Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Hobbies
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Yisi Gao

Shenzhen

Summary

I have a strong foundation in STEM disciplines, demonstrated through award-winning research and global recognition in competitions such as UKChO, BBO, and PhysicsBowl. With experience conducting advanced research at institutions like Carnegie Mellon and leading initiatives as the founder of academic clubs, I bring exceptional analytical, technical, and leadership skills.

Overview

1
1
Certification

Work History

Extracurricular Activities

  • iGEM Competition: Won Gold Medal for research on shinorine's role in reducing sunscreen harm to marine life; worked w/ local government on reliability of these material
  • Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): Developed improved rehab device for infants w/ congenital disease; reduced noise, size, discomfort of standard models; qualified as national finalist
  • Chair and Head of Operation of School MUN Club (largest school debate/speech club w/ 30+ active members): Chair and organize 10+ cross-school conferences; recruit and mentor members; host mock conferences on campus
  • Chief Editor of The Basis Azurite (School Newspaper) & Celestial Chronicle (School's Annual Research Journal): Review, edit, and select articles for publication; write and brainstorm campus and world news/opinion pieces to broaden local and global perspectives
  • Founder & Club Leader of School Biology Club & Brain Bee Club: Organize service events to fundraise for Black Lung Disease; develop creative projects like Brain Art; lead weekly seminars on advanced biology topics
  • Organizing Committee & Historian of National Honors Society (NHS) Basis International Park Lane Harbor Chapter: Organize festival events and charity trips; tutor 30+ students in Honors and AP Biology; coordinate NHS cabinet and member activities
  • Pioneer Academics: Studied aquatic chemistry with Vassar College Professor Alison Keimowitz; collected data on trace nitrate levels in natural water bodies; analyzed impact of tourism on nutrient pollution and coagulation and flocculation viability; completed a 40-page paper, nominated for publication in 2024 Pioneer Research Journal (top 5.8%); earned an A (top 10%)
  • Carnegie Mellon University Research: Researched wastewater treatment with Prof. Joe Moore; wrote a 30-page thesis on the effectiveness of toilet-to-tap tech in 5 megacities; earned an A
  • Yale Young Global Scholars (Innovations in Science & Technology Session): Explored STEM topics from the nanoscopic to astronomical scale; participated in workshops; applied scientific principles to address real-world issues
  • JHU Pre-College Program ("Epidemics, Pandemics, & Outbreaks" & “Anatomy, Physiology & Disease"): Completed 2 college courses (A+ & A-); studied human anatomy, disease mechanisms, global health challenges; developed a malaria prevention project
  • Cornell Pre-College Program ("Argumentation and Debate"): Got A+; Engage in in-class discussions on timely topics across the world; Developed critical thinking and persuasive argumentation skills through mock trials and structured debates under the guidance of Prof. Armands Revelins

Academic Honors

  • Basis Full Scholarship with RMB 1,000,000+ (1 of the 2 recipients in the grade)
  • Distinguished Honor Roll (Top 5% of students with the highest GPA of the grade)
  • British Biology Olympiad (BBO): Gold Award, Apr 2024
  • The UK Chemistry Olympiad (UKChO): Global Gold, 2024
  • PhysicsBowl: National Gold (Regional Top 10), 2024
  • The Tournament of Champions Pumpkin Spice Cup: Champion, Dec 2022
  • The USA Biolympiad (USABO): Silver Award, Apr 2022
  • MIT Model United Nations Conference (MITMUNC): Outstanding Delegate, Aug 2022
  • Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest: Bronze Medal, Jul 2024
  • High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM): Second Prize, Dec 2022
  • US Medicine and Disease Olympiad (USMDO): Honorable Mention, Aug 2024
  • Australian Science Olympiads-Biology (ASOB): High Distinction, Nov 2023
  • International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): Finalist, Jan 2023
  • The John Locke Essay Competition: Commendation (Theology), Jul 2023
  • National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA): Champion, Dec 2021
  • Subject Award in Psychology, Chemistry and Chinese
  • National Economics Challenge, Global Fifth Place
  • AwesomeMath Academy: Advanced Problem Solving, September 2024
  • The Concord Review (submitted a 7,000+ word paper titled A Divided Legacy: Exploring Sectarian Dynamics in Colonial Bahrain to TCR, currently under consideration for publication), April 2024
  • Subject Award in Psychology, Chemistry, and Chinese, Grades 9 & 10 & 11
  • Librarian Volunteer, Grades 9 & 10 & 11

Education

Bachelor of Science -

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
05.2029

High School Diploma -

Basis International School Park Lane Harbor
Huizhou
05.2025

Skills

  • Research and Analytical Skills: I demonstrated strong research and analytical skills through projects like studying wastewater treatment at Carnegie Mellon and analyzing tourism's impact on aquatic ecosystems in the Pioneer Research Program These experiences showcase my ability to conduct in-depth research and apply scientific methodologies effectively
  • Leadership and Team Management: As Group Leader for the iGEM Competition, I led my team to win multiple awards, and as the Founder of the Neuroscience Club, I organized competitions and study sessions My leadership roles in various clubs and organizations highlight my ability to coordinate, mentor, and motivate teams
  • Communication and Writing Skills: As Chief Editor of The Basis Azurite and a contributor to The Concord Review, I honed my writing and editorial abilities My success in Model UN and academic competitions, combined with earning an A in the Cornell Pre-College Program's argumentation and debate course, reflects my ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
  • Scientific and Technical Proficiency: My scientific and technical expertise is reflected in accolades from international competitions like PhysicsBowl, British Biology Olympiad, and iGEM I applied my knowledge to real-world challenges in advanced STEM coursework, such as anatomy, physiology, and aquatic chemistry, further strengthening my technical skills

Hobbies

Cello & Skiing

Languages

Arabic
Elementary
French
Limited Working
Spanish
Elementary
Chinese (Mandarin)
Full Professional
English
Native or Bilingual

Certification

  • GPA: 3.99/4.0 (unweighted) & 4.81/5.0 (weighted)
  • SAT: 1550
  • TOEFL: 115
  • APs: Calculus BC (5), Calculus AB (5), Physics 1 (5), Physics C: Mechanics (5), Biology (5), Environmental Science (5), English Language and Composition (5), English Literature and Composition (5), Psychology (5), Microeconomics (5), Macroeconomics (5), United States History (5), World History (5), European History (5), Human Geography (5)

Timeline

Extracurricular Activities

Academic Honors

Bachelor of Science -

Johns Hopkins University

High School Diploma -

Basis International School Park Lane Harbor
Yisi Gao