Research
nanomaterials -> neural interfaces -> theoretical biophysics
Current Interests
I am interested in the statistical physics of biological ensembles and their interactions.
Nucleic acid hybridization kinetics
Nucleic acids hybridize (e.g. stick together according to Watson-Crick base pairing rules, A-T/U, C-G) constantly in every cell— to replicate DNA/transcribe RNA, regulate gene expression, and in RNA therapies like the COVID vaccine—yet we lack a comprehensive theory that can predict the intensity and speed of hybridization between two arbitrary sequences.
I'm working with Ofer Kimchi at Princeton's Lewis-Sigler Institute to build such predictive models. We're studying a large dataset of hybridization experiments between small probe DNAs and longer target RNAs. Using a combination of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and machine learning, our models infer binding from sequence and structure, potentially enabling precision RNA therapeutic design. We're also tackling the inverse problem—inferring RNA structure from binding data—which dramatically simplify RNA folding prediction.
Past Themes
Neural Interfaces (2016-2020)
In the Cui lab at Stanford Chemistry, I grew large magnetic nanorods inside human cells, with the goal of being able to open ion channels mechanically by applying a magnetic field that would torque the nanorods. This work, published in Nano Letters, is a step towards "magnetogenetics", or remote activation of neurons using magnetic fields.
I then spent a summer in college working at Paradromics, a leading brain machine interface company, where I developed a method to sharpen electrodes on the nanoscale to minimize tissue damage upon insertion into brain tissue. They still use this protocol, to my knowledge.
I enrolled in the Harvard Applied Physics PhD (jointly with MIT) in 2020 to continue my work in neural interfaces. Not wanting to start grad school during the pandemic and excited by the idea that became Sora, I dropped out without starting, following in the footsteps of hip hop legend Lil Pump.
huge iron rods we grew inside human cells
Nanomaterials (2012-2016)
Working in the Tracy, Li, and Melechko labs at NC State University in high school, I created optically active nanomaterials for bioimaging applications, catalysts for biofuel generation, and scalable production methods for vertically-aligned carbon nanofibers used in drug delivery, respectively. I coauthored my first research paper, on the latter work, at age 14. I also spent the summer before college at RTI International developing stain-resistant textile coatings for a corporate client, using harmless silica nanoparticles instead of the industry standard "forever chemicals".
For my research work in high school, I was named a Semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search and a Regional Finalist in the now-defunct Siemens Competition.
some nanomaterials I made: vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (left) and gold nanostars embedded in polymer nanofibers (right)