Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?
I selected IUPUI primarily due to the healthcare ecosystem in Indianapolis. As a bioinformatician, access to robust medical facilities is essential to the practice of my profession, and IUPUI is situated within a thriving hub of health and medical research institutions. My specialization in genomics aligns seamlessly with the expertise of esteemed faculty members with whom I have been privileged to collaborate. The opportunity to engage in in-depth exploration of genomics, supported by dedicated mentors, has fulfilled a long-held aspiration of mine.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
One of my significant academic achievements has been consistently maintaining a high GPA throughout my academic journey. Additionally, during my inaugural semester, I undertook a research project, which proved to be a highly rewarding experience. Moreover, I have contributed to the academic community by providing guidance to fellow students in overcoming their academic challenges through the organization of tutorials and mentorship programs focused on programming and related subjects.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
As an international student, I found great excitement in experiencing the weather, particularly the snow, which was a novel and exhilarating aspect of my journey. Moreover, I had the privilege of embarking on an awe-inspiring hike at Fall Creek, and witnessing a remarkable car racing event, both of which have left an indelible mark on my lifetime experiences.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
I currently serve as a Graduate Research Assistant within the distinguished laboratory of Dr. Jingwen Yan. Our primary research revolves around the development of an event-based model aimed at elucidating disease progression, with a specific focus on its application in the realms of Familial Alzheimer's Disease and Huntington's Disease. This endeavor has afforded me invaluable opportunities to delve deep into the multifaceted challenges inherent to neurological disorders.
My role has necessitated the adept application of my programming prowess to craft code for comprehensive data analysis. Additionally, I have proficiently utilized Unix to concatenate disease biomarkers, making a substantial contribution to the progression of our research initiatives.
Beyond my research commitments, I am an active participant in the IUPD Cadet Program, where we labor diligently to ensure the safety and security of our institution. I also have the distinct honor of serving as a Luddy Department Ambassador, where I engage in fostering connections and representing our department with dedication and pride.