Cheesy-gooey quesadillas, ice cream slathered in fudge chocolate, and creamy garlic shrimp was the meal 7-year-old me was excited to enjoy. I savored every bite I took as all the flavors numbed my mouth in a surprisingly sweet symphony. That symphony soon turned sour as hives covered my back, neck, cheeks, and arms. My mother immediately took me to the doctors to figure out the cause of this horrible reaction. A blood test would reveal that I was allergic to shrimp and dairy. It was a double whammy! Although I was annoyed for becoming part of the estimated 60 million Americans suffering from an allergy, I was more bothered by not being able to fathom my immune system’s reaction. Why did my body respond in hives? What was the purpose of them? How did my body identify it? I was eager to learn. My sophomore year AP Biology class dove into the captivating world of allergens mesmerizing my desire to understand this complex topic. I was taught about the immune system and how it defends the body from harmful microorganisms through vital networks of cells and organs. However, this network isn’t always perfect. The body may make a mistake and react to harmless, everyday substances through the binding of antibodies to antigens. As a result, an allergen develops from the response to benign substances. A reaction can range from mild, severe, or life-threatening. It’s unbelievable that a person with a peanut allergy, for example, could potentially die from the mere presence of a peanut. I was incredibly thankful to experience a mild reaction to shrimp and dairy. My curiosity did not stop there. My diagnosis of food allergies led to my knowledge in immunology. Additionally, it launched my newfound interest in bioengineering, specifically organ transplant research. Cells are a powerful tool that can be used to save millions of lives. Currently, over 100,000 people anxiously wait for a life-saving organ transplant; unfortunately, there are simply not enough organs to save them. Working in conjunction with technological advancements, the process of growing organs in laboratories became my ultimate medical goal. My plan is to get involved in stem cell engineering and regenerative medicine to advance methods of transplant research at a 4-year university. This scholarship will assist my goal as I worry about soaring tuition costs that I may not be able to afford. I am hopeful that my ambition will become my future career with support in the form of financial aid.

The thought of growing fully functional organs in a laboratory is usually akin to science fiction, but innovation in biotechnology may bring that fantasy to reality. New tissue engineering processes have put researchers closer to triggering the formation of highly-needed organs and tissues. Further advancements are hopeful for the future of organ donation as there are more people in need of a transplant than there are available organs. However, scientists are now thwarted by a new issue: organizing cells into their natural and biological 3D arrangement. Using advanced technology and genomics, I hope to combat and solve this perplexing matter by studying naturally occurring biological polymers to understand biochemical messages affecting cell behavior. The prospect of tissue and cell research is essential to potentially saving the lives of millions who are in dire need of transplants both now and in the future. Genomics refers to the study of mapping and editing a complete set of DNA-- a genome. Our bodies make organs through genomes as it contains all the instructions for every kind of cell. A subset of genes is utilized to create specific types of cells such as heart, skin, liver, etc. Although scientists do not have full knowledge regarding what all the genes are, cells can be used to “turn on” specific genes. Mastering cell behavior will increase optimism for the 100,000+ people on the national transplant waiting list for lifesaving organs (organdonor.gov). Despite 169 million people in the U.S. being registered as organ donors (pennmedicine.org), donating and receiving organs is an intricate and complex procedure. Firstly, a donor’s blood and tissue type must match the recipient’s type. Next, crossmatch and HLA (human leukocyte antigen) testing must occur to account for the recipient’s body potentially rejecting the donor’s organ. Organ suitability is a key issue that could be resolved by laboratory grown organs. Additionally, it is important to consider that those who register to donate are not necessarily able to donate. Out of 1,000 deceased registered donors, approximately 3 people die in a way that supports deceased organ donation. There simply aren’t enough matching organs for those in need. My plan is to transfer to a 4-year university and get involved in stem cell engineering and regenerative medicine to advance methods of transplant research. Revolutionized bioengineering technology that once seemed nearly impossible to attain has now been shot into the realm of possibility. I am eager to crack this problem to make organ donation a thing of the past.

