I graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in physics in 2020 and am currently pursuing my PhD through the applied physics program at Rice. I am part of the Gustavsson research group and my current research focuses on using 3D single-molecule super-resolution imaging and tracking to study the protein dynamics in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) cells in the hopes of improving the understanding of HGPS disease progression. Currently I am the APGSA at large member.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on creating a versatile platform for 2D and 3D super resolution imaging and developing protocols for single molecule labeling and imaging. Specifically I will be labeling and imaging nuclear lamina proteins in HGPS cells.
What is something you are proud of accomplishing at Rice?
I am proud to be part of the very first year of the Gustavsson lab and to have been able to build it from the ground up.
What support have you received at Rice that was particularly valuable to you?
Check ins and meetings with Dr. Kono, advice from older APP students, free coffee/meals for GSA events where I was able to meet with other students and build a network of friends and peers.
What was it about the Rice Applied Physics Program that initially appealed to you?
The 'applied' aspect of the applied physics program is what attracted me the most because I wanted to work on real world problems and applications that made a difference. Then I was even more sure that I wanted to choose the applied physics program at Rice when I found out how multidisciplinary it was and how the applied physics students were made up of people from different field and that the applied physics students could affiliate in almost any host department.
What is your favorite thing at Rice?
The applied physics program has a very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that is different from any physics program I have ever encountered. The professors and students both seem to be really happy here which attracted me to the program. My favorite place on Rice campus is Twilight Epiphany right after sunset.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of Rice?
Outside of Rice and in Houston in general there are a lot of amazing restaurants with all types of cuisines, so if you're a foodie like I am then you will be right at home. Recently I visited the Color Factory which was definitely the coolest museum I have ever been to!
What is the best advice you have been given?
The best advice I have ever received and that I try to live by is to make friends with people older than you, from a different background than you, and just generally different from you. This will allow you to grow.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I speak three languages: Chinese, Spanish, and English
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? What would you talk about?
Freddie Mercury and just to have a personal jam session. "Don't Stop Me Now" hyped me up before every physics exam in undergrad.
What is your favorite word?
Poesía