2024 Harvard MRSEC REU for Undergraduate Student Participants

Hello, my name is Cody Begay. I'm from Gallup, New Mexico and I'm Navajo. I go to school at Navajo Technical University majoring in Industrial Engineering.

Mentors: Thiagarajan Soundappan, Kathryn Hollar

Funding: NSF MRSEC @ Harvard DMR-2011754

Zezo Beshir is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, going down the pre-med tract. He plans to pursue his interest in cardiovascular surgery after med-school. Outside of academics, he is a shot-putter on the track and field team.

Mentors: vin Shani, Julia Deinsberger, Kevin Kit Parker

Funding: NSF MRSEC @ Harvard DMR-2011754

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My name is Wayant Billey I am from a rural part of Standing Rock, NM. I am majoring in the new B.S in Chemistry degree program at Navajo Technical University. I would like to complete my degree then go onwards to graduate studies and pursue my PhD in chemistry. With this degree I would like to further my studies into Biofuel such as hydrogen fuel and other types of renewable resources. My hobbies are working/tuning vehicles especially Honda's or my own projects, being outdoors, tending to my livestock (hauling water, hauling hay... etc.) on my ranch and listening to music.

Project: Soft Robotics and its Potential on the Navajo Reservation

Mentors: David Weitz, Robinson Tom, Yan Liu, Rohan Thakur, Chunuan Liu

Funding: NSF MRSEC @ Harvard DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

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Steph is a sophomore at Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint New Mexico which is located on the Navajo reservation. She is majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in mathematics. She has been working in the STEM field for over 3 years including her senior year in high school where she was participating in the STEM program. This program helped her participate with NASA and Harvard doing research for soft robotics. In her free time, she loves to sleep, enjoys anime, and loves Korean drama.

Project: Liquid Crystal Elastomer

Mentors: Raphael Kay, Joanna Aizenberg

Funding: NSF MRSEC @ Harvard DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

Jack Emiliano Hansen is a rising Junior at California Polytechnic State University studying Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Mechatronics and plans to pursue a PhD afterward. In his free time, he enjoys working on graphic design, hiking, and spending time with his friends and family.

Project: Testing Equipment for Dynamic Fluidic Window Systems

Mentors: Raphael Kay, Joanna Aizenberg

Funding: NSF MRSEC @ Harvard DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

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Sanjana Iyer is a second year molecular biology and biochemistry student at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. She hopes to go on to graduate school and pursue scientific research. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing bad poetry, and learning new art skills.

Project: Characterizing the long-term effects of extracellular matrix viscoelasticity on dendritic cells

Mentors: Wei-Hung Jung, David Mooney

Funding: NSF MRSEC @ Harvard DMR-2011754

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Richard is a rising junior from Harlingen, Texas. He studies Molecular and Cell Biology at Vanderbilt University and hopes to continue research while pursuing an M.D. Alongside his studies, he is a cadet in Vanderbilt’s GO GOLD Battalion Army ROTC. During his free time, Richard likes to watch TV, run, hike, and build Lego sets.

Project: Calcium Propagation and Twitch Stress in hiPSCs-Cardiomyocytes (CMs) for Comparison to Fabry Disease Derived hiPSCs

Mentors: Julia Deinsberger, Kevin Kit Parker

Funding: NSF MRSEC @ Harvard DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

Hi! My name is Margaret Miao. I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering at Princeton University with minors in bioengineering and material science. My research interests include biomaterials and tissue regeneration as well as medical technologies for implants and prosthesis. Outside of academics, I powerlift, draw and paint, play my violin, and love to cook!

Project: Durable Hydrogel for Bioprinting Artificial Tissues and Organs

Mentors: Travis Busbee, Jennifer Lewis

Funding: NSF MRSEC @ Harvard DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

I am a driven and ambitious individual from Crownpoint, New Mexico, with a passion for pursuing a career in electrical engineering. A recent graduate of Crownpoint High School and Navajo Technical University, I am committed to education and have already gained valuable experience in various fields. At Navajo Technical University, I interned with the NSF PREM Ventures Department, where I worked as a Student Research Intern and developed strong research and analytical skills. I also held positions as a Temporary Maintenance Worker and Engineering Summer Intern, demonstrating my ability to work in a variety of settings. In my free time, I am involved in humanitarian projects in Mexico, showing my commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

Project: How can Sodium Alginate be used to teach High school students and educators about encapsulating food and medicine?

