Choosing a favorite K-pop group or artist is such a difficult task. A fan of many years, I have grown to love so many artists from BTS and (G)-idle to BIBI and RIIZE. But there's one idol in particular who has always inspired me - Hwasa, a member of the girl group MAMAMOO who is constantly pushing the boundaries of K-pop to advocate for what she believes in. Hwasa debuted with the group in 2014 at the age of eighteen. Over the past decade, she has received hate from countless people due to her physical features. Wide hips, tan skin, and even her facial features have been areas of criticism for the idol. At a concert, she once told a story of an audition experience in which her talent and performance greatly impressed casting agents. They, however, rejected her, even stating that she was “fat and not pretty.” Following her debut she received similar comments from fans, some even demanding she exit the group. From that day on she was determined to set her own standards. She describes the early hate from her debut as giving her the strength to be herself. Hwasa battles the enforcement of beauty standards within K-pop companies as well, often defying common rules. For example, companies often restrict the diets of idols to ensure they meet size requirements, while Hwasa eats freely with her members and encourages other idols to do the same. Companies also restrict the hairstyles of idols, often deciding for them how they will wear their hair. Staying true to herself, Hwasa styled her own hair. She once went against her own CEO’s wishes and cut her hair without permission. She has even worn outfits against her company's advice, choosing her own style despite several obstacles. Aside from outfits and style, Hwasa also speaks on colorist hate in the industry. The idol is often criticized for her tan skin, as pale skin fits beauty standards. She does not shy away from calling attention to the hate, spreading the word that anyone can be beautiful. Restricting physical features on idols is such a strange concept to me, and Hwasa appears to agree. She constantly emphasizes that performing is much more important than appearances and conforming to unrealistic beauty standards. Not only does she openly advocate for this, but she even writes songs to get the point across. Her recent single “I Love My Body” demonstrates Hwasa’s love for herself despite the hate. It spreads ideas of acceptance and self-love, hopefully inspiring others like her to rise above the hate. As someone who also does not fit my country’s beauty standards, Hwasa has taught me to be confident in my body and my strength and talent. She has inspired others not to allow hateful people to reduce them down to their insecurities. This also inspires me to continue pursuing my career goals, despite any obstacles in my way. I will continue to pursue biomedical engineering in hopes of one day creating cures for rare diseases. One of my favorite quotes from her is “No matter how I’m criticized, in the end, I’m going to sing in front of those people.” No matter the obstacle, she will still in the end do what she loves.” Thank you Hwasa. In the end, I too will do what I love.

My name is Janessa Terry, and I am a fourth-year biomedical engineering honors student with a minor in psychology. I am honored to have received this amazing opportunity and would love to share with you who I am. Currently, I am on co-op for the second time at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals where I returned to work in the Cell Culture and Media Development group. My proudest accomplishment from this experience is the project I led that resulted in improvements that saved valuable time in process workflows. In many other projects, I have assisted in supporting potential investigational product candidates in the field of oncology. Through this co-op, I have gained several valuable skills in lab technique, statistical analysis, and experimental design and presentation. Additionally, I have gotten to know a fantastic group of hard-working people from which I have learned so much. I have opened the door to many lifelong connections and career opportunities and am incredibly excited to see what lies ahead. One of my favorite on-campus activities I have the pleasure of being involved in is the research that takes place in the Respiratory Technologies Lab with Dr. Edward Hensel. Our research focuses on furthering the current knowledge of e-cigarette use and its toxicological effects on the respiratory system. I perform trials with a smoking robot that draws air and e-liquid from an e-cigarette through a model of the human airway and lungs to simulate e-cigarette use. The goal is to eventually introduce cells into the system to analyze cell response to e-liquid and shear stress from the simulation. I also recently outlined and proposed a toxicology experiment using our mechanical lung model. Through this experience, I have co-authored three publications. This field of research is especially important to me, as I have seen so many of my friends and family harmed by the belief that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking. Being able to produce results that could potentially save lives is something I am so grateful to be a part of. I extend my thanks to my former research mentor, Dr. Emma Sarles, who I am lucky to have been guided and inspired by. Much of my free time on campus is spent in dance studios, as dance has always been a huge part of my life and is something I am very passionate about. I feel that in a way dance taught me to be strong and confident and brought me comfort in times of stress. I have been an instructor of Nova Dance Crew at RIT since 2022 and recently became co-captain. From this group, I have found a dedicated support system, much like a family, filled with dancers as enthusiastic as I am. In the rest of my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, and trying new foods. I am also part of the RIT Residence Life Team as a Resident Advisor, and I recently became a teaching assistant for my major. I am overly excited to share with students all that RIT has to offer so that everyone can find something to enjoy and a sense of belonging. In terms of my career, I hope to one day contribute to the ever-growing field of pharmaceuticals, specifically in rare diseases. Providing cures and remedies for uncommon diseases is such an important duty, as those patients are just as entitled to the efforts to find a cure as those with more common diseases. I look forward to helping these groups of patients, as hearing their stories inspires me to match their determination to find them a cure.

