Shams Qureshi Email and Phone Number

Successfully completed twelve weeks of summer research under Dr. Ellen Robertson on developing Gold Nanoparticle Embedded Peptoid Nanosheets as sensors. Synthesize desired alkanethiol nanoparticles via ligand exchange and purify them through centrifugation. Verify the exchange by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Develop nanosheets with these purified nanoparticles by embedding them within a peptoid bilayer and characterizing them using light microscopy and UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Generate Elemental Maps and use Fluorescence Microscopy to demonstrate Nanoparticle embedment and simulate sensing respectively. Achieving all set milestones and work effectively with Principal Investigator with a result-oriented mindset. Continued work through school year and presented at ACS Spring 2024

Work under Professor Joanne Kehlbeck on the synthesis of amino acid derivative metacaspase inhibitors. Perform reactions under special atmospheric and temperature conditions. Perform analysis on reaction mixture using GC-MS, Analytical and Preparatory HPLC and NMR. Work on optimization of instruments for specific reactions.

Volunteer to give a weekly tour for Union College Admissions. Pinpoint various facilities and resources to prospective high schoolers and their families. Present my perspective on being a student here and engage families and their questions. Assist Dean of Admissions with online and in-person panels. Helped recruit and select new tour guides.

Help students seeking assistance in Introductory Chemistry if necessary. Prepare materials essential for one on one learning. Check in on students periodically.

Researched various asteroids in the Koronis asteroid family to determine their shape and spin. Conducted observations at the Union College Observatory using a 20 inch telescope. Programed software to make telescope follow the desired celestial object while taking images periodically. Processed the collected data and performed photometry on the target object. Analyzed the results using Microsoft Excel and produced light curve from which the asteroid rotational period and brightness variations were deduced. Presented the research at the NY6 Research Conference at Colgate University and at the Annual Steinmetz Symposium at Union College. Published results in the Minor Planet Bulletin of the Minor Planets Section of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers.

Researched the impact of menstrual cycle hormones on the biomechanics of the Achilles Tendon and Soleus muscle using electromyographic signals as a quantifiable means of measurement. Performed trials on human subjects as per self-established, literature review-based protocol. Measured the maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) produced from exercises such as calf raises using Shimmer sensors. Processed data using MATLAB to eliminate noise and measure fatigue over the course of a trial. Presented research and key findings at the Annual Steinmetz Symposium at Union College this year.

Worked as Supplemental Instruction Leader (SI Leader) for an Introductory Cell Biology course. Instructed a class of fifty consisting of first years and sophomores. Guided two sessions weekly with an emphasis on building connections and conveying information effectively. Facilitated the development of essential skills for effective learning and achievement in the course. Prepared learning material and a PowerPoint presentation for each session. Ascertained weekly session attendance using Microsoft Excel. Corresponded with the class professor on a weekly basis about the progress made over the course of the week.

Worked in the Small Scale Hydrogenation lab on characterizing Platinum, Palladium and other noble metal catalysts. Developed and optimized protocols for pH, Chemisoption, Pore Volume and BET measurements. Ensured reproducibility, improving precision by about 500% in some cases. Collected Powder X-Ray Diffraction spectra, pH and Pore Volume for more than 200 catalysts. Measured reaction kinetics for a hydrogenation, deoxygenation and debenzylation reaction. Shadowed medicinal and process chemists working across the company.

Helped run the VR headsets in the Imagine Lab. Directed students to relevant software for academic and research purposes. Managed equipment hygiene and safety.

Checked cataloging records of new books, conducted inventory and maintained records.