Major: Mathematics (Concentration in Statistics) & Physics
Research Department: Biophysics
Graduation Date: May 2021
Abstract: The Framework for Inference of in-Situ Interaction Kinetics (FISIK) is a software package that analyzes and simulates trajectories of biological particles. FISIK was limited in its potential to simulate complex interaction kinetics, namely in that it could not account for different mobility modes as a particle diffuses. I generalized the model, updated the analysis pipeline, and ran simulations to attempt to match simulated trajectories of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) with those obtained via live-cell fluorescence microscopy imaging. Email:[email protected]; [email protected]
What Does Research Mean To You? Research is about learning. It’s about finding the truth in a way that is rigorous and verifiable. Whether that be through wet lab benchwork or by deriving theoretical equations. I love learning, and so it makes sense that I love researching too. Some days, it’s not as fun as others, but I can see myself pursuing research as a career. It’s fun to push the boundaries of human knowledge and learn something new every day.
Tell Us About Your Journey My passion for math and science began in high school, which is why I entered UTD double majoring in math and physics. I began doing research in Dr. Gassensmith’s biochemistry lab as a freshman. I attempted to achieve MOF crystallization of tardigrades -- to no avail. By the summer before sophomore year, I realized I was not a good fit for benchwork. I then worked with Dr. Turi in the math department. We study differential delay equations and use them to model the human respiratory system.
I wanted to work with a group outside of UTD and gain full time research experience. No REU would have me the summer before junior year so I felt quite disheartened about my own qualifications. At any rate, I applied for the Green Fellowship and worked in the department of biophysics under Dr. Jaqaman. Having worked through the spring and summer terms, I learned much about the fields of biophysics, statistical modelling, and bioinformatics. It was a great experience and I look forward to what the future holds for me.
How Did the Pandemic Affect Me? My role at the Jaqaman lab was purely computational. It was easy to transition to a working at home modality. Sure, I missed my friends during lunch break but I was lucky in that I could continue my work completely uninterrupted. I was also lucky to be able to keep working through the summer; I know other fellows did not have that opportunity.
All in all, the biggest change came from the social aspects of quarantine. I could not get lunch with my other green fellow friends (as we were in January and February), nor could I explore the UTSW campus, or have much in-person interaction with the staff there.
Where am I now? I will attend the PhD program in Applied Mathematics at CU Boulder starting Fall 2021.
Advice for Future Green Fellows
I would tell all incoming Green Fellows to talk to other people and ask about their experiences. I learned so much by talking to my PI and her graduate students. I even spoke to many Green Fellows before applying to this program. You learn so much from other people’s experiences. There’s absolutely no shame in emailing complete strangers to ask about their experiences. You can even talk to any one of us fellows and we’ll be happy to help!