My name is Janessa Terry, and I am a fourth-year biomedical engineering honors student with a minor in psychology. I am honored to have received this amazing opportunity and would love to share with you who I am. Currently, I am on co-op for the second time at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals where I returned to work in the Cell Culture and Media Development group. My proudest accomplishment from this experience is the project I led that resulted in improvements that saved valuable time in process workflows. In many other projects, I have assisted in supporting potential investigational product candidates in the field of oncology. Through this co-op, I have gained several valuable skills in lab technique, statistical analysis, and experimental design and presentation. Additionally, I have gotten to know a fantastic group of hard-working people from which I have learned so much. I have opened the door to many lifelong connections and career opportunities and am incredibly excited to see what lies ahead. One of my favorite on-campus activities I have the pleasure of being involved in is the research that takes place in the Respiratory Technologies Lab with Dr. Edward Hensel. Our research focuses on furthering the current knowledge of e-cigarette use and its toxicological effects on the respiratory system. I perform trials with a smoking robot that draws air and e-liquid from an e-cigarette through a model of the human airway and lungs to simulate e-cigarette use. The goal is to eventually introduce cells into the system to analyze cell response to e-liquid and shear stress from the simulation. I also recently outlined and proposed a toxicology experiment using our mechanical lung model. Through this experience, I have co-authored three publications. This field of research is especially important to me, as I have seen so many of my friends and family harmed by the belief that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking. Being able to produce results that could potentially save lives is something I am so grateful to be a part of. I extend my thanks to my former research mentor, Dr. Emma Sarles, who I am lucky to have been guided and inspired by. Much of my free time on campus is spent in dance studios, as dance has always been a huge part of my life and is something I am very passionate about. I feel that in a way dance taught me to be strong and confident and brought me comfort in times of stress. I have been an instructor of Nova Dance Crew at RIT since 2022 and recently became co-captain. From this group, I have found a dedicated support system, much like a family, filled with dancers as enthusiastic as I am. In the rest of my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, and trying new foods. I am also part of the RIT Residence Life Team as a Resident Advisor, and I recently became a teaching assistant for my major. I am overly excited to share with students all that RIT has to offer so that everyone can find something to enjoy and a sense of belonging. In terms of my career, I hope to one day contribute to the ever-growing field of pharmaceuticals, specifically in rare diseases. Providing cures and remedies for uncommon diseases is such an important duty, as those patients are just as entitled to the efforts to find a cure as those with more common diseases. I look forward to helping these groups of patients, as hearing their stories inspires me to match their determination to find them a cure.

Realizing that I was bisexual in middle school was a very difficult thing to navigate. I didn’t quite understand my feelings. I felt like something was wrong with me. That combined with being an introverted minority at a predominantly white school earned me access to the finest bullying my peers had to offer. This was an emotional time in my life, and the place where I felt most accepted was with fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community. They were accepting of who I was, never once judging me. They too dealt with the same torment I endured, only coming out stronger in the end. Their strength and support taught me to keep my head held high in times like these. I learned to never let others bring me down and to never be ashamed of who I was, whether it be my sexuality, personality, race, interests, or anything else that makes me who I am. I plan to give back by furthering my career and hoping to guide and inspire others who may have felt as I did. I hope to give others the strength to rise above hate, just as my friends did to me. Currently, I am studying biomedical engineering, a field that has inspired me time after time. I have had the pleasure of having several hands-on experiences from insightful internships to research and publications. The research I am involved in focuses on furthering the current knowledge of e-cigarette use and the toxicological effects it has on the respiratory system. I conduct trials with a smoking robot that involve quantitative analysis of mass balance data, analyzing concentrations, and troubleshooting errors in the program as they occur. More recently, I have proposed a toxicology experiment to assess the effective use of equipment designed by our lab. This research has resulted in three publications for which I am a co-author. Being able to contribute to the understanding of the risks of e-cigarette use is something I never thought I’d come to enjoy so much. Knowing that the work I have contributed to may eventually help to save lives is such an incredible feeling. Getting to contribute to these efforts is an honor, and from that experience, I have been shown what a privilege it is to work in this field. Having the ability to use my knowledge and passion to collaborate with others and achieve such impactful accomplishments is why I love engineering. I am pursuing biomedical engineering to become a part of a larger effort to produce potential cures for rare diseases. Unfortunately, without scholarships, I will no longer be able to contribute to my research group and will likely also need to drop the master’s component of my current accelerated BS/MS program to lessen my student debt and make more time to take on additional on-campus employment. These two experiences are incredibly important to achieving my future goals, and I value the experience it has given me. I would like to continue these opportunities, so any financial assistance would be incredibly appreciated.

