Ananya Barathwaj

Ever since sixth grade when I joined various biology events in Science Olympiad, I've found the intricacies within biology to be fascinating. As I continued learning over the years, I wanted to find a means to apply this knowledge. This started out as coaching the middle schoolers who were participating in the Disease Detectives Science Olympiad event, but eventually developed into conducting scientific research. At the team level, I've enjoyed leading and working with my iGEM wet lab team. This past year, we tested the effects of a deflourinating enzyme to degrade PFAS (a forever chemical) in the lab, for the international iGEM competition. Additionally, I've learned a lot alongside the Yung Lab Interns this past summer, while helping with the diabetes research project. Currently, I am independently researching the effects of a fibroblast treatment to treat sepsis. Sepsis is a condition that I've found intriguing from a young age, and I am excited to continue my sepsis research as part of the Yung Lab! 

The human body and its inner workings have always been interesting to me. When I was a young child, I suffered from asthma, which led me to have compassion for people in this position.  The field of drug discovery is particularly appealing to me because I can be given the opportunity to help those in similar need.

In Dr. Yung’s lab, I worked last summer (2022) as part of the summer SURE internship program on a cell therapy project to help treat type I diabetes.  I also developed a love for drug discovery in seeing the creative aspect of the process. Aside from dealing with the pancreas and glucose levels, I also have an interest in neuroscience because the complex nature of the brain excites me. Altogether, regardless of what human system or organ I am working on, I remember that I am always striving for the deeper implications of drug discovery to help humanity and improve human life. Outside of the scientific world, I have also have a genuine interest in politics and the ongoing debates of various pressing issues.

I began working at the Scintillon Institute during the SURE Internship program last summer and found that I love the lab and all of the people here. My scientific interests include cognitive science and neurobiology, though I love most fields of science. I am fascinated by how the brain interacts with and controls the body, especially through subconscious cognition. I have been fortunate to participate in Dr. Yung’s research on curing diabetes using iPSC-derived beta cells.  I also love sharing science with others and am a writer and Editing Director for Catalyst science magazine. When I’m not at the lab I am usually swimming competitively, volunteering, reading, or making art. 

Maya Krishnan

My scientific and academic interests stem from my personal desire to uncover the deepest mysteries of existence, by striving to develop thorough intellectual independence and recognition of the finest details. The primary focus of my academic pursuits remains to enhance my knowledge and research aptitude in the area of molecular biology, the foundation of biomedical research aspiring to improve treatments and quality of life. Thus, STEM subjects form the core of my course selection and extracurricular activities, ranging from classroom participation to biomedical research and interpersonal interactions as a volunteer. The past few years in the COVID-19 pandemic further strengthened my resolve to understand the molecular basis for disease, facilitated by internship opportunities and in-school awareness. I lead several clubs geared towards exposing my peers and myself to branches of Science and future STEM career paths, fostering a collaborative environment aimed towards fresh scientific discourse and curiosities.

The most exciting projects and experiences are yet to be explored, starting with the current and cutting-edge Neuroscience research opportunity given to me by the Yung Lab. I hope to acquire profound knowledge and technique, learning how to persist through difficulties and effectively utilize the successes of awaiting discoveries.

Crystal Xu

I am a senior at Torrey Pines High School. I'm involved in the diabetes stem cell project and also have an interest in bioinformatics. Other than biology, my favorite subjects are chemistry and math.