and ENGINEERING FAIR

– Developed and coded a computational biology project analyzing genetic data to explore biological patterns and relationships.

– Evaluated based on scientific methods, data analysis, originality, and communication skills.

– Achievements:

1st Place — School Level

3rd Place — District Level

Bronze Medal — Riverside County

– Presented research findings to expert judges, emphasizing creativity, technical accuracy, and effective scientific communication.

– Strengthened skills in data-driven research, coding, and public presentation.

August 2024

Journal of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Fall 2024

– Journalism/ Publication
– Organization: Journal of Quantitative and Qualitative Research: Fall 2024
Available on Amazon, Books
Book ISBN-13: 979834301481

– Collaborated with UCSD Professor Quan Zhu on a computational genetics project analyzing mouse motor cortex data using UMAP dimensionality reduction techniques.

– Conducted data processing, visualization, and interpretation to identify gene-expression patterns related to motor function.

– Authored and published a research paper in the Journal of Quantitative and Qualitative Research (Fall 2024).

– Gained advanced experience in coding (Python/MATLAB), data analysis, and academic writing through independent and team-based research.

April 2025

USA Biolympiad Semifinalist

– Competed among approximately 10,000 participants nationwide, achieving placement in the top 10% through strong performance on rigorous biological problem sets.

– Dedicated 150+ hours to mastering advanced topics in molecular biology, genetics, and physiology.

– Prepared collaboratively with peers in the USABO (USA Biology Olympiad) Club, engaging in practice exams and group study sessions.

– Experience deepened my passion for biology and inspired me to pursue advanced research and academic opportunities in the life sciences.

June 2024–Aug 2025

Dental Learning and internship experiences

Dahua Dental

June–August 2024 (72 Hours)

Supervisor: Dr. Kyle R. Wong

– Completed basic dental studies and clinical internship, gaining hands-on experience in patient care, sterilization, and chairside assisting.

– Studied oral anatomy, preventive dentistry, and X-ray imaging procedures.

– Strengthened understanding of professional dental practices, safety standards, and clinical communication.

• Successfully obtained:
  • Dental Assistant (DA) License
  • X-ray Photography License — No. X231

Wonderful Life Dental

June–August 2025 (72 Hours)

Supervisor: Dr. Pai

– On September 27, 2025, led the LASLAC team to the clinic to thank the doctors for their mentorship and to donate supplies supporting patients in need within the community.

– Participated in an introductory dental study and internship, focusing on clinical workflow, dental hygiene, and patient management.

– Observed professional dental procedures and learned about preventive and restorative care.

– Gained valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and service in a healthcare setting.