Hi! My name is Erica Chen, and I'm a student and researcher at Harvard University interested in a career in healthcare. I'm committed to expanding our understanding of the biological workings of human life and development down to the cellular level, particularly in the fields of regenerative neuroscience and stem cell proliferation, for both clinical and research applications. In the healthcare sector, I am also dedicated to furthering equity in patient care and the distribution of resources throughout underrepresented and underprivileged communities, a goal that is extremely close to my heart. At the Whited Lab, I've had the opportunity to study limb regeneration and angiogenesis using various genetic transformation and sequencing techniques. I've also been trained to then analyze my results using high-powered microscopy to be shared with my team in preparation for scientific publication.I am also a full-time editor for the Harvard Crimson newspaper, which allows me the creative outlet to express my thoughts as well as engage with members of my academic community on a more widespread level. My independent and team contributions to my board has offered me a unique way to better understand how to represent the people more broadly while still working amongst our tight-knit group.Closer to home, I've worked as a restaurant assistant manager, a role that required organization and communication, as well as commanded full use of my English and Chinese (native fluency) and conversational French when communicating with customers and members of staff. I have also tutored over 50 students of all grades from 4th-12th, both privately and through a local education center, to prepare them for standardized tests (SAT/ACT/AP) and application-based technical schools and academies.I volunteered for several years with TopDawgs and Exceptional Individuals, both community-based organizations offering social and emotional support for children and adults, respectively, with Down Syndrome and on the Autism Spectrum, which were both incredibly fulfilling and heartwarming experiences.At Rutherford High School, I was Captain of the Academic Decathlon team, acting as liaison between administration and my team, leading meetings, and fostering an engaging environment that pushed us to compete at the Nationals level three years consecutively.I would love to chat, whether about my academic and research interests, or more personal experiences and goals, so please feel free to reach out so that we can explore the possibilities together!