Yasmeen Konja

Recent Northeastern University Health Science graduate with diverse research experience spanning dermatology, oncology, public health, and neurosurgery. At Harvard Medical School’s Barthel/Schatton Lab, I investigated immune checkpoint pathways in melanoma, conducting cytokine stimulation experiments on mammalian cell lines to study immune checkpoint proteins. Skilled in mammalian cell culture, protein analysis, biochemical assays, and molecular biology techniques, including PCR and Western blotting. Additional experience includes CPAP adherence research addressing health disparities, health equity initiatives for BIPOC students, and a neurosurgery case study at UC San Diego. Brings a strong foundation in cancer biology, meticulous lab practices, and a commitment to translating molecular discoveries into improved patient care. Eager to continue advancing skin cancer research by contributing technical expertise and collaborative energy to the Dempsey Lab’s work on protein function and post-translational modifications in cancer.

• Advanced melanoma immunotherapy research in the Barthel/Schatton Lab at Harvard Medical School by designing and conducting cytokine stimulation experiments on murine melanoma cell lines to investigate immune checkpoint proteins, contributing to immune checkpoint pathway studies.
• Optimized mammalian cell culture and assay protocols, improving reproducibility and minimizing contamination risk in cancer biology experiments.
• Performed molecular biology techniques and DNA and RNA analysis to assess pathway activation and expression in melanoma models.
• Investigated patient adherence barriers in a CPAP therapy study at Northeastern University, utilizing a mobile health app to measure partner involvement and identifying technology access gaps in underserved populations.
• Contributed to health equity research in the Roadmap project at Northeastern, conducting literature reviews, preparing application materials, and assisting in a website launch to expand opportunities for BIPOC students in applied psychology.
• Co-authored a neurosurgery case study at UC San Diego, analyzing clinical decision-making and patient outcomes, and integrating multidisciplinary perspectives to inform surgical approaches.
• Collaborated across disciplines: dermatology, immunology, neurology, and public health to integrate findings and translate research into clinical contexts.
• Presented data and troubleshooting strategies in lab meetings and interdisciplinary discussions, fostering collaborative problem-solving.
• Maintained meticulous research documentation and ensured adherence to laboratory safety protocols.

Biomedical Research Certification (March 2023)

• Founder & President, United Against Trafficking – Northeastern University | December 2023-April 2025
• Founded a student-led organization dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking.
• Partnered with RIA House, a local nonprofit supporting trafficking survivors, to host fundraisers and donation drives.
• Campus Leadership & Involvement
• American Medical Student Association (AMSA) | Women in Business | Women’s Interdisciplinary Society of Entrepreneurship (WISE)
• Pianist