COS Write Up Questions
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School
Columbia University *
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Course
101
Subject
Medicine
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
Pages
3
Uploaded by Master_Iron_Fish13
What is your major and projected graduation year?
●
Behavioral Neuroscience and May 2022
Tell us about your experience on co-op at CaNCURE. What was your role and what did you do day to
day?
●
I enjoyed my experience at CaNCURE as a co - op. I worked as a research student in the Sridhar
Lab. My research project focused on development of polymer- drug conjugates using Talazoparib,
a PARP inhibitor, for sustained release in a mouse model of ovarian cancer. Traditional TLZ is
hydrophobic and taken orally which limits its bioavailability; necessitating high doses which can
lead to off-site toxicity. Thus, development of a Talazoparib polymer-drug conjugate or implant
would allow sustained release with greater clinical efficacy.
While on co-op, my day started off with coming into the lab and performing drug injections into
the cohort of twenty mice. Moreover, I checked the weight of the mice and monitored the effects
of the TLZ implants using Bioluminescence scanning that allowed me to visualize the tumor
burden within each subject. In addition, I learned how to synthesize nanoparticles using the
Nanodrop and performed
high-performance liquid chromatography to quantify the identity of
aforementioned nanoparticles.
How did you learn about the co-op opportunity with CaNCURE?
●
I learned about the co -op opportunity with CaNCURE initially in fall of 2019 as one of my
friends previously did her co-op through CaNCURE. She described it as an invaluable
opportunity to do hands-on research and possibly publish a research paper. At that time, I had
already secured my first co-op. However, when I saw that CaNCURE was recruiting students for
the Spring 2021 semester. I decided to apply and I was fortunate enough to join the Sridhar lab.
Why did you choose to pursue this co-op experience?
●
I was really interested in oncology and women’s health following my courses in the College of
Science including a biological inquiries course entitled human female reproductive aging and
infertility which talked about technologies to discuss issues surrounding reproductive health. It
was there that my interests in women’s health really peaked. As well, I have had a few family
members who have been diagnosed with cancer and have felt inspired to contribute to oncology
research. The great part about Northeastern is that once you become aware of these interests you
can develop them through experiential learning. Once I was accepted into the CaNCURE
program, I went through a mentorship match program in order to find a lab that would allow me
to work on oncology research focused on women’s health specifically in ovarian cancer. It
seemed like the perfect opportunity to develop my technical research skills while also
contributing to technology that could greatly benefit patients who often suffer disparate health
outcomes due to the lack of screening technologies for early detection.
Did your co-op experience offer insight to what you may want to pursue in your future professional or
academic career?
●
After graduating from Northeastern, I will pursue a medical degree and research career.
Becoming involved in the Sridhar lab, through my co-op really strengthened my interests in
translational research and exposed me to the scientific process. I saw the daily life of PhD
students and postdocs within my lab and learned that I thrive in a research environment. I intend
to take a gap year to strengthen my clinical and research skills prior to my candidacy. Attending
graduate school is my path to a career in research and medical innovation. I aim to start my own
biotechnology company generating feasible solutions to ambiguous, complex inquiries and
mentor the next generation of women in STEM especially those who are underrepresented.
Throughout my undergraduate career, I have focused my research interest on medical technology
and therapeutics for underserved communities. I enjoy thinking creatively about developing
improvements to current therapies which are not accessible to resources - limited regions and
groups. Specifically, I would like to focus my research on women’s health or oncology given the
extensive knowledge I acquired through CaNCURE . I dream of developing an affordable
detection assay or device for ovarian cancer, possibly for self assessment. Growing up, I did not
see myself ever represented as a scientist, and I want to inspire other women to know that it is
possible -- through a lifetime of research and service.
Could you tell us about TIDBIT, and your role there?
●
I became fascinated with gamification as a clinical tool to help with ADHD deficits through my
neuroscience courses. As a result, I developed a concept for a social network, titled TIDBIT,
which seeks to combat the executive functioning deficits produced by ADHD through
gamification. Users would be able to increase executive functioning and impulse through
achievement of goals or “tidbits”. By exploiting the immediate gratification pathway and game
metrics through a reward algorithm, one is able to activate the mesolimbocortical dopamine
system in the brain that is most exploited in adolescence. I have been developing this idea through
the Women’s Interdisciplinary Society of Entrepreneurship, the Northeastern Entrepreneurs Club
and IDEA.
Could you tell us about REBEL by Lauren, and your role there?
●
The opportunity for REBEL by Lauren just kind of
fell into my hands
come to think of it. In
March 2020, as we were all asked to practice social distancing, I found myself painting my nails
frequently as a hobby. I started experimenting with different types of nail polish and it became a
way to practice self care. However. I frequently found that it was difficult to paint my dominant
hand and the brush was not contoured to fit my nails perfectly. As well, oftentimes the remaining
nail polish in the bottle would become dry as I painted my nails and unscrewed the cap and brush
combination. Thus, I came up with the idea for REBEL by Lauren which is a novel nail polish
applicator system featuring refillable liquid cartridges.
What else are you involved with at the College of Science and Northeastern?
●
Outside of classes, I am actively involved in The Women’s Interdisciplinary Society of
Entrepreneurship which helps to combat the large gender disparity surrounding women led
startups by helping to womxn develop an innovative mindset; as both a member, underclassmen
mentor and WeBuild Alumni (thought incubator program). I am also a member and former social
media director of Northeastern’s Entrepreneurship Club. Lastly, I am an active member of the
Minority Association of Premedical Students, College of Science Diversity Council and Nu Rho
Psi honor society.
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