Originally it was simply a matter of interest. I've always been interested in engineering, as it encompasses all of my favorite subjects. Because of my passion for biology, I was naturally drawn to biomedical engineering. Little did I know it would grow into so much more. My first hands-on experience came in my sophomore year when I began my relationship with the Respiratory Technologies Lab at RIT. The research I am involved in focuses on furthering the current knowledge of e-cigarette use and the toxicological effects it has on the respiratory system. I conduct trials with a smoking robot that involve quantitative analysis of mass balance data, analyzing concentrations, and troubleshooting errors in the program as they occur. The goal is to eventually introduce cells into the system to analyze cell response to the simulation. More recently, I have proposed a toxicology experiment to assess the effective use of equipment designed by our lab. This research has resulted in three publications for which I am a co-author. Being able to contribute to the understanding of the risks of e-cigarette use is something I never thought I’d come to enjoy so much. Knowing that the work I have contributed to may eventually help to save lives is such an incredible feeling. My second experience was with my first co-op experience through Regeneron. I had to opportunity to spend seven months with the cell culture and media development group. Here I supported the development of processes producing potential biotherapeutics using mammalian cell culture. I also had the chance to lead cell banking process characterization studies and leverage statistical analyses to optimize the recovery of cell culture after cryopreservation. Through this, I evaluated the stability of a supplement in cell culture to improve process workflows. I got to see my work from ideation to proposal and potential implementation, which was such an incredible experience. Regeneron is known to work towards potential cures for rare diseases and disorders, which is what drew me there in the first place. I am so excited to have returned to Regeneron this summer to continue to learn and grow in this space. Getting to contribute to both of these efforts was an honor, and from that experience, I have been shown what a privilege it is to work in this field. Having the capability to use my knowledge and passion to collaborate with others and achieve such impactful accomplishments is why I love engineering. I am pursuing biomedical engineering to become a part of a large effort to provide treatment to those in need and to assist in developing the best processes to do so.

The story of Alice Ball has inspired me since the moment I first heard of it. A woman who broke countless barriers, her first achievement being the first African-American woman, and even the first woman at all, to earn a master's degree at the University of Hawaii. Eventually, she went on to become the first female instructor in the university's chemistry department, where she would use her incredible knowledge to contribute to the ever-growing field of medicine. Her most well-known contribution was in her master's thesis, in which she explored the use of oil extract from chaulmoogra trees to treat leprosy. Also known as Hansen's disease, leprosy is an infectious disease that affects the skin, eyes, and nerves. Left untreated, this disease can lead to progressive, permanent disabilities. Ball's research resulted in the first injectable treatment, which remained the most effective treatment into the 1940s. Her work paved the way for a series of treatments following her death in the late 1910s. Unfortunately, Ball was not able to publish her research before she passed, allowing another chemist to later complete and publish her work. Six years later, Dr. Harry Hollman published an article crediting her for pioneering the treatment. He referred to her work as "Ball's Method," returning the credit to its rightful owner. It is said that she likely became the first African-American to publish in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Alice Ball was a leader from the beginning, breaking through prejudice to accomplish her goals. Not only is this inspiring to African-Americans, but also to women in general. Gender bias in STEM fields was a prominent issue in Ball's time and is still present today. I myself have sat at tables and felt as though I have had to prove that I was worthy to be alongside the others. Nonetheless, Ball inspires me to push through so I can achieve success one day as well. I hope to someday receive my master's degree in biomedical engineering so I too can contribute to the medical field. More specifically, I want to focus on furthering research and ongoing efforts into treatments for rare diseases. Despite the odds being against her, Ball did not stop until she made an incredible contribution to science. I too hope to save lives and make an impact like her. Her story should inspire African-American women in science and engineering to pursue their dreams and rise above the challenges that lie ahead. Alice Ball has inspired me to keep my head held high and remain determined. She accomplished so much in a short period, and I aspire to follow in her footsteps.

The story of Alice Ball has inspired me since the moment I first heard of it. A woman who broke countless barriers, her first achievement being the first African-American woman, and even the first woman at all, to earn a master's degree at the University of Hawaii. Eventually, she went on to become the first female instructor in the university's chemistry department, where she would use her incredible knowledge to contribute to the ever-growing field of medicine. Her most well-known contribution was in her master's thesis, in which she explored the use of oil extract from chaulmoogra trees to treat leprosy. Also known as Hansen's disease, leprosy is an infectious disease that affects the skin, eyes, and nerves. Left untreated, this disease can lead to progressive, permanent disabilities. Ball's research resulted in the first injectable treatment, which remained the most effective treatment into the 1940s. Her work paved the way for a series of treatments following her death in the late 1910s. Unfortunately, Ball was not able to publish her research before she passed, allowing another chemist to later complete and publish her work. Six years later, Dr. Harry Hollman published an article crediting her for pioneering the treatment. He referred to her work as "Ball's Method," returning the credit to its rightful owner. It is said that she likely became the first African-American to publish in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Alice Ball was a leader from the beginning, breaking through prejudice to accomplish her goals. Not only is this inspiring to African-Americans, but also to women in general. Gender bias in STEM fields was a prominent issue in Ball's time and is still present today. I myself have sat at tables and felt as though I have had to prove that I was worthy to be alongside the others. Nonetheless, Ball inspires me to push through so I can achieve success one day as well. I hope to someday receive my master's degree in biomedical engineering so I too can contribute to the medical field. More specifically, I want to focus on furthering research and ongoing efforts into treatments for rare diseases. Despite the odds being against her, Ball did not stop until she made an incredible contribution to science. I too hope to save lives and make an impact like her. Her story should inspire African-American women in science and engineering to pursue their dreams and rise above the challenges that lie ahead. Alice Ball has inspired me to keep my head held high and remain determined. She accomplished so much in a short period, and I aspire to follow in her footsteps. Having the capability to use my knowledge and passion to collaborate with others and achieve such impactful accomplishments is why I love engineering. I am pursuing biomedical engineering to become a part of a large effort to provide treatment to those in need and to assist in developing the best processes to do so.

