Rachel J Reyes Segura

• Developed an innovative acoustic-based sensing system to quantitatively assess stretch reflexes, addressing the subjectivity in traditional neurological tests.
• Designed a wearable acoustic cuff to measure muscle responses, paired with a "smart hammer" that accurately gauged the force and timing of reflex stimulations.
• Integrated / designed a central control unit for synchronizing data, with signal processing handled by an Arduino Due microcontroller.

• Conducted melanoma research, focusing on the role of the Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) in regulating CDH1 and CDH2 genes.
• Executed CRISPR-based experiments on Mir-SkMel28-MITF cells to modulate MITF expression, utilizing miRNA induction for precise control.
• Developed a tagged cell line with fluorescent markers for real-time tracking, aiding in monitoring CDH1 and CDH2 expression, and manipulating MITF levels through knockdown techniques.

• Interacted with customers by phone, email or in-person to provide information.
• Completed research, compiled data, updated spreadsheets and produced timely reports.
• Reviewed legal information and proofed documentation for errors.
• Gained valuable insight into regulations and policies associated with Immigration law.
• Collaborated in professional team to solve workflow issues.

• Analyzed pure food samples that contained singular/purified organic molecules and used their spectra using Raman Spectroscopy to create a data set for an algorithm that would identify samples with various compounds.
• Worked with machine learning algorithms; Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, and Decision Tree to see which could bypass many of the issues limiting raman spectroscopy in the food sector
• Performed dilution calculations to ensure the standards and samples are being compared on an equivalent basis.
• Properly calibrated and adjusted malfunctioning equipment to achieve precise test results.

• Engaged in lectures and workshops led by science Professors,research PhD graduate students, and medical care professionals such as a dentist, medical resident physician, respiratory therapist, medical communications manager and pharmacist.
• Communicated effectively with faculty and staff and accepted critiques and suggestions for areas of improvement.
• Worked collaboratively on a group research project about the Social and non-social anxiety in adolescent and adult rats after repeated restraint.

• Interacted with faculty, researchers, and professionals via weekly webinars and cluster meetings; wrote blogs; and took part in community building events.
• Completed an Embedded Systems class and remotely carried out a series of electronics hardware/programming lab and exercise assignments, with much of the content being based off of first- and second-year MIT EECS coursework. Topics we investigated included: circuits, transducers, signals, algorithm construction,energy, information theory, circuits, big data, state machines, the Internet of Things, and many others.
• Completed a Science Writing & Communication course and engaged in weekly discussions, readings, assignments, where I obtained the tools necessary to communicate and connect with scientists and nonscientists.

Key Projects :

• Designed an anagram-style video game with incorporated sensors that submitted user input to a server-side script I helped create.
• Wrote an academic paper, It is not your fault: The Neuroscience behind Anorexia Nervosa, discussing the neurobiological pathways and genetics responsible for the deadly disorder and the need for advancements in treatments.