Research Experiences/ Internships

Estrous Phase Classification

Taking the dataset I published in the mEPSC Dataset Project, I utilized various Python packages to import the data into google colab, make it useable, and filter it. A variety of biological signal types (spiking, mEPSC, and passive membrane potential) were explored. I then tested the model accuracies of various machine learning algorithms across features extracted from the different signal types, indicating which signal type encodes the state of estrous cycle phase best. This more broadly represents an exploration of how best to computationally represent small scale neuromodulatory differences in cells within the brain. Next steps are in the works...

The picture to the left is from the poster I presented at the Symposium for Young Neuroscientists and Professors of the South East (SYNAPSE) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in March of this year. I was also selected to give a short talk about the project which you can listen to here if you are interested.

mEPSC Dataset Publication

As part of my first project in the Meitzen lab I used a simple Python script to automate the merging of many excel spreadsheets into a dataset with data from two papers which I manually cleaned. I gained a lot of knowledge about how to read academic papers and understand what is important amongst a lot of jargon during this time. Knowing what I do now, I am thoroughly dissapointed in the lack of laziness I incorporated into my strategy for this project. If you are interested in accessing the dataset you can do so by following this link.

On the left is a picture of me working on the computer in the patch-clamp rig room in the lab. It's pretty crazy to think that we can poke singular neurons and figure out what they are up to.

I am assigned to a PhD student working in Dr. Helen Huang's lab on applications of reinforcement learning in EMG based upper-limb prosthetics. Thus far alongside general help with literature review, I have worked on fixing the eye tracking glasses pictured to the left, conducted extensive research on optimal using of my university's high powered computing lab, worked on multithreading/ vectorizing RL environments for increased efficiency, and helped with prosthetics demonstrations/ general duties during open houses.

I've learned a lot about topics beyond my project including basics about exoskeletons, hip prosthetics, and how deocding paradigms differ for those from upper limb. I'm also in the process of being trained to help out with participant facing research.

During my time with the Center for Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology (CINT) another undergraduate student and I drafted and prototyped substantial modifications to stereotactic depth electrodes to enhance their functionality while retaining their core purpose under Dr. Eric Leuthardt. I learned so much about FDA regulations/ pathways for medical devices, the differences in how neurosurgeons and engineers communicate, and the importance of observing before you build. I had the exciting opportunity to watch neurosurgery, work with very fancy 3D printers, and speak with experts from so many different domains.

This experience was very different from what I'm used to, I was unable to write a single line of code. I was instead forced to step out of my comfort zone and do a lot of a new kind of learning. I also took advantage of the nearby amtrak station to make visits to Chicago and Kansas City alongside exploring as much of St. Louis as possible.

Human-Robot Autonomy Teaming

Aug. 2023 -- Nov. 2023

My first ever research experience was with the LACELab in the department of human factors psychology. I used JSON files and a git package called omrchecker to build outlines to accurately record data from paper surveys, manually QAd paper forms, and helped with literature review on topics including human-robot anthropomorphism, optimal learning conditions, and the effects of different distractions on specific tasks.

To the right is a picture of me at the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) 2023 meeting. It was my first time preparing and presenting research and taught me lots about the pace at which research moves and the importance of patience.