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Melanie M

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at Stanford University

Expertise

Biophysics, bioinformatics, statistics, data science, machine learning, cellular and molecular biology, chemistry

Bio

I have a PhD in Biophysics from Stanford University, specializing in cellular and multicellular biophysics. My PhD research involved studying cell-cell interactions in the multicellular systems of the early zebrafish embryo and E. coli bacteria using fluorescent imaging and computational simulations. I also have an BA from Oberlin College with a double-major in Chemistry and Biochemistry. My undergraduate research focused on studying protein folding using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. I worked for three years as a bioinformatics data scientist in the biotech industry, working on genomics. I am now a patent agent at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

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.

Data Science:

For this project, you will learn the foundations of statistics, data analysis, Python, and machine learning. You will learn the basic flow of a data science project and will finish by using your skills on a dataset of your choosing. You will complete a report detailing your findings. Experience in programming will be helpful.

Cell Mechanics:

For this project, you will learn about the biophysical techniques used for investigating the mechanical properties of cells, as well as some of the theoretical models used to understand them. You will write an in-depth review paper on a biophysical technique or theoretical model of your choosing. Some exposure to mathematics, physics, and cell biology will be helpful.

Protein Folding:

For this project, you will learn about the biology and physics involved in the process of protein folding. You will learn about biophysical methods for investigating protein folding and protein structure as well as computational models for modeling protein folding. You will write an in-depth review paper on a biophysical technique or theoretical model of your choosing. Some exposure to mathematics, physics, and molecular biology will be helpful.

Coding skills

Python, MATLAB, R, Unix

Teaching experience

I have been teaching and mentoring students of all ages since I was in high school. I have experience tutoring undergraduate chemistry and high school math and science. I also have experience teaching math and science at a public middle school. I have been a teaching assistant for undergraduate and graduate courses.

Credentials

Work experience

Centrillion Biosciences (2020 - 2022)
Bioinformatics Scientist
Factorial Biotechnologies (2022 - 2023)
Bioinformatics Data Scientist
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (2023 - Current)
Patent Agent

Education

Oberlin College
BA Bachelor of Arts (2013)
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Stanford University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy (2019)
Biophysics

Reviews

"Melanie was professional and was able to help me with learning Python. She quickly clarified any doubts I had and made the experience very smooth and enjoyable."

Shubh

Interested in working with expert mentors like Melanie?

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