"If you wish to make apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe".

This statement,
from Carl Sagan in PBS's Cosmos, shook me to my core and subsequently threw me for a loop as
I contemplated the vastness and complexity of our universe. I selfishly wanted to learn more
about the world, whether it was liberal arts or science, I wanted to know more. Subsequently, this
passion shepherded me into university laboratories and industry workspaces where I had the
opportunity to contribute to our collective knowledge. My experiences at these different research
labs have reassured me of my research interest, as well as my desire for both a PhD and a career
in research.
After exploring a few labs during my freshman year, I interned at Boeing's Defense, Space, and
Security division in Houston. Additionally, I had the unique opportunity to work two projects:
optimizing the verification process for ISS payloads and developing spacewalk safety procedure.
Furthermore, I received a part-time internship at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. This
experience taught me how to work in large groups, coordinate in collaborative multidisciplinary
assignments, and juggle various projects. However, neither the industry setting nor aerospace
engineering appealed to me, so I continued to explore.
This lead me to join Dr. Tak-Sing Wongs Lab for Nature Inspired Engineering my sophomore
year at PSU. The College of Engineering Research Initiative funded my research in his Dr.
Wongs lab where I was first exposed to nanotechnology and biomimicry. I chose to work on
optimizing the use of triboelectrically charged surfaces to electrically separate oil-water
mixtures. My objective with the project was to show a proof of concept for how to effectively
deal with ocean oil spills. I also proposed simple ways of applying the fundamental science on an
industrial scale. I believe the independent environment helped me learn how to handle the
freedom and burden of designing and troubleshooting my own experiments.
Following that experience, I was accepted to the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure
Network. While at the University of Minnesota, in Dr. Tianhong Cui's lab, I researched a
graphene-biosensor alternative to ELISA, a chemical assay, which would screen for cancer
biomarkers with lower costs, a higher sensitivity, and ease of use. Despite my lack of
background on nanofabrication, I completed the project, which demonstrated that our biosensor
met standards for sensitivity and exceeded standards for speed and ease of use, while remaining
scalable. However, I pusher the project further by designing an alternative electrode pattern that
showed an improved signal-to-noise ratio/sensitivity. This independence tested my creativity,
ingenuity, and passion for pursuing research. Ultimately, this fortified my commitment to a PhD
and a career in research.
Finally, during my junior year I began my Thesis under the continued guidance of Dr. Wong.
With my newfound interests in mind, I requested to work on the batch fabrication of nano-
triangle SERS biosensors using nanosphere lithography, which would greatly reduce fabrication
costs. This lab provided the opportunity to both design and adjust my own experiments, and with
some guidance, I could steer my project in the direction I wanted. For example, I also created an
alternative sensor design that employed nano-honeycombs, thus adding a new element to my
thesis project. Amazingly, I would find myself in an entirely new field of research within a few
months.
As an Amgen Scholar at Stanford, I wanted to engage in nanoscale biomedical engineering. For
this reason, I was excited to work with Dr. Bianxiao Cui and eagerly awaited to work on
nanoscale bio-interface research. Yet, much to my surprise, I was assigned to an optogenetics
project. My undertaking was to modulate the homo-oligomerization of light-sensitive CRY2 by
using different fusion proteins. I invested myself to learn new techniques, theories, and
approaches. Additionally, by summers end I even went on to win a best oral presentation award
at Stanfords research symposium. This experience reassured me that I can succeed within varied
spheres of research and opened my eyes to life sciences research in an splendid way.
Indeed, the University of Pennsylvanias culture of entrepreneurship and opportunities for public
policy engagement elevate the character of university, but it is the quality of the research which
cements my interest in the university. For example, I am fascinated by the nano-scale, bio-
inspired research in Dr. Shu Yangs lab which echoes the research themes I have been excited by
for most of my undergraduate career. Her labs creativity with fabricating artificial ommatidium
in a controlled manner was what initially garnered my interest, as well as the responsive polymer
pillar studies. If I were placed in her lab, I would enjoy working on bio-inspired surfaces and
optics, perhaps expanding on these bio-inspired projects with the aim of developing new optical
technologies and fabrication methods. Alternatively, I am interested in the Dr. Cherie Kagan
groups research into flexible nanocrystal electronics, due to their the potential for these low-cost
devices in biomedical devices and in-vivo sensors. I would personally want to explore the
optimization of these technologies for biological applications. Finally, Dr. Dan Gianolas group
and their research on nano structure research, such as their investigation into tunable dry
adhesion surfaces, also appeals to me. In this lab, I would enjoy investigating the phenomena at
play for different adhesive surfaces in nature and fabricating bio-inspired models of these
adhesive systems. These labs all present an incredible opportunity for me participate in research I
would be passionate about and to grow as a researcher.
Furthermore, after earning my PhD, I want to pursue a research career in academia, so that I can
have the opportunity to both mentor and teach. Mentoring has been an interest of mine
throughout my undergraduate career, however I also want to do outreach aimed at science
education. This passion even lead me to participating in the USA Science and Engineering
Festival in 2016 with my Penn State thesis lab, where I had the opportunity to engage personally
with over 1000 school-age children. Furthermore, while research will be my careers focus, I
also want to pursue science policy and advising, because I believe that there is a deficit of good
science driven legislation. I feel this will become increasingly important as new biomedical
technologies begin to emerge.
In conclusion, I am confident that there is no better second step in my career than becoming a
Materials Science and Engineering PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania. Furthermore,
I firmly believe that my diverse range of experiences have prepared to me to succeed at U Penn,
while also resolutely reassuring me of my research interests and desire to earn a PhD. With that,
I hope to continue my growth into an capable researcher and mentor under the University of
Pennsylvania banner.