Originally it was simply a matter of interest. Engineering just happened to be a combination of all of my favorite subjects. Math and science all in one was very appealing to me, but something was still missing. I had a passion for biology, so when I discovered the field of biomedical engineering I knew it was the perfect match for me. Little did I know it would grow into so much more over the years. My first hands-on experience came in my sophomore year when I began my relationship with the Respiratory Technologies Lab at RIT. The research I am involved in focuses on furthering the current knowledge of e-cigarette use and the toxicological effects it has on the respiratory system. I perform trials with a smoking robot that involve quantitative analysis of mass balance data, analyzing concentrations, and troubleshooting errors in the program as they occur. The goal is to eventually introduce cells into the system to analyze cell response to the simulation. More recently, I have proposed a toxicology experiment to assess the effective use of equipment designed by our lab. This research has resulted in three publications for which I am a co-author. Being able to contribute to the understanding of the risks of e-cigarette use is something I never thought I’d come to enjoy so much. Knowing that the work I have contributed to may eventually help to save lives is such an incredible feeling. My second hands-on experience was with my first co-op experience through RIT. As a required part of our program, students must complete a certain number of weeks of co-op. This opportunity for early career development stood out to me, and I was excited when the time came for it. Beginning the summer before my third year, I had to opportunity to spend the summer and fall working in Regeneron with the cell culture and media development group. Here I supported the development of processes producing potential biotherapeutics using mammalian cell culture. I also had the chance to lead cell banking process characterization studies and leverage statistical analyses to optimize the recovery of cell culture after cryopreservation. Through this, I evaluated the stability of a supplement in cell culture to improve process workflows. I got to see my work from ideation to proposal and potential implementation, which was such an incredible experience. Regeneron is known to work towards potential cures for rare diseases and disorders, which is what drew me there in the first place. I am so excited to have returned to Regeneron this summer to continue to learn and grow in this space. Getting to contribute to both of these efforts was an honor, and from that experience, I have been shown what a privilege it is to work in this field. Having the capability to use my knowledge and passion to collaborate with others and achieve such impactful accomplishments is why I love engineering. I am pursuing biomedical engineering to become a part of a large effort to provide treatment to those in need and to assist in developing the best processes to do so.

The story of Alice Ball has inspired me since the moment I first heard of it. A woman who broke countless barriers, her first achievement being the first African-American woman, and even the first woman at all, to earn a master's degree at the University of Hawaii. Eventually, she went on to become the first female instructor in the university's chemistry department, where she would use her incredible knowledge to contribute to the ever-growing field of medicine. Her most well-known contribution was in her master's thesis, in which she explored the use of oil extract from chaulmoogra trees to treat leprosy. Also known as Hansen's disease, leprosy is an infectious disease that affects the skin, eyes, and nerves. Left untreated, this disease can lead to progressive, permanent disabilities. Ball's research resulted in the first injectable treatment, which remained the most effective treatment into the 1940s. Her work paved the way for a series of treatments following her death in the late 1910s. Unfortunately, Ball was not able to publish her research before she passed, allowing another chemist to later complete and publish her work. Six years later, Dr. Harry Hollman published an article crediting her for pioneering the treatment. He referred to her work as "Ball's Method," returning the credit to its rightful owner. It is said that she likely became the first African-American to publish in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Alice Ball was a leader from the beginning, breaking through prejudice to accomplish her goals. Not only is this inspiring to African-Americans, but also to women in general. Gender bias in STEM fields was a prominent issue in Ball's time and is still present today. I myself have sat at tables and felt as though I have had to prove that I was worthy to be alongside the others. Nonetheless, Ball inspires me to push through so I can achieve success one day as well. I hope to someday receive my master's degree in biomedical engineering so I too can contribute to the medical field. More specifically, I want to focus on furthering research and ongoing efforts into treatments for rare diseases. Despite the odds being against her, Ball did not stop until she made an incredible contribution to science. I too hope to save lives and make an impact like her. Her story should inspire African-American women in science and engineering to pursue their dreams and rise above the challenges that lie ahead. Alice Ball has inspired me to keep my head held high and remain determined. She accomplished so much in a short period, and I aspire to follow in her footsteps.

The new advancement in technology I am most excited about is CRISPR. CRISPR is a gene-editing nanotechnology that can find specific sections of DNA within a cell and alter them to correct mutations or code for specific traits. This device's capabilities are currently being researched, with trials in China testing the effects of CRISPR in the treatment of HPV. A topical cream containing CRISPR is applied directly to the cervix, disabling the viral genes of HPV. It is also being considered as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, modifying the gene responsible for the hormone required for insulin production. Additionally, stem cell research has been combined with CRISPR to possibly open the door to regenerative medicine, which could allow for the repairing of damaged tissues or organs. It is also believed that the use of CRISPR in vaccines could enhance the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, CRISPR could reduce the time necessary to develop new vaccines for developing threats. Perhaps the most anticipated application, studies on CRISPR have begun using CRISPR-edited immune cells to condition them to better find and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are still ,however, looking to find the most effective way to get CRISPR into the body. Trials have looked at anything from gels, creams, and patches to injections and a phenomenon known as “ex vivo” therapy, in which the patient’s cells are modified outside of the body and then infused back into the body. This method has shown the most success in scenarios in which treatment must be isolated to a specific group of cells or tissues. Patches would provide the most appeal to patients looking to use CRISPR to treat diabetes, as this would mean they are no longer required to inject insulin daily. Edible CRISPR is even a topic on the table. In this case, CRISPR would act as a probiotic and remove harmful germs and bacteria from the body. This brings with it several benefits, as resistance to antibiotics is a growing concern on a global scale. Additionally, antibiotics work to remove both harmful and helpful bacteria from the body. Therefore, CRISPR would not only keep helpful bacteria intact, but it would fight bacteria that have no resistance to CRISPR. Overall, CRISPR is an incredible asset to not only medical research, but to patients affected by genetic disorders or diseases. It is the gateway to a new world of medicine.

