2022
Abby Burtner
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: Neil King, Biochemistry
Abby is a rising junior studying biochemistry at the University of Washington. This summer, she is working with her mentor, Chloe Adams, to design and test protein-based vaccine adjuvants. Abby is broadly interested in immunology and vaccine design, and outside of the lab enjoys hiking, running, and reading.
Ching Chiu
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: David Baker, Biochemistry
Ching is a rising senior majoring in Microbiology. She loves all things microbial related, especially bacteria with unusual nutrient sources. During the past school year, she worked with her mentor in the Dept. of Microbiology on testing the functionality of a newly synthesized antibiotic. This summer, she is working in the Baker lab under the guidance of amazing graduate students, Nate Bennett and Buwei Huang, to design a protein against KIT receptors that can cause cancer upon mutation. The goal of her project produce a potential cancer drug. Outside of the lab, she enjoys baking desserts and going outdoors to enjoy the great PNW.
Rishabh Chowhan
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: David Baker, Biochemistry
Rishabh is a rising third-year at the University of Washington majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, and intending to double major in Neuroscience. This summer, he is working at Institute for Protein Design in David Baker’s Lab, under the guidance of his mentor, Xinru Wang. Rishabh is using methods of de-novo protein design and deep-learning to develop protein binders to Bone Morphogenetic Protein Type-I receptor (BMPR1). He is also testing de-novo designed binders to other BMP receptors in a variety of different binding assays to determine their viability in different biomedical applications. In the future, he plans to pursue an MD or MD/Ph.D., and continue engaging in biomedical research. In his free time, he likes to watch anime, skate, listen to music, and draw.
Lucy Clayton
Institute: Davidson College
Mentor: David Ginger, Chemistry
Lucy is a rising sophomore at Davidson College in North Carolina. She is majoring in chemistry with a focus in biochemistry. This summer, she is researching perovskite quantum dots in the Ginger Lab. She is interested in this topic because of quantum dot’s application in solar cells. In her free time, Lucy enjoys rock climbing and reading.
Claire Ely
Institute: University of Colorado Boulder
Mentor: Daniel Gamelin, Chemistry
Claire is a rising sophomore studying chemical engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. This summer, she is working in Dr. Daniel Gamelin’s group studying rare earth doped quantum dots and their optical properties. In her free time, Claire enjoys running, skiing, and cooking.
Carson Gido
Institute: Kansas State University
Mentor: Neil King, Biochemistry
Carson is a rising senior at Kansas State University and is majoring in biochemistry. He is interested in structural biology and protein design, and hopes to get a Ph.D. after completing his undergraduate degree. In his free time, Carson rides his bike, plays music, and cooks.
Nathaniel Greenwood
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: David Baker, Biochemistry
Nathaniel is a rising junior studying Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology at the University of Washington. This summer, he is working in the Baker lab studying chaperone protein binders. He enjoys learning about immunology/how organisms defend themselves from pathogens and currently work in a lab investigating plant immune responses towards herbivores. In the future, he is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in biology or immunology. Aside from academics, Nathaniel enjoys reading, being active, learning new things, exploring and just hanging out! He is looking forward to being part of the IPD this summer and can’t wait to learn more!
Hannah Han
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: David Baker, Biochemistry
Hannah is a senior at the University of Washington pursuing a degree in biochemistry. This summer, she is continuing her work in the Baker Lab at the Institute for Protein Design. Her project aims to design peptide binders for neurotoxic peptides like amyloid-beta, alpha-synuclein, and tau. In her free time, she likes to vlog and run her small business.
Davian Ho
Institute: University of California Berkeley
Mentor: David Baker, Biochemistry
Davian is a rising senior at UC Berkeley studying Electrical Engineering & Computer Science. This summer, he is exploring the application of deep learning-guided protein design to creating antibodies. In his free time, he moonlights as a science writer and illustrator, imagining the freedom of biological design that he hopes to help enable.
Zachery Hoang
Institute: Kansas State University
Mentor: Arka Majumdar, Physics
Zachery is a rising sophomore at Kansas State University studying electrical engineering. This summer, he is working in Dr. Majumdar’s lab studying the interactions between microcavities, quantum dots, and lasers and how to manipulate materials to get certain results at different wavelengths. Zachery plays five instruments and many sports. He enjoys to sing and lift weights in his free time. From a small town in Kansas, he likes to be outside exploring nature and staying active.
Wenlin Huang
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: Liangcai Gu, Biochemistry
Wenlin is a senior at University of Washington pursuing a bachelor degree in biochemistry. This summer, she is working in Professor Gu’s lab to studying opioid peptides sensors and how to genetically encoding them for future application. In her free time, Wenlin enjoys playing piano, shopping with friends, and baking.
Julian Marsh
Institute: Pacific Lutheran University
Mentor: Neil King, Biochemistry
Jacob Shapiro
Institute: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mentor: David Baker, Biochemistry
Jake is a rising senior at MIT where he is studying computer science, biology, and literature. This summer, he is working in the Baker Lab on designing proteins to stimulate fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs). Outside of academics, he loves to read, hike, rock climb, and cook recipes inspired by Binging with Babish or Joshua Weissman.
Anna Steele
Institute: University of Wyoming
Mentor: David Baker, Biochemistry
Anna is a rising junior at the University of Wyoming pursuing a degree in chemical engineering and a minor in honors. This summer, she is working at the Baker lab studying DNA-binding proteins. In her free time, Anna enjoys board games, books, movies, and music.
Shiori Tabe
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: David Baker, Biochemistry
Shiori is a rising senior at the University of Washington, pursuing a degree in Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology and a minor in Bioethics. This summer, she is working with a Translational Team from the Baker Lab at the Institute of Protein Design where they aim to create a novel nanoparticle can be used in transporting antibodies and activating specific receptors. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and and trying new tea!
Tianfei Zhang
Institute: University of California Merced
Mentor: Kai-Mei Fu, Physics
Tianfei is a rising junior at the University of California Merced, pursuing a degree in physics with an emphasis in optical and condensed matter. This summer, he is working in Professor Kai-Mei Fu’s lab to study the single colloidal CdSe Quantum dots doped with Mn2+ impurities. In his free time, he likes to explore parks and try out all tasty food around Seattle.