My Perspective
I was diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss shortly after birth. The loss is mild/moderate in my left ear, and severe/profound in my right ear. Without hearing aids, this is roughly 35% less normal hearing abilities.
At seven years old, I was diagnosed with a genetically unknown neuromuscular disease that resembles Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). This disease causes slow deterioration of my peripheral nerves (affecting my limbs).
To deal with these two conditions, I wear hearing aids in both ears, and use mobility devices. I used a walker and leg braces for a decade, until I became wheelchair-bound winter of 2023.
Living with disabilities is a bit tedious. It even made doing my favorite hobbies impossible. But, it has transformed my worldview by letting me understand the importance of little things and perspective, fueling my passion for helping others live better lives.
I believe that all challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Work Experience
Sponsored Projects Intern
May 2026 – Present (Remote)
The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology
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Driving RNA-targeted therapeutic discovery in the Disney Lab:
- - Develop experimental methods for the computational analysis of RNA structure, function, and molecular interactions.
- - Use Python and the UF HiPerGator supercomputer to identify disease-relevant gene targets for cancer prevention.
Research Intern
November 2024 – May 2026 (Hybrid)
The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology
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Contributed to RNA therapeutics research in the Disney Lab:
- - Integrated RNA structural stability, co-variation, and small-molecule interaction potential into collaborative, multi-institutional rare-disease and oncology research.
- - Provided strategic research leadership across project teams.
Undergraduate Student Researcher
November 2022 – May 2026 (On-site)
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University
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- - Led an independent senior honors thesis investigating candidate genes for my own novel undiagnosed neuromuscular disease, successfully identifying three candidate genes and previously undocumented mutations.
- - Designed and performed an original family case study with clinical evaluation and symptom quantification; presented at the FAU Honors College Symposium (April 2026), with a publication in progress.
Projects
Rockstar Health
Founder · St. Johns, Florida · 2026
Non-profit mobility accessory company
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Founded a non-profit that designs and produces 3D-printed power-wheelchair accessories, including adaptive joystick toppers tailored to different hand strength, dexterity, and grip.
InputConfig
Open-source macOS app
Accessibility-focused input remapping
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Built an open-source, accessibility-focused macOS app that remaps input devices for people with limited mobility.
Education
B.S., Biological and Physical Sciences Honors
Double concentration: Biological Chemistry and Data Science & Analytics
August 2022 – May 2026
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University
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- Thesis: Uncovering a Novel Neuromuscular Condition
- Honors: Outstanding Thesis Award; Honors College Commencement Speaker
- Delegate, National Model United Nations (NMUN) and Leon Charney Diplomacy Program
- Member, Honors College Judicial Board Council
- Officer, Disabled Student Union (DSU) and Math Club
- Volunteer, Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
High School Diploma
August 2018 – May 2022
Bartram Trail High School
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- President, Quill and Scroll Honor Society
- President, Technology Club
- AP Scholar
Leadership & Advocacy
State Ambassador of Florida
2017 – 2019
Muscular Dystrophy Association (Jacksonville, Florida)
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I volunteered many hours into raising money for neuromuscular disease research and patient care.
I did this by giving speeches at events and being involved with my local community to share my story and spread awareness.
I'm so grateful to say that I raised over $120,000 for the MDA!
Fundraising Volunteer
2013 – 2022
Muscular Dystrophy Association (United States)
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Supported and ran MDA Gala, Muscle Walk, Boot Drive, and more private/public events, as well as my own fundraising teams.
Unfortunately, the pandemic forced these events to pause. I hope to be involved again soon.
Raised roughly $300,000 over seven years to support my disabled peers.
Skills
- Creativity & Design: Product design, 3D modeling and fabrication, accessible-technology design, user experience, branding
- Leadership & Communication: Team leadership, public speaking, fundraising, project execution, stakeholder outreach
- Technical Proficiencies: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistical analysis, Python, data analysis, high-performance computing
- Personal Development & Advocacy: As an individual living with disabilities and a wheelchair user, I bring lived experience to everything I research, design, and build, creating the accessibility I need and making sure no one has to go without it. My personal experiences have taught me the importance of diverse perspectives and creative innovation.
Some Personal Fun Facts
- - I'm a blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do.
- - I was born on July 2, 2004, so I am 21 years old.
- - I have lived in thirteen different houses during my lifetime.
- - I love researching new technology and making my own prototypes/solutions.
- - I have been wearing leg braces since I was eight years old and am now in a wheelchair.
- - My family has three Australian Shepherd dogs, five goats, five horses, four cats, and a bird!
- - I saved my mom’s life when I was four years old by spotting skin cancer patterns on her back, which helped ignite my love towards helping others.
- - During the fall of 2023, I took care of my grandmother for six months until she passed away. This exposed me to clinical environments including hospital, rehabilitation, and emergency settings.