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Saumya J

- Research Program Mentor

MS candidate at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)

Expertise

Chemistry (general, organic, biochem), Biology (general, genetics, microbiology), Medical/Healthcare Sciences (hydrogel technology, tissue engineering, biomaterials)

Bio

Hello! I am a graduate student at UCLA studying Chemical Engineering. I am currently investigating hydrogel-based biomaterials and their ability to impact in-situ tissue regeneration. I also have an academic and research background in Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry. My undergraduate researched in a synthetic chemistry lab focused on the ex-vivo glycosylation of proteins. I have enjoyed my mentoring experiences in the past and have gotten to where I am with the help of strong mentors, so I am excited to work on projects with enthusiastic students! Outside of science, I love music (listening and playing), reading, photography, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Production of Novel Bioadhesives for Tissue Engineering and Therapeutic Applications

Designing new bioadhesives that can be used clinically to eliminate the need to suturing and invasive surgical procedures. This is beneficial because it greatly decreases the risk of nosocomial infections and the other risks involved with invasive procedures. Some complications with this technology is the ability to use hydrogels inside the body directly on tissue surfaces. A potential project idea is figuring out how to make the bioadhesives more compatible for diverse environments.

Languages I know

Spanish, Hindi

Teaching experience

I have 8 years of tutoring experience (volunteer and paid) with peers, underclassmen, and younger children. I also have experience mentoring students in STEM subjects ranging from mathematics, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering. I have helped numerous students during the trials and tribulations of completing their final projects and lab experiments.

Credentials

Education

Seattle University
BS Bachelor of Science
Biochemistry
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
MS Master of Science candidate
Chemical Engineering

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