Rachel (Yixuan) Zhang
Harvard Medical School Dr. Shen's Lab
Since 2021, I have had the privilege of working in Dr. Shiqian Shen's lab at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), where I have gained valuable experience in medical research. During my first summer, I focused on developing fundamental laboratory skills, including maintaining mouse models and utilizing various laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges and PCR machines. I also acquired essential safety protocols. From 2022 to 2024, I observed and assisted with a translational research project examining the relationships between environmental factors and clinical pain conditions. My responsibilities included data collection, behavioral observations, and the preparation of tissue samples for cell culture. This experience has not only provided me with technical skills but also taught me the importance of teamwork and following leadership.
Stan-X Fly Lab
During the 2024–2025 academic year, I participated in a collaborative research program through my school, Ethel Walker School, in partnership with Stan-X, focused on fruit fly genetics with potential applications to human diabetes research. Under the guidance of Dr. Seung Kim from Stanford University, our team conducted controlled breeding experiments to remove specific genes and produce genetically identical fruit flies for further observation and analysis.
As part of the program, I attended a research conference at Princeton University, where I worked collaboratively with students from schools across the United States, United Kingdom, and other countries to present our research findings. This experience provided valuable hands-on training in genetic experimentation, data analysis, and scientific communication.
