Jerry is an eleventh-grade high school student from Keystone AcademyinBeijing, China. He is passionate about studying molecular biology and synthetic biology and aspiresto become a bioengineer. At school, Jerry founded a synthetic biology club on his campus to bring interesting knowledge and the novel experience ofsynbioexperiments to the community. 2021 is his second year being the team leader of the schooliGEM(international genetically modified machine competition) team.Participating in theiGEMcompetition hadbroadened his horizons,and will keepmotivating him to pursue his interest in biological research.
High School Intern: May 2021 - August 2021
Aidan Troha Undergraduate Intern
I am from Auburn, Georgia. At the end of Fall in 2020, I graduated from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville with a degree in Biology with a focus in Mathematics. While there, I worked as a tutor in mathematics, biology, and physics. As a tutor lead in Georgia College's Learning Center, I presented at the 2020 GaTA conference on the topic of Engaging Non-STEM Students with Math Content. Additionally, I worked in the Chemistry Department for two years as a Laboratory Assistant where I was responsible for laboratory preparation for lower-level chemistry courses.
Undergraduate Intern: May 2021 - August 2021
Fetsum Tadesse Undergraduate Intern
Fetsum Tadesse is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. Sheis a rising senioratBoston UniversitystudyingBiomedical Engineering. Shehas worked in BOAS lab at BU starting freshman year andworked on multiple projectsin which oneled her tobepublishedbecause of her contributions. She’s also an active member of organizations on campus. She’stheTORCH chairofBU’s chapter of theNational Society of Black Engineers,and secretaryof the EritreanEthiopianStudent Association.
Undergraduate Intern: May 2021 - August 2021
Rohan Desai Undergraduate Intern
Rohan is from Hopkinsville, KY and is currently a freshman majoring in Chemistry at the University of Kentucky. He previously graduated as the valedictorian from University Heights Academy and was an active member and leader of the Robotics, Environmental, and Engineering Clubs among others. Outside of the lab, he is a member of Hopkinsville’s Mayor’s Youth Council, plays the piano at local nursing homes, teaches Taekwondo to young kids, and enjoys tennis.Rohan joined the Liang Lab’s Summer Program to enhance his understanding of biochemical processes while pursuing an eventual career in medicine.
Undergraduate Intern: May 2021 - August 2021
Zhenghao Yuan High School Intern
Zhenghao Yuan is originally fromChongqing,China. He isa high school student fromCathedral Catholic High School located in San DiegoCalifornia. Zhenghao has excellent performance in hisschoolwork, includingendingAP Chemistry withanA+. Hecontinues tostudy chemistry outside of school.
High School Intern: May 2021 - August 2021
JuyeonOlivia Kim High School Intern
JuyeonOlivia Kim isoriginally from South Korea, andcurrently a rising senior at Peachtree Ridge HighSchool.She is aiming togo intothebiochemistry field. She previously researched various protein purification and chromatography methods as well as DNA cloningandPCRmechanisms.She is currently researching for the structures and mechanistic models of nonstructural protein complexes and spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2. She is also participating in Science Olympiad asalogistics analysist, and she isone oftheheadof Gwinnett Biomedical Student Association. Shereceivedthe Academic Excellence awards, Outstanding Achievement awards, and Principal’s Award throughoutherhigh school years.
High School Intern: May 2021 - August 2021
Lucy Beck Undergraduate Intern
Lucy Beck is a Tucker High School graduate from Tucker, GA. Beck has alwaysenjoyedscience and math,andshewas part of Tucker High School’s first STEM cohort.She is currently a senior biology major at Georgia College & State University.As a college freshman, Beck joined the service organization known as Gamma SigmaSigma,andshehas contributed over 100 hours of volunteer service in the Milledgeville communitythroughpark clean ups, volunteering at local animal shelters, andvarious projectswith organizations such as March of Dimes andAmerican Cancer Society.This year, Beck will serve as Treasurer for Gamma Sigma SigmaandVice President for Tri Beta Biological Honor Society. Eager to get involved in research at Georgia College, Beckbeganworking with Dr. Al Mead to identify turtle fossilsfrom Pliocene localities inGeorgiato characterize the biodiversity of these localities throughout time. Beck is a dedicated student, and she is passionate about learning at the molecular level. Her favorite courses thus far have been Cellular Physiology, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry. Her passion for learning is evident in her academic success, as Beck has beeninducted into Tri Beta Biological Honor Society andrecognized on the President’s Listfivetimes.Outside of studying, Beck enjoys fishing,playing guitar, and playing strategic board games.Her interest in cellbiology and biochemistry drove Beck to pursue experience working in the Liang Lab, as she thoroughly enjoys learningthe structural and chemical properties behind protein function.Beck is excited to be part of the Liang Lab team this summer, and she looks forward to contributing to the ongoing research in the Liang Lab.After graduating from Georgia College, Beck plans on gaining more hands-on experience in a laboratory setting before seeking a higher degree in biology.
Undergradate Intern: May 2021 - August 2021
Yuri Park High School Intern
is currently a high school senior attending The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology. She has served in her school’s student council, and this is her second summer returning to the Liang Laboratory. Yuri hopes to pursue an education in health sciences, either as a researcher or a nurse, but also enjoys engineeringas a hobby.
