About me — When I look back on my high school years, I realize how little our school systems teach us about what “science” truly means. I grew up in the Bay Area in California, where all those around me seemed to be world class physicians or professional tech experts. The words “science,” “STEM,” “research,” “career,” and “success” were tossed around in overwhelming regularity and normality. I was fortunate enough to attend a high school with an in-depth science curriculum and proficient laboratory resources to learn about the field of science through genetics classes, marine biology field trips, CRISPR techniques, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and independent student-designed research projects. Outside of school, I have had the fortunate opportunity to intern at various biomedical engineering labs and observe cutting-edge research and surgeries alongside by the forefront of scientific discoveries.

Why I created this site — I am nearing the end of my high school journey, and if there was one thing I could takeaway, it would be the instances of scientific research I was so lucky to experience. In my lab internships, I have met many undergraduate students, post-undergrad technicians, and other clinicians who have spoken of a lack of exposure to scientific research at the high school stage and their regret of not engaging with the field from an a earlier age. As such, I find myself looking to provide a place for knowledge and support for other high school students who may share an interest in science but are unsure where to start. I hope my platform encourages current high schoolers — who may be interested in STEM fields as a career path or any of those who are wondering what “science” and “research” mean — to explore the topics in this field, engage with common scientific methods and analyses, experience opportunities in research available to them, and I present examples of my prior work (poster, cold email format, resume) as a template resource. I hope to keep this resource up to date and continue to add resources even as I enter my collegiate studies, with the goal of supporting high school students in the younger generations.