My name is Janessa Terry, and I am a fourth-year biomedical engineering honors student with a minor in psychology. I am honored to have received this amazing opportunity and would love to share with you who I am. Currently, I am on co-op for the second time at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals where I returned to work in the Cell Culture and Media Development group. My proudest accomplishment from this experience is the project I led that resulted in improvements that saved valuable time in process workflows. In many other projects, I have assisted in supporting potential investigational product candidates in the field of oncology. Through this co-op, I have gained several valuable skills in lab technique, statistical analysis, and experimental design and presentation. Additionally, I have gotten to know a fantastic group of hard-working people from which I have learned so much. I have opened the door to many lifelong connections and career opportunities and am incredibly excited to see what lies ahead. One of my favorite on-campus activities I have the pleasure of being involved in is the research that takes place in the Respiratory Technologies Lab with Dr. Edward Hensel. Our research focuses on furthering the current knowledge of e-cigarette use and its toxicological effects on the respiratory system. I perform trials with a smoking robot that draws air and e-liquid from an e-cigarette through a model of the human airway and lungs to simulate e-cigarette use. The goal is to eventually introduce cells into the system to analyze cell response to e-liquid and shear stress from the simulation. I also recently outlined and proposed a toxicology experiment using our mechanical lung model. Through this experience, I have co-authored three publications. This field of research is especially important to me, as I have seen so many of my friends and family harmed by the belief that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking. Being able to produce results that could potentially save lives is something I am so grateful to be a part of. I extend my thanks to my former research mentor, Dr. Emma Sarles, who I am lucky to have been guided and inspired by. Much of my free time on campus is spent in dance studios, as dance has always been a huge part of my life and is something I am very passionate about. I feel that in a way dance taught me to be strong and confident and brought me comfort in times of stress. I have been an instructor of Nova Dance Crew at RIT since 2022 and recently became co-captain. From this group, I have found a dedicated support system, much like a family, filled with dancers as enthusiastic as I am. In the rest of my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, and trying new foods. I am also part of the RIT Residence Life Team as a Resident Advisor. I am overly excited to share with students all that RIT has to offer so that everyone can find something to enjoy and a sense of belonging. In terms of my career, I hope to one day contribute to the ever-growing field of pharmaceuticals, specifically in rare diseases. Providing cures and remedies for uncommon diseases is such an important duty, as those patient are just as entitled to the efforts to find a cure as those with more common diseases. I look forward to helping these groups of patients, as hearing their stories inspires me to match their determination in finding them a cure.

My name is Janessa Terry, and I am a fourth-year biomedical engineering honors student with a minor in psychology. I am honored to have received this amazing opportunity and would love to share with you who I am. Currently, I am on co-op for the second time at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals where I returned to work in the Cell Culture and Media Development group. My proudest accomplishment from this experience is the project I led that resulted in improvements that saved valuable time in process workflows. In many other projects, I have assisted in supporting potential investigational product candidates in the field of oncology. Through this co-op, I have gained several valuable skills in lab technique, statistical analysis, and experimental design and presentation. Additionally, I have gotten to know a fantastic group of hard-working people from which I have learned so much. I have opened the door to many lifelong connections and career opportunities and am incredibly excited to see what lies ahead. One of my favorite on-campus activities I have the pleasure of being involved in is the research that takes place in the Respiratory Technologies Lab with Dr. Edward Hensel. Our research focuses on furthering the current knowledge of e-cigarette use and its toxicological effects on the respiratory system. I perform trials with a smoking robot that draws air and e-liquid from an e-cigarette through a model of the human airway and lungs to simulate e-cigarette use. The goal is to eventually introduce cells into the system to analyze cell response to e-liquid and shear stress from the simulation. I also recently outlined and proposed a toxicology experiment using our mechanical lung model. Through this experience, I have co-authored three publications. This field of research is especially important to me, as I have seen so many of my friends and family harmed by the belief that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking. Being able to produce results that could potentially save lives is something I am so grateful to be a part of. I extend my thanks to my former research mentor, Dr. Emma Sarles, who I am lucky to have been guided and inspired by. Much of my free time on campus is spent in dance studios, as dance has always been a huge part of my life and is something I am very passionate about. I feel that in a way dance taught me to be strong and confident and brought me comfort in times of stress. I have been an instructor of Nova Dance Crew at RIT since 2022 and recently became co-captain. From this group, I have found a dedicated support system, much like a family, filled with dancers as enthusiastic as I am. In the rest of my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, and trying new foods. I am also part of the RIT Residence Life Team as a Resident Advisor. I am overly excited to share with students all that RIT has to offer so that everyone can find something to enjoy and a sense of belonging. In terms of my career, I hope to one day contribute to the ever-growing field of pharmaceuticals, specifically in rare diseases. Providing cures and remedies for uncommon diseases is such an important duty, as those patient are just as entitled to the efforts to find a cure as those with more common diseases. I look forward to helping these groups of patients, as hearing their stories inspires me to match their determination in finding them a cure.

