Projects

Fine-tuned a pretrained ResNet-18 convolutional neural network to classify 14 distinct cell lines from differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy frames in the CTMC-v1 challenge dataset in a team of 4. Addressed severe class imbalance using frequency-weighted cross-entropy loss and aggressive data augmentation, achieving 75.8% test accuracy, 0.673 macro F1, and 0.972 AUROC. Conducted OFAT hyperparameter sensitivity analysis across frame sampling rates, epochs, weight decay, and dropout.

Trained a lightweight two-layer MLP token classifier on top of frozen 640-dimensional ESM-2 protein language model embeddings (esm2_t30_150M_UR50D) to predict residue-level secondary structure states (Helix, Strand, Coil). Achieved 80.6% mean accuracy and 0.807 macro F1 across 5-fold cross-validation on curated high-resolution PDB structures. Worked in a team of 5.

Designed, delivered, and published a curriculum from scratch covering the foundations of machine learning (regression, classification, unsupervised learning, deep learning, CNNs, LLMs) and its applications to the life sciences.

Built an interactive geospatial visualization tool mapping 3,000+ squirrel sightings across Central Park using the NYC Squirrel Census dataset with a team of 5. Allows multi-dimensional filtering across spatial coordinates, shift (AM/PM), fur color distributions, location planes (ground vs. above ground), and human-interaction behavioral responses (approaches, runs, indifferent).

Developed a novel point-of-care cervical cancer screening device using toehold switch technology, leading research on toehold switch design, software tools for toehold design, differential equation modeling of the system, and project impact (2024). Won an international Gold Medal.

Developed an optogenetics tool kit for bioplastic production, leading research on an LED array device to test our wet lab experiments, a software tool to streamline and design experiments, and a photocoverstion differential equation model (2025). Presented at the iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris and awarded a Silver Medal (2025).