Achievements/Awards/Recognition: -Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Finalist, 2014
-U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) Semifinalist, 2014/2015
-Southwestern Pennsylvania Science Bowl: First Place, 2014/2015
-National AP Scholar, 2015

Achievements/Awards/Recognition: First-author paper detailing my research at the University of Pittsburgh. Microglia represent rational but challenging targets for improving white matter integrity because of their dualistic protective and toxic roles. The present study examines the effect of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on microglial responses to myelin pathology in primary cultures and in the cuprizone mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), a devastating demyelination disease. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the two main forms of n-3 PUFAs in the brain, inhibited the release of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α from primary microglia upon IFN-γ and myelin stimulation. DHA and EPA also enhanced myelin phagocytosis in vitro. Therefore, n-3 PUFAs can inhibit inflammation while at the same time enhancing beneficial immune responses such as microglial phagocytosis. In vivo studies demonstrated that n-3 PUFA supplementation reduced cuprizone-induced demyelination and improved motor and cognitive function. The positive effects of n-3 PUFAs were accompanied by a shift in microglial polarization toward the beneficial M2 phenotype both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that n-3 PUFAs may be clinically useful as immunomodulatory agents for demyelinating diseases through a novel mechanism involving microglial phenotype switching.

Achievements/Awards/Recognition: I was part of a team that created, tested and documented polynomial time algorithms to solve various global optimization problems. We explored Euclidean tour optimization through the Traveling Salesman Problem, lattice protein folding, and multimetallic nanoparticle structures.

Global optimization has become a highly prominent computation technique with wide-ranging relevance. The technique attempts to pinpoint a global optimal solution across a field of many potential local solutions. In this team project three global optimization problems were investigated: Euclidean tour optimization (Traveling Salesman), protein folding optimization, and multimetallic nanoparticle optimization. Multiple solver algorithms were then developed for each problem, and scripts allowed for analysis of relative accuracy and runtime. All research has been made open-source through our project website (cat-nip.us). Our work presents novel resources and opens new possibilities for future research in multiple fields, from traffic management to microcircuitry development.

Achievements/Awards/Recognition: Co-authored chapter in professional encyclopedia.

Acute neuronal injury from stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) starts a sequela of both extra- and intracellular events that ultimately leads to the demise of the affected brain tissue comprising neurons, glia, and endothelial cells lining the vasculature – the neurovascular unit. This article discusses the initial insults that separate stroke from TBI, and the common factors that lead to brain cell death and neurological dysfunction. Finally, various strategies currently being tested to provide neuroprotection are discussed in relation to acute neuronal injury.

Achievements/Awards/Recognition: Co-authored original research article.

Mononuclear phagocytes are highly plastic cells that assume diverse phenotypes in response to microenvironmental signals. The phenotype-specific roles of microglia/macrophages in ischemic brain injury are poorly understood. A comprehensive characterization of microglia/macrophage polarization after ischemia may advance our knowledge of poststroke damage/recovery.

Our results suggest that microglia/macrophages respond dynamically to ischemic injury, experiencing an early “healthy” M2 phenotype, followed by a transition to a “sick” M1 phenotype. These dual and opposing roles of microglia/macrophages suggest that stroke therapies should be shifted from simply suppressing microglia/macrophage toward adjusting the balance between beneficial and detrimental microglia/macrophage responses.

Description: An article covering regional Science Bowl finals. This is my seventh year competing, and my third trip to Nationals.

Description: This article features my Intel ISEF project and that of another Pittsburgh student.

Description: In this radio segment, I perform Joseph Haydn's "Sonata in F Major" and Edvard Grieg's "Nocturne" as a Pittsburgh Concert Society Young Artist. I also talk about my experiences with piano and STEM.