Student Research Assistant
Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States
In a museum setting, I engaged with the public to educate them about scientific research conducted in South Florida. Specifically, I focused on two projects: Coral Reef restoration and the Detection of Carcinogens using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), both of which were showcased in the same space. This environment proved impactful as it allowed for a general explanation of each project, sparking meaningful discussions and questions from visitors. My own project involved the detection of carcinogens in electronic cigarettes using LIBS, which I presented as a high school senior at SCIX October 2018. I developed proficiency in optical emission spectroscopy, particularly LIBS, and conducted spectral analysis using MatLab and OriginPro integrated with Python. Beyond research, I actively engaged with museum visitors, promoting STEM outreach and enhancing public understanding of scientific studies. Additionally, I contributed to 12 scientific publications and presented posters at international science conferences, furthering scientific knowledge within the community.