Archives: Explorers

My name is Emilie Petit, and I am a third-year Bioengineering undergraduate at UC Berkeley and a Southern California native. At the Sohn Research Lab, my research focuses on the mechanical properties of cells. I have gained hands-on experience using the Node Pore Sensing microfluidic platform to analyze cell viscoelasticity. This semester, I will be working on a project that involves applying this technology to the study of endometriosis, aiming to deepen our understanding of the disease and improve diagnostic methods. I am passionate about contributing to women’s health research and am enthusiastic about the opportunity to further my academic and research goals. With the support of H2H8, I look forward to gaining research skills to apply to my future graduate studies and making a meaningful impact in the field.

Nicole is a third-year undergraduate studying Molecular & Cellular Biology (Immunology & Molecular Therapeutics) and Data Science at UC Berkeley. She is an undergraduate researcher in the Clark Lab, working on developing new workflows for nucleic acid cytometry to purify cells based on DNA or RNA signatures prior to sequencing analysis. With graduate mentor Sakshi Shah, she is extending an existing nucleic acid cytometry technique to improve detection of ultra-rare cells and eliminate a specialized microfluidics step in the workflow. Nucleic acid cytometry can help uncover biological mechanisms underlying viral diseases like HIV, illuminate gene expression patterns from host-pathogen interactions, or be applied to other challenging diseases with “hidden” cell populations indistinguishable by surface markers. In Nicole’s free time, she plays the cello, enjoys video games with friends, and explores the Bay Area.

Jared is a PhD student in the biophysics program at UC Berkeley in the laboratories of Dr. Daniel Fletcher and Dr. Grigory Tikhomirov. His research focuses on developing nucleic acid nanotechnology-based tools to probe and manipulate cells for biophysical research and diagnostics, as well as developing nanomedicines to improve human health. This manifests as projects involving developing drug delivery vehicles, low-cost point-of-care diagnostics, and imaging probes for cell-surface studies. Prior to Berkeley, Jared received a BS in biophysics and a BS in data science from Temple University. At Temple, he performed research in computational genomics studying cancer evolution in the laboratory of Dr. Sudhir Kumar. Outside of the lab, Jared enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring the beautiful nature in the bay area!

I am a senior studying Molecular and Cell Biology and Data Science at UC Berkeley, where I study aging and rejuvenation in Dr. Irina Conboy’s lab. I am currently working on a project tracking in-vivo rejuvenation of aged mice through pharmacological approaches, and another that focuses on rejuvenation of female fertility. I hope that our research will help with reducing chronic illnesses that come with age and increase the healthspan of humanity as a whole. Outside of the lab, I run a student-to-student peer support hotline called Lean On Me. You can also find me on the badminton court or hiking around the Bay Area.

Outside of the lab, Rachna is an active volunteer with the ASUC Student Legal Clinic and Professor David Levine’s Hygiene Heroes. She enjoys reading, crocheting, and exploring local cafes.

Yvonne was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Chemical-Biological Engineering and Biology. While at MIT, Yvonne explored several research areas ranging from lipid nanoparticle delivery to CAR-T and CAR-NK cell engineering. Now, Yvonne is a PhD candidate in the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering. As a member of Dr. David Nguyen’s lab, Yvonne researches the genetic mutations that cause X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) through high-throughput CRISPR gene editing in primary human cells. She is also an NIH T32 Predoctoral Fellow and Bioengineering Department Scholar. Outside the lab, Yvonne enjoys pilates, film photography, and escaping reality through films/books.

Rohan’s research endeavors are deeply rooted in plant synthetic biology, specifically focusing on the reprogramming of plant development to enhance crop resilience and efficiency. Currently pursuing his studies in Bioengineering and Molecular & Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, he is making strides in his project at the Joint BioEnergy Institute. Rohan is researching the use of engineered Type-B Response Regulators to precisely control lateral root growth in the Shih laboratory. This work seeks to tackle the challenges seen in designing synthetic plant genetic programs while avoiding cross-talk among plant developmental processes. By optimizing the root system’s access to vital nutrients and water, his research holds the promise of significantly advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. When he is not in the lab, you will be able to find Rohan either playing basketball, watching sci-fi movies, or enjoying the Bay Area food scene.