Curriculum Vitae

Open to Work!

Work Experience

Physics & Astronomy Ph.D. Student / Graduate Research Assistant

Sean Sun Lab, Johns Hopkins University

Aug 2020 - Aug 2025

As a Ph.D. researcher in biophysics, I investigated how cells control their size, shape, and internal density—bridging wet-lab experiments, live-cell imaging, and computational modeling. Under the mentorship of Dr. Sean X. Sun and co-advisor Dr. Brian Camley, I led a five-year thesis project exploring cell density regulation, culminating in a first-author publication accepted by Science Advances.

I designed and ran high-throughput experiments, developed image analysis pipelines, and applied machine learning to predict cell volume from microscopy data. I also contributed to tool development in MATLAB and Python, created new microfluidic protocols, and collaborated across labs to advance quantitative cell biology.

Highlights from the Lab:

• First-author publication in Science Advances on cell density regulation, forming the core of my Ph.D. thesis.

• Built 50+ custom MATLAB scripts for modeling and analysis—becoming the lab’s coding “go-to.”

• Developed a microfluidic calibration protocol that halved volume measurement errors.

• Applied machine learning to enhance cell volume predictions from image data.

• Collaborated on 3D holotomography imaging analysis with a partner lab, expanding cross-disciplinary insights.

• Defended thesis with distinction, translating complex biophysics into a clear, story-driven presentation.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University

Aug 2020 - Aug 2025

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, I played an integral role in delivering foundational physics education across eight semesters of General Physics I & II and one semester of Biological Physics. I led 12 hands-on lab sections, facilitated student understanding through experiments, and helped bridge abstract physics concepts with real-world biological applications. My commitment to inclusive learning and student success earned me formal recognition for excellence in teaching.

Key Contributions:
• Adapted teaching methods to suit diverse lecture formats, leading interactive sessions that encouraged peer discussion and active learning—earning consistently positive student feedback.
• Supported over 500 students across lectures and labs, building trust-based relationships and mentoring many beyond coursework.
• Proactively resolved technical, grading, and student wellness issues to ensure a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment.
• Standardized grading across multiple sections using clear rubrics and anonymized reviews, streamlining feedback and boosting overall student performance.
• Fostered a collaborative lab culture by modeling professionalism and promoting student independence—recognized with the 2025 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching by a Graduate Student Award (Krieger School of Arts & Sciences).

Student Researcher

Edwin Hach Lab & Moumita Das Lab, Rochester Institute of Technology

May 2019 - May 2020

As a Student Researcher, I contributed to projects at the intersection of quantum optics and soft matter physics by designing simulations and analytical models to explore complex physical systems. My work combined theoretical development with data analysis, leveraging Mathematica and Python to draw meaningful insights from both experimental and computational results.

Key Contributions:
• Applied Quantitative Phasor techniques to optimize quantum mechanical simulations of light-mirror interactions, significantly boosting computational efficiency.
• Developed a mid-field theoretical model to simulate the mechanical behavior of biological networks, expanding foundational knowledge in soft matter research.