The human body is one of the most intricate, fine-tuned pieces of organic machinery that we have an innate drive to understand. From dissecting animals to utilizing 3D anatomical models through augmented reality, the technology of how humans study has progressed to measures beyond what we initially comprehended. With constant new discoveries and innovations in the use of technology, the healthcare ecosystem of the world has flourished and will continue doing so. Over 50 years ago, healthcare knowledge changed through the scientific innovation of Frederick Sanger’s sequencing of the first completed genome, phiX174. Sanger’s sequencing technique for DNA pioneered the study of genomics. Genomics refers to the study of mapping and editing a complete set of DNA-- a genome. Grasping the concept of genetic disease inheritance to editing somatic cells exemplifies the breakthrough power of research. This interdisciplinary field transformed biology and medicine as its technology was-- and continues to be-- developed to target early diseases and form treatments. Revolutionized treatments that once seemed nearly impossible to attain have now been shot into the realm of possibility. During most of the 1900s, only surgery and radiation therapy were used to treat cancer. In the 2000s, more successful options became available such as bone marrow (stem cell) transplants, targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and more. For instance, immune checkpoint inhibitors have turned death sentences into a potentially treatable condition for those with highly mutational cancers. Immunotherapy drugs were developed to help T cells recognize and attack cancerous cells while chemotherapy directly kills fast-growing cells. Although both contain their own possible adverse effects, technological innovations such as robotic surgery, CRISPR, Guided Radiation Therapy (IMGT), and more are pivotal in battling cancer. Refined imaging techniques are not only used to detect cancer but also used to determine the extent and stage cancer is in. Increasing the number of survivors and decreasing mortality rates are evocative of technology’s progress. The rate of the COVID-19 vaccine development is another paradigm of technology’s progress. Based on previous years of research on the nature of coronaviruses coupled with a heavy understanding of the viral genome, the COVID-19 vaccine was astonishingly developed in under a year. Prior to this groundbreaking advancement, the mumps vaccine held the title of “fastest vaccine ever developed” (gavi.org) with development taking 4 years in the 1960s. For comparison, vaccine production is a complex process that often requires 10 to 15 years-- sometimes longer--to manufacture. The research phase alone previously took 2 to 5 years. This process has vastly sped up through the study of mRNA and protein manufacturing. Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccine technology utilized mRNA-- a form of single-stranded RNA that carries genetic information to create proteins-- to produce harmless spike proteins on the COVID-19 virus. A desired immune response is generated to assist in building antibodies. As a result, this type of technology is virtually unlimited in its application and progress in healthcare. The thought of growing fully functional organs in a laboratory is usually akin to science fiction, but innovation in biotechnology may bring that fantasy to reality. New tissue engineering processes have put researchers closer to triggering the formation of highly-needed organs/tissues. Further advancements are hopeful for the future of organ donation as there are more people in need of a transplant than there are available organs. However, scientists are now thwarted by a new issue: organizing cells into their natural and biological 3D arrangement. To combat this perplexing matter, researchers at the University of Washington are studying naturally occurring biological polymers to understand biochemical messages affecting cell behavior. Organ donation could potentially become a thing of the past. The progression of Digital Twin (DT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is monumental in medical management. DT is described as a virtual representation of physical objects/systems through the plethora collection of data from sensors. This bridge between the physical and digital world is empowering in healthcare as it strategizes responses for future challenges. A DT of a hospital optimizes patient care through the creation of a safe environment and modeling the genetic makeup of an individual to cater to personalized medication. Virtonomy.io employs the use of DTs based on thousands of digital clinical trials reflecting the diversity of populations and reducing risks. These virtual trials eliminate the need for human and animal testing as computer-simulated trials are faster and found to be more accurate. Additionally, doctors are increasing efficiency through surgical technology. Artificial Intelligence equips surgeons in the operating room by guiding precise hand movements for minimal invasiveness and greater precision. The Ion Robotic System aids in sensitive biopsy procedures-- such as deep lung biopsies-- as its tools allow surgeons to operate with more accuracy compared to operating by hand. AI holds deep learning capabilities by analyzing enormous amounts of information and preparing for changing situations through algorithms. These algorithms focus on trends and attempt to account for outside influences and obstacles. A study referenced by the Harvard Business Review noted that orthopedic surgeries generated a 21% reduction in patients’ hospital stay length due to fewer complications in AI-assisted robotic surgery. Reducing human errors, improving clinical outcomes and coordination, and linking healthcare professionals with information regarding patients are only the tip of the iceberg of workplace evolution. The healthcare ecosystem has tremendously transformed to provide patients, doctors, and researchers with more productivity and expertise. Digital technology and healthcare were not similar to what it was 20 years ago, it is vastly superior. The rate of experimentation has drastically reduced from years to months due to the possibility of stimulating human reactions to drugs without relying on human volunteers and unethical animal testing. 3D printing can be used to create custom prosthetics at a cheaper price and create more availability. Multiple sectors in the healthcare market have been re-defined to supply exceptional care. AI and machine learning’s recommendations for preventative care and indicating anomalies have been valuable in reducing errors in diagnosis. Our innate drive of inquiry will constantly exceed the past’s expectations and machinery as we invent greater and more efficient technology.

My favorite scientific discovery is a pair of modern headphones. Initially created in a kitchen in 1910, Nathaniel Baldwin’s audio headphones were scoffed at by investors until the U.S. Navy recognized their potential. Not only did this unlock business opportunities for Baldwin, but the headphones also progressed their use beyond providing greater sound fidelity than loudspeakers. Amongst noise-cancellation and sound amplification, headphones nurture comfort. I look around and find my peers riddled with stress and anxiety, yearning for an escape from the outside world and negative stimuli. With the right pair of headphones, listening to music stimulates the release of endorphins and oxytocin promoting physical and mental wellness. A previously ridiculed piece of technology now is a building block toward positive mental-health. For children with Auditory Processing Disoder (APD), headphones are used to muffle heightened auditory senses. This, in turn, allows children to filter out distractions and advances concentration. As someone who experiences stress and uneasiness, knowing that a simple $5 pair of headphones aids in mitigating my discomfort is remarkable. When facing dilemmas, putting on that device incites creative problem solving through invigorating the thinking areas of the brain. Magnifying sound no longer became a headphone’s sole purpose.