Diya Shah

Driven Columbia University freshman with hands-on experience in STEM research and emergency services. Skilled in PCR, pipetting, and gel electrophoresis, with a focus on Alzheimer’s research and DNA damage repair. Experienced in leadership roles as a volunteer firefighter, EMT cadet, and hospital assistant. Passionate about neuroscience and healthcare, with a strong foundation in teamwork, problem-solving, and research.

• Stereotactic Injection of iNSC-Astrocytes in 5xFAD Mice to Treat Alzheimer's Disease via Beta-Amyloid Clearance, Dr. Karina Ascunce, MITES by Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Presented at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MITES Symposium for MIT, Harvard, Yale, and other college professors and students
• The Effect of Microplastic Presence on Organic Matter Decomposition, Joshua Karten, NJ Governor's STEM Scholars: Presented at the NJ Governor's STEM Scholars Research Conference at Stevens Institute of Technology for congressmen, scientists, professors, and PhD students from all over NJ.
• Mechanisms of DNA Damage Recognition and Checkpoint Activation: Insights for Cancer Therapy Using Budding Yeast as a Model, Dr. Katsunori Sugimoto, Rutgers NJ Medical School: Interned in a DNA damage research lab, mastering PCR, pipetting, and gel electrophoresis. Contributed to experiments on DNA damage checkpoints using budding yeast, assisting with experiment design, data analysis, and lab equipment maintenance.

• Dance Exchange, Lead Choreographer
• HOSA Future Health Professions
• JFKMHS Varsity Girls Tennis Team, Senior Captain
• National English Honor Society
• Debate Team
• Math Team, Captain
• Academic Team
• Science Honor Society, President
• National Honor Society
• Autism Awareness Club
• JFKMHS Varsity Swim Team, Senior Captain

• Science Honor Society- Officer Position: President
• National Honor Society
• National English Honor Society
• NJ's Governor's STEM Scholars High School Scholar
• Ohio Youth Fire and EMS Academy Trucker Dukes Award for Most Dedicated Firefighter
• National Academic Quiz Tournament Player through JFKMHS Academic Team
• AP Scholar Award with Distinction- 2023
• Future Cities Award Winner- 3rd Place and Special Award
• Honor Roll- 9+ years

• Governor's STEM Scholars, Highschool Scholar, 09/01/22, Present, I got selected for a prestigious selective program that brings together STEM students across New Jersey and allows them to research., 4
• MITES Semester by MIT, 06/01/23, Present, Selected into the competitive MIT summer program that allows students to pick a research project and conduct research.
• Seattle Children's Hospital Research Training Program, 08/01/23, 08/31/23, Selected into a virtual training research program that conducts research on current topics in medicine.
• Lenox Hill Brainterns Program, 07/01/23, 07/31/23, Shadowed neurosurgeons and neurologists virtually. Focuses on cellular biology treatment enhancing the effects of medicine on tumor cells.