The new advancement in technology I am most excited about is CRISPR. CRISPR is gene-editing nanotechnology. It can find specific sections of DNA within a cell and then alter them to correct mutations or to code for specific traits. This device and its capabilities are currently being researched and much of its benefits have moved to clinical trials. It is being considered a treatment for type 2 diabetes, modifying the gene responsible for the hormone required for insulin production. Additionally, stem cell research has been combined with CRISPR to possibly open the door to regenerative medicine. This could allow for the repairing of damaged tissues or organs resulting from disease and age. CRISPR is also involved in the development of vaccines, something relevant to the time. It is believed that the use of CRISPR in vaccines could enhance the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, CRISPR could reduce the time necessary to develop new vaccines for developing threats. CRISPR appears to be accelerating research involved in the treatment of cancer, as studies have begun using CRISPR-edited immune cells to better find and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are looking to find the most effective way to get CRISPR into the body. Trials have looked at anything from gels, creams, and patches to injections and a phenomenon known as “ex vivo” therapy, in which the patient’s cells are modified outside of the body and then infused back into the body. This method has shown the most success in scenarios in which treatment must be isolated to a specific group of cells or tissues. Patches would provide the most appeal to patients looking to use CRISPR to treat diabetes, as this would mean they are no longer required to inject insulin daily. Edible CRISPR is even a topic on the table. In this case, CRISPR would act as a probiotic and remove harmful germs and bacteria from the body. This brings with it several benefits, as resistance to antibiotics is a growing concern on a global scale. Additionally, antibiotics work to remove both harmful and helpful bacteria from the body. Therefore, CRISPR would not only keep helpful bacteria intact, but it would fight bacteria that have no resistance to CRISPR. Overall, CRISPR is an incredible asset to not only medical research but to patients affected by genetic disorders or diseases. It is the gateway to a new world of medicine.

1) I don't. Give it to someone else. 2) Purple 3) I used to do hurdles in middle school track. That's an entire sport based on overcoming obstacles.

Mental health has been a struggle for years. It’s hard to describe how or when it happened, but one day something snapped within me. Smiles became forced and happiness became content. I felt empty. I began to dread waking up in the morning to continue to live. I slowly sank into a very dark place. Things gradually began to build up and it felt like everything was always getting worse. My anxiety hit its peak. I became quiet and introverted. I spent most days alone in my room, shutting myself away. I realized what I was doing and began to hate myself even more. I wanted to change. I wanted to be better, but I didn’t know how. I noticed that I had developed such a negative outlook on life, and it impacted how I felt day-to-day. Ever since I was young, I have always been shy and introverted. I tend to bottle up my feelings and keep to myself when coping with hardships. I’ve struggled immensely, feeling completely hopeless. Dance is the only way I know to express my emotion. The minute the music starts I become lost in it. Each movement is intentional and meaningful, almost as if I release tension within myself with every beat. It never fails to lift a weight off my chest or brighten my day. It is strange to think something that requires so much energy could bring me peace. I have learned and grown so much in these recent years, and dance has become my way of coping and healing. My struggle with mental health sparked my interest in how others may struggle in life and how that can affect them. I’ve learned to see things from different perspectives and I’ve become aware of issues overlooked by many. One day I began to think deeper about a topic I had noticed earlier in my life. Technology is constantly growing and changing, but accessibility remains an ongoing concern. The ability of people with disabilities to access certain technologies is something often forgotten. We forget that other people may not be exactly like us, and that can affect how useful a product can be. Typically, when I find a topic that sparks my interest, I begin doing my own online research to broaden my understanding, and that’s exactly what I did. I came across articles regarding accessibility and the concept of place. Many people don’t experience the same feeling of warmth, safety, and comfort in their homes because of accessibility issues. Not being able to use an appliance, being unable to get to the second floor, and bathrooms too small for wheelchair access are all issues that can be solved. That being said, I wish to use my degree to research and create more accessible technologies in the medical field for people with disabilities or health conditions that limit ability. I would also like to contribute to the end of racial bias within the medical field, increasing accessibility for people of color. I wish to educate others and spread awareness about the limitations of technology and what that might mean for others, including people with disabilities and people of color. Spreading awareness on this issue will help others to act. It is easier to hear when there are more voices to be heard. After all, a ripple in a pond needs a drop to begin.

