In my free time, I enjoy making my ideas into reality using programming, specifically Python. In Python, my interests are mainly in taking raw data and either interpreting it using machine learning models or creating graphs, visuals, or metrics to allow for easier interpretation. I enjoy using libraries like sklearn and PyTorch to process data and create AI models trained on biological data specifically. I then enjoy looking through and thinking about the patterns shown within my results. I then like using libraries like seaborn to creatively visualize my data in a way where anyone can clearly see the patterns it hides.
I’ve done projects with these exact concepts in the past, including “AlphaFold 3–enhanced graph neural network repurposing of FDA-approved drugs against neglected tropical disease proteins” and “Gut feeling: AIMing to learn microbiome signatures of disease”. Another interest of mine is photography, specifically of nature and wildlife. When I am photographing my surroundings, it allows me to really see and appreciate their beauty, as I capture it in my own style, creating a form of art. I started photography by taking pictures of birds, which taught me the importance of patience, but I have now expanded to other wildlife and landscapes. As one of my favorite extracurriculars, I participate in the science fair (also known as the Science Club in my previous school). What I love about the science fair is the ability to pick a problem you genuinely care about and solve it through a method that interests you, then develop the project from the ground up and achieve extraordinary progress in your field.
I’ve competed twice in science fairs previously, one in 8th grade where I presented a micro hydroelectric generator aimed at providing sustainable power for hikers who need emergency power or native populations in remote forests who have no source of energy. My project won me numerous accolades, including 2nd at the Worcester Regional Science and Engineering Fair, the Lemelson Early Inventor Award, 1st at the Massachusetts Science and Engineering Fair, and finally Top 300 Junior Innovators in the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovator Challenge. This past year, I worked on a project aiming to repurpose existing FDA-approved drugs to fight neglected tropical diseases using machine learning to help reduce health disparities. This project won me 2nd place at the Worcester Regional Science and Engineering Fair, the Math and Computing Excellence Award, 1st place at the Massachusetts Science and Engineering Fair, and I later presented my poster at the ISCB’s ISMB 2026 conference in Washington, DC.