Connie Zhao
Summary
Curious and detail-oriented student excelling in research, with strong problem-solving skills, collaborative energy, and a passion for patient care. Seeking a Summer 2026 shadowing or internship opportunity to gain hands-on experience and continue learning in the healthcare field.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hospital Volunteer ~ 70 hours
Huntington Hospital
Pasadena, California
11.2024 - Current
- Assisted nurses with non-medical responsibilities, including running errands, transporting patients, and restocking supplies to maintain an efficient work environment
- Answered patient call signals and signal lights to assess needs and communicated messages to appropriate nurse or CCP
- Distributed snacks and refreshments to patients adhering to dietary restrictions for patient comfort
Self-Conducted Research on Caffeine
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena, California
09.2025 - 03.2026
- Project titled: Investigating Caffeine Tolerance Using Leaf Closure Responses in Dionaea muscipula and Implications for Human Reaction Time
- Executed research on caffeine tolerance, establishing foundational insights for further studies
- Conducted 17-day experiment, analyzed data to identify trends, and compiled findings in a report
Self-Conducted Research on Bacteria Cultures
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena, California
11.2024 - 03.2025
- Project titled: Handwashing Under the Microscope: Which Method Combination is Most Effective?
- Cultivated bacterial growth on Tryptic Soy Agar Petri dishes by swabbing participants' hands to assess effectiveness of various hand-washing and hand-drying combinations
- Compiled reports and presentations to communicate research findings and implications for hand hygiene practices
Johns Hopkins Pre-College Student
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
06.2025 - 2025
- Completed "Introduction to Surgery" course to gain foundational knowledge in surgical practices
- Dissected fetal pig to understand complex anatomy
- Practiced suturing techniques and electrocautery on synthetic skin
- Trained on the Da Vinci Surgical System and developed familiarity with laparoscopic surgery techniques
Triage Volunteer
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
Valencia, California
07.2024 - 2024
- Coordinated with volunteers to efficiently take patient vitals for ED staff
- Delivered information and guidance to patients and families, enhancing their understanding of care processes
Education
High School Diploma -
Sequoyah High School
Pasadena, California06-2027
Skills
- Patient support
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Research presentations
- Innovative
- Open-mindedness
Accomplishments
- Innovation Award from Worcester Polytechnic Institute Receiving $100,000 Scholarship (2026)
- Third Place Award at H2 Grand Prix States Competition (2026)
- Recognition Award at the LA County Science & Engineering Fair (2026)
- Recognition Award at the LA County Science & Engineering Fair (2025)
- 2nd "Stop Hate" Drawing Competition Award - Recognized by Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and California State Library (2024)
- Award of Excellence Received from the 2nd "Stop Hate" Drawing Competition (2024)
- Certificate of Merit, Violin - Achieved levels 1, 3, 5, and 7 (2019-2023)
- Recognition from Fiona Ma in Winning "13th Annual Fitness Day and Health Fair Art Contest," (2022)
Affiliations
- Chair of STEM Institute
- Co-President of Women in STEM Affinity Group
- Data Analyst for H2 Grand Prix Team
- Organized First-Aid Donation Drive for Unhoused Communities
- Competitive Dancer
- Violinist
- Artist
- Babysitting
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Mandarin
Professional
Certification
- CPR License, American Heart Association, 2024
- First Aid Certification, American Heart Association, 2024
- Stop the Bleed Certification, U.S. Department of Defense, 2025
- Driver's License, DMV, 2025
Timeline
Self-Conducted Research on Caffeine
Sequoyah High School
09.2025 - 03.2026
Johns Hopkins Pre-College Student
Johns Hopkins University
06.2025 - 2025
Hospital Volunteer ~ 70 hours
Huntington Hospital
11.2024 - Current
Self-Conducted Research on Bacteria Cultures
Sequoyah High School
11.2024 - 03.2025
Triage Volunteer
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
07.2024 - 2024
High School Diploma -
Sequoyah High School