Nikhita Sujan

• Investigating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by studying collagen accumulation in arterial walls and its respective ventricular pressure overload
• Conducting tubular biaxial testing using Bose Bio Dynamic Chamber System
• Collecting and analyzing biomechanical data
• Modeling mechanical behavior by fitting stress-strain curves to quasi-linear viscoelastic theory based models
• Collaborating with teams to integrate mechanical testing results with biological insights

• Assist with planning both internal and external events
• Carry out interviews for member recruitment
• Track EWH accounts, forms, project deadlines, and competition submission logistics

Relevant Projects:

CPR Coach

• Create a device that provides real-time feedback when an individual is conducting CPR
• Collaborated with a team to design and fabricate a more effective low-cost device that assesses the process
• Utilizing a force sensor, Arduino, LED lights, and buzzer to display compression depth and rate

CHD Monitor

• Investigated the need to track and manage coronary heart disease
• Worked with a team to design and fabricate a more effective low-cost wearable device that intermittently screens for heart rate variability
• Built an alerting circuit using a photodiode, LED, microcontroller, and accelerometer
• Developed a MATLAB algorithm to calculate heart rate and its variability using signal detection and processing

• Completed research on microencapsulated sorbents (MECS), solenoids, bioreactor chips, and several biocompatible materials for CO2 capture, conversion, and air purification
• Tested microfluidic chip prototypes for cell culturing in collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• Designed effective bioreactor prototypes for CO2 removal
• Maintained cell cultures and optimized algae growth rates
• Created standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols
• Mentored incoming interns

• Assisted check in procedures
• Sanitized and maintained testing areas according to COVID-19 safety protocols
• Provided information about UCLA SwabSeq tests, Fulgent Genetics nasal tests, and Picture tests
• Worked flexible hours, including weekends

• Worked both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment under Treehouse Undergraduate Bioinformatics Immersion Program
• Applied computational tools to find cancer treatment options for children
• Read call variants in RNA-Sequencing data
• Used UNIX shell scripts
• Viewed aligned reads on UCSC genome browser
• Extracted read depth and alternate allele frequency from variant calling results
• Researched the BRAF V600 Gene Variant
• Wrote clear and concise electronic lab notebooks of experimental work

• Planned and coordinated PACE (Personal and Chapter Enrichment) programs for the chapter on a monthly basis
• Collaborated with other chairwomen to present topics that promote inclusion and increase member retention
• Tailored PACE programs to meet unique and important needs of the chapter members
• Recruited guest program facilitators, as necessary

• Researched government regulations and legal business requirements to help set up new field offices globally
• Implemented efficient processes to record employee work hours to streamline payroll process
• Designed presentations and reports that demonstrated the company processes and achievements for customers and auditors
• Collaborated with customers and teams overseas to create and maintain contracts
• Communicated with vendors and clients to manage consultants' project status
• Filed paperwork, sorted mail and maintained office organization