I’ve had a lot of hobbies in my lifetime. From crocheting and crafts to makeup and sports, I’ve tried just about everything. However, nothing has made such an immense impact on my life the way dance has. Never in my life have I been so passionate about something. I’ve always had a special interest in music, but dance holds a special place in my heart. Something about learning choreography and performing is exhilarating to me. I’ve always been able to dance for hours and hours without getting tired. It’s something I’ll never get bored of. Part of the reason dance holds such a place in my life is for the things it has brought me. Ever since I was young, I have always been shy and introverted. I tend to bottle up my feelings and keep to myself when coping with hardships. I’ve struggled immensely with mental health, at some points feeling completely hopeless. Dance is the only way I know to express my emotion. The minute the music starts I become lost in it. Each movement is intentional and meaningful, almost as if I release tension within myself with every beat. It never fails to lift a weight off my chest or brighten my day. It is strange to think something that requires so much energy could bring me peace. I have learned and grown so much in these recent years, and dance has become my way of coping and healing. I also enjoy sharing my talent with others. Dancing alongside my friends is something I cherish, as I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend our time. I enjoy performing with them as well, but not nearly as much as I love dance itself. I enjoy teaching others to dance, not only as a form of fun but as a form of expression. Watching others find sanctuary in dance is truly amazing to me. For the past five years, I have danced every day. I dance for my good days and my bad days. For my successes and failures. For my happiness and hardships. Healthy or sick, tired or energized, busy or bored, I dance. But most of all, I dance for myself.

Budgeting is by far one of the most important concepts to be taught in personal finance. It is a crucial skill that must be developed for students to plan out an affordable future. Not only will it help you stay on top of bills, loans, and other payments, but it will tell you how much money you can spend in a period to stay on budget. The concept of a budget is often understood, but students aren’t taught how to go about the process of budgeting. One should observe how much they can afford to spend in a week based on their income. Savings should be set aside for other ordeals, and only income and required payments should be considered. Rough estimates for weekly costs such as groceries, gas, and other necessities should be factored in. Students should plan to budget between 6 months and a year in advance. Personally, budgeting has greatly helped me in my first year of college. I have set aside a specific amount to save each month to maintain good savings. I have a log of bills and payments each month and I set aside a weekly allowance. It has helped me plan out my future and how I will pay back my student loans, as I have made budget estimates for years in the future. This is an important skill, as it prepares students to enter the real world in preparation to take on the debt they have accumulated.

My name is Janessa, and I am currently studying biomedical engineering with a minor in psychology at RIT I have always been very passionate about my schoolwork and studies, specifically within the field of STEM. I’ve known since I was young that I wanted to use my education to make a difference, but it wasn’t until recently that I fully decided what difference I wanted to make. Being away from home and in a new environment, I’ve met a lot of new and unique people. I’ve learned to see things from different perspectives and I’ve become aware of issues overlooked by many. One day I began to think deeper about a topic I had noticed earlier in my life. Technology is constantly growing and changing, but accessibility remains an ongoing concern. The ability of people with disabilities to access certain technologies is something often forgotten. We forget that other people may not be exactly like us, and that can affect how useful a product can be. Typically, when I find a topic that sparks my interest, I begin doing my own online research to broaden my understanding, and that’s exactly what I did. I came across articles regarding accessibility and the concept of place. Many people don’t experience the same feeling of warmth, safety, and comfort in their homes because of accessibility issues. Not being able to use an appliance, being unable to get to the second floor, and bathrooms too small for wheelchair access are all issues that can be solved. The story of a young girl and her journey with accessible technology, in particular, caught my eye. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age, she had trouble maintaining her balance and standing up. Her mother, an avid baker, was always in the kitchen, and she wished so badly that she could join her. To make her wish come true, a team of engineers designed a device to help her stand and remain balanced in the kitchen. Hearing how happy she was, I knew I wanted to be a part of something like that. Something that brought smiles to people's faces, made lives easier, and pushed technology to be more accessible. In addition, it is known that people of color often have difficulties receiving medical aid and diagnosis. I stumbled across the story of Kevin Wake, an African American man in Chicago. He had called 911 as he began to have a stroke, but upon his arrival, it was assumed that he had overdosed on a substance, and he was treated as such. Stereotypes, assumptions, and racial bias all impact how a patient is treated, whether it is intentional or subconscious. Nonetheless, it is still a problem that needs to change. Though I am not studying to become a doctor, I wish to make accessibility of medical products in the engineering world more accessible to people of color as well. That being said, I wish to use my degree to research and create more accessible technologies in the medical field for people with disabilities or health conditions that limit ability. I would also like to contribute to the end of racial bias within the medical field, increasing accessibility for people of color. I wish to educate others and spread awareness about the limitations of technology and what that might mean for others, including people with disabilities and people of color. Spreading awareness on this issue will help others to act. It is easier to hear when there are more voices to be heard. After all, a ripple in a pond needs a drop to begin.

