EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, Minor in Psychology Expected May 2026
CUNY Hunter College, New York, NY
Yalow Honors Scholar – Competitive 8-semester scholarship awarded for scientific potential
Overall GPA: 4.0
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Dental Assistant September 2022-Present
Dmitry Davy DDS PC, Rego Park, NY 1600 Total Hours
- Assist in a wide range of dental procedures including cleanings, fillings, implant surgeries, root canals, crowns, extractions, impressions, etc.
- Prepare and sanitize exam rooms and tools to maintain sterile, patient-ready environments.
Clinical Shadowing Intern January 2025-April 2025
Dr. Naum Meyrovich, Internal Medicine, Rego Park, NY 90 Total Hours
- Observed diagnosis and treatment planning for chronic diseases during physician-patient encounters.
- Assisted with electronic medical record documentation during patient visits.
Phlebotomy Technician Trainee April 2026-May 2026
Austin Medical Assistant Training (AMAT), Forest Hills, NY 60 Total Hours
- Completing hands-on training in venipuncture, specimen collection, and clinical workflow in a patient-based setting
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Student Researcher December 2023-Present
Dr. Jingli Cao’s Lab, Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) 800 Total Hours
Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
Contributed to research investigating heart regeneration in zebrafish, focusing on the role of guanine deaminase (gda) in macrophage-mediated cardiac repair.
Assisted with experimental design and data collection using molecular biology techniques.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLICATIONS
“Characterizing the Role of Guanine Deaminase (gda) in Macrophage-Mediated Zebrafish Cardiac Regeneration”
Presentation: Hunter College Undergraduate Research Conference (UGRC), April 2025
“Investigating Guanine Deaminase (gda) in Macrophage-Mediated Cardiac Regeneration Using a Zebrafish Reporter Line”
Presentation: Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), San Antonio, TX, November 2025 — Poster Award Recipient
Manuscript in submission:
Perder B, Xia Y, Yao J, Qiu M, Yao AGC, Naeem M, Zumbo P, Van der Wee I, Yakubov A, Kikuchi K, Betel D, Evans T, Harrison MR, Cao J. Hypoxia-activated scleraxis a mediates epicardial progenitor differentiation into a unique cardiac perivascular cell type.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Food Pantry Volunteer September 2025-April 2026
Commonpoint Queens – Central Queens Food Pantry, Forest Hills, NY 100 Total Hours
- Supported food distribution by bagging groceries, stocking shelves, and preparing delivery packages for families experiencing food insecurity.
- Assisted with client check-ins and maintained organized operations to ensure efficient and dignified service.
LEADERSHIP
Director of Operations December 2022-Present
Bio-Z (Nonprofit Organization)
Oversee daily operations & coordinate fundraising efforts to provide lab materials to under-resourced schools.
Manage and contribute to development of a free biology and chemistry trivia platform aimed at enhancing STEM education.
Peer Teaching Assistant – General, Organic, and Biochemistry August 2023-Present
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hunter College, New York, NY
Supported faculty by attending lectures, proctoring exams, and hosting office hours to assist students with course material.
Yalow Scholar Peer Leader August 2024-Present
Yalow Honors Program, Hunter College, New York, NY
Mentored incoming first-year Yalow Scholars at Hunter College.
Collaborated with program staff and other SPLs to plan and host community-building events and enrichment activities.
Contributed written content to monthly newsletters to inform and engage the honors community.
Pre-Health Mentor August 2025-Present
Pre-Health Mentoring Initiative (PHMI), Hunter College, New York, NY
Mentor two first-year pre-health students through monthly meetings on academics, timelines, and extracurricular involvement.
Provide ongoing support and resources to help mentees build confidence, balance responsibilities, and navigate challenges.
Director of Advocacy May 2025 - Present
Heart Club at Hunter, American Heart Association Chapter at Hunter College
Lead advocacy initiatives promoting cardiovascular health & education within the Hunter community.
Organize monthly workshops, marathon marches, and senator outreach campaigns to raise awareness and support public health policy.
Co-Vice President August 2025 – Present
American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative (ALCSI) Chapter at Hunter College
Lead campus and community outreach efforts to raise awareness about lung cancer screening eligibility and connect individuals with free resources.
Organize educational events and support the national “Plus One” referral campaign for screening.
AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS
New York State Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish). June 2022
Salutatorian, Forest Hills High School (Carl Sagan Program) June 2022
Dean’s List Fall 2022-Present
Poster Award in Developmental Biology & Genetics, ABRCMS National Conference November 2025
Valedictorian, Hunter College Class of 2026 May 2026
OTHER
Fluent in Spanish, Verbal Fluency in Russian
