Biography

I am Alexis Rana, a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major with a Data Science minor at Lewis & Clark College. My work integrates experimental biochemistry with computational and AI-driven analysis, preparing me to contribute meaningfully to the Sustainable Research Pathways–NAIRR program. As a Murdock Undergraduate Research Scholar in Dr. Summer Gibbs’ Lab at Oregon Health & Science University, I designed and synthesized a novel near-infrared imaging probe for cancer diagnostics. I coupled this work with Python-based automation for spectral unmixing and ratiometric analysis, enhancing imaging precision, which are skills directly applicable to AI-driven biomedical data interpretation. Complementing this, my role as a Legal Data Research Assistant involved building longitudinal datasets and applying machine learning–ready pipelines in Python and R, strengthening my ability to translate complex, high-dimensional data into actionable insights. I have also served as a teaching assistant and peer tutor across biology and chemistry, reinforcing my ability to communicate technical concepts and collaborate in team-based research environments. My leadership in student organizations and disaster-relief initiatives further demonstrates my commitment to community engagement. Through SRP–NAIRR, I aim to expand my interdisciplinary expertise, apply computational methods to frontier research, and contribute to the collaborative mission of advancing equitable, impactful AI science.

Academic Status

Undergraduate Student - 4th

Research Area/Department

Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Data Science; Engineering; Machine Learning/AI

Major/Specialty

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology minor in Data Science

Degrees Earned or in Progress

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology minor in Data Science/May 2026

Academic Preparation

Relevant Coursework Completed Life & Physical Sciences: Cell and Molecular Biology (with lab) Genetics (with lab) Microbiology (with lab) Organic Chemistry I & II (with lab) Biochemistry (with lab) Biophysics (with lab) Analytical Chemistry (with lab) Computational & Quantitative: Data Science Computer Science II Statistics II Statistical Biology Columbia+ Certificate: Learning AI Through Visualization

Research/Publications

I have conducted research as a Murdock Undergraduate Research Scholar in Dr. Summer Gibbs’ Lab at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where I designed and synthesized a near-infrared untargeted probe for paired fluorescence imaging in cancer diagnostics. This work is the basis of my senior thesis and has been presented at two OHSU research symposia, with upcoming poster presentations scheduled at the Murdock Undergraduate Research Conference (Fall 2025) and the Oregon Academy of Science Annual Meeting (Spring 2026). At Lewis & Clark College, I also gained experience in bioinformatics and molecular biology through volunteer work in Dr. Sharon Torigoe’s Lab, focusing on protein–DNA interactions, and in course-based projects such as Antibiotic Hunters and Flies, Genes, Cancer, and Behavior. In addition, my technical work as a Legal Data Research Assistant involved building and analyzing longitudinal datasets with Python and R, which mirrors time-series analysis in biomedical datasets. References: Dr. Summer Gibbs, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University Dr. Sharon Torigoe, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology, Lewis & Clark College Dr. Lindy Gewin, Assistant Professor of Biology, Lewis & Clark College

Research/Academic Interests

My academic and research interests lie at the intersection of biochemistry, molecular biology, and data science, with a particular focus on how computational tools and AI can accelerate biomedical discovery. I am especially drawn to projects that bridge experimental chemistry/biology with quantitative modeling and data-driven analysis, such as probe design for imaging, nanoparticle characterization, and mapping biological networks. In the lab, I have worked on synthesizing and validating near-infrared probes for cancer diagnostics, which sparked my interest in translational applications of molecular design. At the same time, my coursework and technical roles have allowed me to develop strong skills in Python, R, and data visualization, which I have applied to tasks ranging from spectral unmixing workflows to longitudinal dataset analysis. These experiences reinforced my passion for leveraging computational pipelines to extract insights from complex biological data. Looking ahead, I want to contribute to interdisciplinary projects that use AI and advanced data analytics to make sense of high-dimensional biomedical datasets, improve imaging techniques, and ultimately enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The SRP–NAIRR program aligns perfectly with these goals by offering a collaborative platform where I can expand my skills, contribute to cutting-edge research, and build lasting professional connections.

Computational and Data Science Areas

Applied Computer Science; Applied Mathematics; Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biophysics; Computer Science; Medical Engineering; Other Biological Sciences; Statistics and Probability

Motivation

I want to participate in the Sustainable Research Pathways program because it unites my research interests with my commitment to inclusive science. My academic path has been defined by bridging disciplines: biochemistry, molecular biology, and data science, to tackle complex problems. In Dr. Summer Gibbs’ lab, I synthesized a novel near-infrared imaging probe for cancer diagnostics and developed Python workflows to analyze imaging data. This experience showed me how computational tools can transform experimental results into actionable insights, and I am eager to expand this integration through NAIRR-supported projects. Just as important, I am drawn to the program’s community. As a first-generation Filipina student, I have witnessed how mentorship and collaborative networks can open doors that once seemed out of reach. SRP’s mission to build inclusive research ecosystems resonates deeply with me, and I want to contribute to a space where diverse voices shape innovative science. Through this program, I hope to grow in two key ways: by advancing my technical expertise through a challenging, interdisciplinary research project, and by strengthening my ability to collaborate across fields and backgrounds. I am especially excited about the chance to present research at professional conferences, to connect with faculty and peers from across the country, and to bring my own skills in chemistry, biology, and data science to a team setting. SRP is a rare opportunity to grow as both a scientist and a community member, and I am ready to contribute fully to both.

Lightning Talk Title

AI for Discovery: Bridging Molecular Experiments, Computation, and Society

Keywords (Maximum 20 words)

Molecular Biology; Chemistry; Data Science; Machine Learning; Artificial Intelligence; Computational Modeling; Biomedical Imaging; Translational Research; Bioinformatics; Quantitative Analysis