Allison is a rising senior attending The Harker School in San Jose, California. A multifaceted student, she has taken an interest in everything ranging from linguistics to literature but has always been most intrigued by biology.
Since being introduced to Gregor Mendel while in elementary school, Allison has sought to expand her knowledge of genetics through self-exploration and research opportunities. Drawn to ISB’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and its palpable presence in the field of computational biology, Allison interned as part of both the Baliga and Shmulevich labs. Applying statistical learning to gene expression, she explored different types of modeling in an effort to shed some light on the underlying biological processes of Thalassiosira pseudonana as affected by changes in environmental conditions. Allison also worked with DNA methylation data to elucidate the relationship of CpG sites across the human genome with the phenotype of birthweight of pre-term infants.
Invested in expanding access of STEM education to others, Allison works with her local preschool to create activities that excite toddlers about science. As a member of the Women in STEM Club, she also participates in a mentoring program through TechBridge and helps organize the annual Harker Research Symposium. In addition, as a board member of The Tutoring Network, she creates curricula and tutors underprivileged children. She is also involved with efforts to raise awareness about autism through her work on the Pacific Autism Center’s Youth Leadership Committee.
Outside of her studies and work in the community, Allison captains the varsity lacrosse team at her school, writes short stories, and plays the oboe and English horn. She loves to discover new music, bake, and cook.
Allison aspires to a career in both medical practice and in biotechnology.
Allison can be contacted using the form below.