Communication & Teamwork
This page highlights examples of my communication and teamwork abilities, including scientific presentations, collaborative research projects, and group-based problem-solving from both my undergraduate and graduate experiences.
Perlite AI, Mechanical Insecticide
During the second semester of the MMB program, I worked as part of a four-person team to develop a pitch for Perlite AI. Perlite AI is a mechanical insecticide used as an indoor residual spray (IRS) in areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. It is unique because, unlike traditional insecticides that pests can build resistance to, perlite AI causes death by dehydration by rapidly adsorbing the lipid layers essential for a mosquito's survival.
My Responsibilities Included:
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Researched the commercialization timeline and regulatory pathway required to move the product from development to commercialization
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Collaborated on the creation and refinement of the final pitch for the CATALYZE competition
Competitor, CATALYZE Pitch Competition April 2026
Bloodstream Infection Diagnostics
During the first semester of the MMB program, I worked on a semester-long team project focused on market mapping, benchmarking, and gap analysis of downstream diagnostics for bloodstream infections. My team collaborated with Kelsey McKay, Senior R&D Scientist at bioMérieux.
My Responsibilities Included:
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Conducted competitive and market analyses to identify gaps and opportunities in the downstream testing market for blood culture
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Produced clear charts and visuals using MS Office to communicate findings to stakeholders
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Analyzed literature on climate and antimicrobial resistance trends affecting bloodstream infections
Team Member, MMB Practicum Final Presentation December 2025
Highlights:
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Delivered a comprehensive final presentation to peers and mentors
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Documented meeting minutes to ensure alignment among team members and mentors
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Conducted a thorough literature review on a topic concerning the future outlook of the bloodstream infection market
S. boulardii Probiotic Capacity
During the first semester of the MMB program, I worked on a 5-week team project focused on evaluating the probiotic potential and commercialization strategy for Saccharomyces boulardii. My team collaborated with Dr. Genan Wang in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State University, meeting regularly to provide progress updates and deliver a final presentation to him and our peers.
My Responsibilities Included:
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Researched U.S. regulatory pathways for bringing a novel probiotic yeast to market
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Conducted competitor and market analyses to identify opportunities, differentiation, and potential barriers
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Recorded meeting minutes and coordinated internal communication to keep the team aligned
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Presented final findings and strategic recommendations clearly and concisely to the mentor and class
Team Member, MMB CMI-BAM Final Presentation October 2025
Highlights:
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Delivered a well-structured presentation to peers and the project mentor
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Collaborated closely with teammates to refine timing, transitions, and question-handling
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Incorporated mentor feedback professionally and promptly, including implementing a recommended strategic pivot for our final proposal
Sweet Potato Transformation
I contributed extensively to the successful transformation of three sweet potato cultivars, a crop known for its genetic complexity and the challenges of transformation. I supported the regeneration of transformants and conducted the entire Basta herbicide resistance assay, including media preparation, plant inoculation, and systematic data collection. Transformation was confirmed using both GFP expression and herbicide resistance (survival up to 4 mg/mL Basta). I presented this work at two separate events, detailed below.
My Responsibilities Included:
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Preparing all Basta‐selection media and organizing materials for the resistance assay
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Placing regenerated sweet potato plantlets onto Basta selection plates and monitoring plant responses
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Recording survival data and visual growth responses throughout the testing period
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Maintaining tissue culture materials and transferring explants into selection environments
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Documenting experimental procedures and results to ensure reproducibility
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Designing figures and data visuals for presentation use
Undergraduate Presenter, Emerging Research Showcase April 2025
Highlights:
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Explained methodology in depth, including regeneration workflow and the complete Basta assay
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Connected transformation outcomes to broader applications for food security and crop improvement
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Integrated feedback from Dr. Da and peers to improve clarity
2nd Place Winner, Elo Life Science Pitch Competition March 2025
Highlights:
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Distilled complex transformation and selection data into a concise 2-minute pitch
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Designed a single impactful slide with Basta test results and GFP images
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Delivered a clear, industry-facing explanation of project significance
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Coordinated with lab members to select the most compelling results