My area of research involves signal processing different data sets relating to biomedical engineering. I️ work under Dr. Magdalene Seiler processing and creating novel algorithms for neural traces in blind rats that have received retinal sheet transplants and quantifying the electrical signals in the superior colliculus expressed from the eye to the brain. I️ also work under Dr. Anthony Durkin processing images for a novel piece of equipment that quantifies changes in tissue oxygenation in the brain during cardiac arrest.

I first got involved in research February 2016, my second year after I transferred from Ventura College. The reason I began researching was because I felt that I was learning many complicated concepts in the classroom and was not able to apply what I learned to real life situations. I had an interest in biophotonics because I thought using lights for medical uses was cutting edge. Luckily, I found an opportunity at Beckman Laser Institute.

Research has enhanced my education because it puts me in the forefront of the unknown. I️ was not considering research as a career goal but I️ do now because of the many unanswered questions that still need to be looked into.

My favorite experiences are from working closely with professionals and learning how they think and approach a problem.

My goal is to become an MD/PhD because I would like to approach diagnosing diseases as an engineer and working with patients in a clinical setting.

If a student has a creative idea, I would recommend looking for a professor with a similar background or research topic that could help the student write a UROP proposal and mentor them throughout the year.