Describe your background
Before starting the M.S. program, I completed my B.S. in Bioengineering: BioSystems at UC San Diego. As part of my undergraduate Senior Design project, I worked with a multidisciplinary engineering team to propose and develop a prototype electrochemical impedance-based device for detecting sickle cell disease. The project introduced me to biosensor development, diagnostic device engineering, and collaborative technical design, and we later presented our work at UC San Diego's Bioengineering Day.
I also worked at GenMark Dx. (Roche) in Carlsbad as a Laboratory Technician, where I performed electrochemical testing and device characterization for pathogen detection sensors, analyzed datasets using JMP and MATLAB, and presented technical findings to teams of electrochemists, engineers, and fluidics specialists. This experience gave me exposure to collaborative biotechnology R&D environments and strengthened my interest in biosensors and diagnostics.
Prior to that, I worked at Nano3 within the Qualcomm Institute as a Laboratory Assistant, where I supported Class 100 and 1000 cleanroom operations, maintained laboratory supplies and safety protocols, and assisted with chemical waste management and inventory coordination. Together, these experiences motivated me to pursue graduate study and further specialize in microfluidics, electrochemical sensing, and translational biomedical technologies.
Describe your area of research and/or your area of specialty
My area of research focuses on biosensors, microfluidics, and biomedical diagnostics, with an emphasis on electrochemical sensing and red blood cell biomechanics. My Master’s thesis research involved the fabrication, optimization, and validation of a staggered micropillar microfluidic platform for mechanical phenotyping of red blood cells and analysis of aging-associated hematologic changes.
In the Aran Lab, I also worked on projects involving electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), graphene field-effect transistor (gFET) biosensors, CRISPR-based sensing systems, and assay development for diagnostic applications. My technical experience includes microfluidic device fabrication, cleanroom processing, electrochemical characterization, data analysis, and interdisciplinary biomedical research.
More broadly, my specialty lies in translating engineering principles into practical diagnostic and analytical technologies for healthcare and biotechnology applications.
Describe your involvement within the department and UC San Diego (were/are you involved in student orgs, recreation, certificate programs, internships, etc. outside of curricular requirements?)
I participated in the GradWIC mentor/mentee program, which provided opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional growth within the graduate student community.
I was also part of the SWAN (Semiconductor Workforce Alliance Nexus) Institute, where I completed training in semiconductor manufacturing, cleanroom practices, and industry-focused workforce development. This experience expanded my technical background beyond biomedical engineering and introduced me to semiconductor fabrication workflows and interdisciplinary engineering applications.
In addition, I stayed involved in recreational activities through dance and aerial silks, which provided a creative and active balance alongside graduate research and academics.
Have you received any outstanding mentorship or guidance during your time in the program that made an impact on your research and/or the trajectory of your career?
One of the most impactful aspects of my time here was the mentorship I received from my PI, Kiana Aran, and the members of the Aran Lab. Their guidance helped shape both my technical development and my professional goals within biotechnology and medical device research.
Through this mentorship, I gained experience leading research projects, mentoring undergraduate students, presenting scientific work, and communicating across interdisciplinary teams. I was encouraged to take ownership of my projects while also learning how to troubleshoot experimental challenges, think critically about translational applications, and develop confidence as a researcher.
The support and guidance I received throughout the program played a major role in strengthening my interest in industry-focused biomedical R&D and preparing me for a career in diagnostics and biosensor development.
What has been your favorite part about your graduate experience in the program?
My favorite part of the graduate experience was how strongly the program prepared me for industry while also giving me extensive hands-on research experience. Through my work in the Aran Lab, I developed practical technical skills in biosensors, electrochemistry, microfluidics, device fabrication, troubleshooting, data analysis, and scientific communication that directly translate to biotechnology and medical device R&D environments.
I also appreciated the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects that required collaboration across engineering, biology, diagnostics, and manufacturing perspectives. The combination of independent research, presentation experience, mentorship, and industry-focused programs such as SWAN gave me a much clearer understanding of how academic research can translate into real-world biomedical technologies and industry applications.
Any thoughts or advice you'd like to share with prospective graduate students?
Take advantage of every opportunity to gain hands-on experience, even if it feels outside your comfort zone at first. Some of the most valuable parts of graduate school come from learning how to troubleshoot experiments, communicate scientific ideas, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and adapt when projects do not go as planned.
As an Alumni from our program, what is your current role, or what are your career prospects and plans for the future?
I am currently pursuing opportunities in the biotechnology and medical device industry, particularly in research and development roles related to biosensors, diagnostics, microfluidics, and biomedical devices. My long-term goal is to work in translational biomedical R&D, helping develop technologies that bridge engineering research with practical clinical and diagnostic applications.