Mentors: Kathryn Hollar, Thiagarajan Soundappan

Funding: NSF MRSEC @ Harvard DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

LinkedIn Profile

My name is Jyren Sam, I am from a small town in New Mexico called Crownpoint. My dream is to further our world into a better world where we aren't hurting our planet and finding new ways to create and manage many new ways of our way of life. With my research going further and further out every day I can feel myself absorb every ounce of knowledge I can have and help further our world into a new age.

Project: Soft Robotics and its Potential on the Navajo Reservation

Mentors: Thiagarajan Soundappan, Kathryn Hollar

Funding: NSF MRSEC @ Harvard DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

LinkedIn Profile

Hello, I am Bradley Thomas, a 25-year-old student at Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, NM. I am pursuing my associate's degree in applied science with a major in chemical engineering. My hobbies are traveling, fishing, and gaming.

Project: Soft Robotics and its Potential on the Navajo Reservation

Mentors: Kathryn Hollar, Thiagarajan Soundappan

Funding: NSF MRSEC @ Harvard DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

My name is Kendrick Thompson and I am from Chinle, Arizona. Which is located on the Navajo reservation in the north east part of Arizona. I grew up taking pride in the environment where I live that led me into the biology field. Each day learning something has always been a passion of mine learning.

Project: How can Sodium Alginate be used to teach High school students and educators about encapsulating food and medicine?

Mentors: Robinson Tom, Thiagarajan Soundappan

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

Antonio Valencia is The rising freshmen at the Navajo Technical University located in Crownpoint New Mexico. He is majoring in the The Automotive Technology Sector, with certificates in Osha and 3G. He is originally from Pinon AZ and raised in and out of the Salt River Indian Community of AZ, where he started running and hasn't stopped. Antonio enjoys discussing science fiction and ubiquitous culture of the new world in his pocket time. Antonio explores material science/engineering in any way how, and he seeks to obtain a Ph.D. in Metallurgy science in his future. You can find him assisting faculty of the community in cleaning and repair, or on his runs around town.

Mentors: Mustafa Abdelrahman, Jennifer Lewis

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

Amaya Walker is a junior majoring in chemical engineering at Florida State University. She has been contributing to research at National High Magnetic Field Laboratory focusing on 3D bioprinting. Outside of her professional environment, Amaya enjoys shopping, playing tennis, hanging out with her kitten, Gus, and cooking.

Project: Controlling Protein Release from Alginate Hydrogels with Carbohydrate Binding Modules (CBM)

Mentors: Blake Hanan, David Mooney

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

LinkedIn Profile

I come from Many Farms, Arizona and I am a proud member of the Navajo tribe. I am the second youngest among my siblings. I believe that with hard work and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams. Despite being born with left microtia, I have never let it hinder my ability to learn or work. Although it may pose challenges while listening to others, I assure you that I am attentive and always strive to deliver my best. Currently, I am pursuing a dual degree in Chemistry and Business Administration. I am motivated to pursue my path in life with an eagerness for knowledge and personal growth. I am determined to utilize the knowledge I gain along the way to make a positive impact back home.

Project: "Nááts'íilid" Rainbow Chocolate

Mentors: Thiagarajan Soundappan, Kathryn Hollar

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

LinkedIn Profile

Hello, my name is Oliver Yellowhair and I am a returning REU student. I am a sophomore and a biology major at Navajo Technical University. I'm looking for innovative ways to help my community and the Navajo Nation.

Project: How can Sodium Alginate be used to teach High school students and educators about encapsulating food and medicine?

REU Project Title: Diné tea extract-encapsulating microgels: microfluidics-based fabrication and their antibacterial effects

Mentors: Robinson Tom, Thiagarajan Soundappan

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195