The female leader who has most inspired me is Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani woman advocating for girls’ education in her country. In her home country, the Taliban had banned women from receiving an education. As a child, she was eager to learn and campaigned for girls’ education. At the age of 15, Malala was riding the bus when a Talib man boarded, asking for her. Upon her discovery, he proceeded to shoot Malala three times in the head. Malala was severely injured and put into a medically induced coma. Upon her recovery, she pushed even harder for the education of women in Pakistan. She proves that she is not afraid of anyone that may disagree or get in her way. She is one of the most persistent, strong, and courageous advocates I have ever recognized. Her determination inspires me to make a difference and overcome any obstacles I come across. Being a woman in a career field dominated by men can be both challenging and intimidating. It is often harder for women to make a name for themselves in the field of STEM especially. Malala reminds me to be grateful I have made it as far as I have in my educational journey. She inspires me to keep going and rise to my full potential. She gives me strength and proves that you can make a difference if you are determined. I aspire to be a leader like her one day. I wish to make changes and spread awareness to make technology better for everyone. I’ve known since I was young that I wanted to use my education to make a difference, but it wasn’t until recently that I fully decided what difference I wanted to make. Being away from home and in a new environment, I’ve met a lot of new and unique people. I’ve learned to see things from different perspectives and I’ve become aware of issues overlooked by many. One day I began to think deeper about a topic I had noticed earlier in my life. Technology is constantly growing and changing, but accessibility remains an ongoing concern. The ability for people with disabilities to access certain technologies is something often forgotten. We forget that other people may not be exactly like us, and that can affect how useful a product can be. Typically, when I find a topic that sparks my interest, I begin doing my own online research to broaden my understanding, and that’s exactly what I did. I came across articles regarding accessibility and the concept of place. Many people don’t experience the same feeling of warmth, safety, and comfort in their homes because of accessibility issues. Not being able to use an appliance, being unable to get to the second floor, and bathrooms too small for wheelchair access are all issues that can be solved. That being said, I wish to use my degree to lead in research and the creation of more accessible technologies in the medical field for people with disabilities or health conditions that limit ability. I also wish to educate others and spread awareness about the limitations of technology and what that might mean for others. I will advocate for easier accessibility for technology for all genders, races, and those with disabilities. I have set goals that I am determined to achieve. I will not give up or allow anything to stand in my way. I have a desire to make change, and with that comes a certain strength and passion, and for that, I have Malala to thank.

The new advancement in technology I am most excited about is CRISPR. CRISPR is a gene-editing nanotechnology. It can find specific sections of DNA within a cell and then alter them to correct mutations or to code for specific traits. This device and its capabilities are currently being researched and much of its benefits have moved to clinical trials. Trials in China have begun to test the effects of CRISPR in the treatment of HPV. A topical cream containing CRISPR is applied directly to the cervix, disabling the viral genes of HPV to stop the spread. It is also being considered as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, modifying the gene responsible for the hormone required for insulin production. Additionally, stem cell research has been combined with CRISPR to possibly open the door to regenerative medicine. This could allow for the repairing of damaged tissues or organs resulting from disease and age. CRISPR is also involved in the development of vaccines, something relevant to the time. It is believed that the use of CRISPR in vaccines could enhance the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, CRISPR could reduce the time necessary to develop new vaccines for developing threats. Perhaps the most anticipated application, CRISPR appears to be accelerating research involved in the treatment of cancer. Studies on CRISPR have begun using CRISPR-edited immune cells to condition them to better find and destroy cancer cells. However, there is some drawback to this technology. There is a risk of slicing DNA other than the target gene, a concept scientists refer to as “off-target” editing. This could have the opposite effect as originally intended, causing cells to become cancerous. The administration of CRISPR to the body is a topic still debated. Researchers are looking to find the most effective way to get CRISPR into the body. Trials have looked at anything from gels, creams, and patches to injections and a phenomenon known as “ex vivo” therapy, in which the patient’s cells are modified outside of the body and then infused back into the body. This method has shown the most success in scenarios in which treatment must be isolated to a specific group of cells or tissues. Patches would provide the most appeal to patients looking to use CRISPR to treat diabetes, as this would mean they are no longer required to inject insulin daily. Edible CRISPR is even a topic on the table. In this case, CRISPR would act as a probiotic and remove harmful germs and bacteria from the body. This brings with it several benefits, as resistance to antibiotics is a growing concern on a global scale. Additionally, antibiotics work to remove both harmful and helpful bacteria from the body. Therefore, CRISPR would not only keep helpful bacteria intact, but it would fight bacteria that have no resistance to CRISPR. Overall, CRISPR is an incredible asset to not only medical research, but to patients affected by genetic disorders or diseases. It is the gateway to a new world of medicine.

It is easy to tell someone to cheer up or look at the bright side, but it’s easier said than done. How can there be good in such a difficult time? How can one possibly find hope during tough times? Several years ago, I struggled with finding hope. I was in a very dark place in my life and I felt that things would never get better. I spent each day dwelling on the negative aspects of my life. It was eating away at me until I realized I was preventing myself from being able to find strength. In focusing on the negative, I had deprived myself of the ability to persevere. I had developed a lack of motivation. Hopelessness became a default emotion. After realizing this, I made a major change in my life. I vowed to never let the dark and negative parts of my life get the best of me. I vowed to find at least one good thing in every bad day I had. Maybe today wasn’t a good day, but tomorrow would be better. I started looking forward to each day I lived. It transformed my life. The difficult time in my life shaped the person I am today. I learned to persevere. I learned to have hope and be strong even when I thought I couldn’t. I learned to see the bright side, even in the darkest times. It wasn’t easy; it took hard work and time to find optimism, but it truly is the most freeing and resurrecting journey I have ever endured. Roy T. Bennet once said, “If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.” Optimism and hope are the wings that will allow you to soar in this life. Allow yourself to fly.