MIT MEDIA LAB UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
2023-Present

I am currently working in the MIT Media Lab's Space Enabled Group developing hardware to examine the behavior of melted wax in microgravity environments. Ultimately, the goal of the lab is to study this behavior in hopes of using wax as a more environmentally and economically sustainable fuel for satellites. I have conducted testing on model hardware, analyzed the results to determine necessary changes for the flight hardware, and helped make physical modifications to the flight hardware prior to a sub-orbital flight. Currently, I am beginning work on data analysis post-flight. Once this is complete, I will begin examining potential re-designs for future flights, as well as beginning work on another project in the lab focused on lunar regolith collection.

Lab website

HIGH SCHOOL RESEARCH
2020-2023

I conducted an independent research project: Developing a Model In-Situ Resource Utilization System for Oxygen Sustaining Life Support and Launch Cost Reduction for Mars. I grew crops in various ratios of potting soil and Martian regolith simulant to determine the impact the growth substrate has on plant growth. I then developed an original mathematical model to determine the amount of oxygen produced per plant based on biomass, and the launch cost reduction when using each substrate. I found the ideal ratio, which optimized maximum oxygen production with minimum launch mass/cost. I also conducted a follow-up study to determine if adding biochar to the regolith simulant will stabilize the soil aggregates and improve plant growth. I learned how to communicate my work with others through designing posters, slideshows, and oral presentations, which helped me when competing and winning at local, state, and international-level science fairs, ultimately placing highest in the history of my school's research program.

Research Abstract

Research Paper

Regeneron ISEF 2022 Poster

SCIENCE
AWARDS

Winning at ISEF!

Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

Finalist (2023)

Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)

Grand Award winner: 2nd place in Plant Sciences (2022)
Special Award winner: 1st place Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force award in Plant Sciences (2022)

New York State Science & Engineering Fair (NYSSEF)

Grand Award winner: 1st place in Plant Sciences (2022)
Special Award winner: Mu Alpha Theta Award in mathematics (2022)
Grand Award winner: 2nd place in Plant Sciences (2023)
Special Award winner: NASA Earth Systems Award (2023)

American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) Annual Meeting

Second Place in High School Student Poster Competition (2022)

Juliette O'Rourke-Albanese Scholarship in Chemistry (2023)

Westchester-Rockland Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

First Place in Plant/Earth & Environmental Science (2023)

Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF)

Grand Award winner: 2nd place in Plant Sciences (2023)
Special Award winner: Association of Women Geoscientists Award of Geoscience Excellence (2023)
Special Award winner: Ricoh Sustainable Development Award (2023)
Grand Award winner: 4th place in Plant Sciences (2022)

Special Award winner: American Meteorological Society Award (2022)

Westlake/Somers Science Fair

First place award winner (2021)

Civic Awards

Certificate of Recognition from New York State Senate for 2023 Regeneron STS (2023)
Citation from New York State Assembly for 2023 Regeneron STS (2023)
Certificate of Recognition from Westchester County Executive George Latimer for 2023 Regeneron STS (2023)
Certificate of Merit from Westchester Board of Legislators: Recognition for 2023 Regeneron STS (2023)
Proclamation from Westchester County Executive George Latimer: Recognition of individual achievement in scientific research (2022)