Alia Kassim Email & Phone Number

Cambridge, Ma, Us

Cambridge, Ma, Us

Cambridge, Massachusetts, Us

• Returning for a second year to teach a chemistry workshop escape room style• Planned for 4 months 5-day hands-on Physics of Music workshop combining physics, music, and computer science; taught to 3 classes of 18 middle school students in January• Adapted Physics of Music to fit one day format and taught for 2 sessions, reaching 72 disadvantaged students ranging from grades 7-11 across Korea with teacher observers to show the power of “teaching through doing”

Cambridge, Ma, Us

Cambridge, Ma, Us

With the rise of mRNA-based technologies, late-stage modification of mRNA has become increasingly important. mRNA modifications can help with mRNA cellular entry, immune evasion, and gene expression. For these applications, modifications that can (1) transiently stabilize mRNA and (2) that are ultimately reversible within cells are desirable. For the past year, I have been working on modified mRNA uridines to stabilize mRNA against extracellular pancreatic-type ribonucleases (ptRNases) and allow for a handle for reversible late-stage modification. Encouragingly, I have already synthesized triphosphorylated uridines with carboxyl and thiolmethyl modifications respectively in the 5-position of the base and found that both bases can undergo in vitro transcription and translation. This semester I plan to derivatize the synthesized pyrimidines with reversible handles and conduct RNase assays to see if derivatization protects mRNA from RNase degradation as the final experiments to write up a manuscript.

New York, New York, Us

The goal of this project was to analyze the scratch and sleep data of Atopic Dermatitis patients to find patterns that can better inform future medicine. Throughout the internship, I generated figures, such as box plots and histograms, using python and R to better visualize the data and test for statistical significance. I presented my findings to Pfizer at large at a poster presentation and did presentations within the Digital Sciences and Translational Imaging department. I was able to determine a correlation in the timing of sleep disturbances and scratching that we are currently in the middle of publishing.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, Us

- Led hands-on circuit projects and experiments involving the oxidation of glucose with copper and potassium permanganate- Designed lesson plans on circuits and photosynthesis as it relates to climate change to teach nine classes weekly- Intrigued students about the natural sciences by explaining real world effects such as how ATP synthase connects to heart function

Cambridge, Massachusetts, Us

- Discussed prominent issues in grade transparency and ways to improve with Canvas technology- Initiated MIT sponsored lunches between faculty and students to facilitate stronger relationships- Pushed for more detailed syllabus in classes especially in regards to testing accommodations

Oakwood Education Foundation works to combat educational inequality and bridge the educational gap caused by financial status and racial disparities. Through this non-profit organization, I tutored a six-grader in math, science, and humanities coursework every Fridays over Zoom.

Silver Spring, Maryland, Us

- Designed and taught lessons using Microsoft Office and projects focused on applying practices of religion into daily life- Increased student participation, using Nearpod during virtual learning, and met with students for classwork help and advice

Silver Spring, Md, Us

- Presented research from medical journals on topics such as medical ethics and postoperative complications- Created over 2,000 IV kits and guaranteed patient satisfaction by formatting ultrasound supplies in High Risk Perinatal

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Chemistry

High School Diploma