SHARP! Ambassadors

Hi, I am Niccolo! I’m a passionate student currently part of the UIC SHARP! program, where I’ve been able to dive deeper into biomedical engineering and research. I really appreciate how SHARP! helps me build connections within the fields of medicine and biomedical engineering, while also expanding my knowledge in these areas. Outside of academics, I love playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, and exploring new cultures through travel.

Hi, I’m Ashna. I enjoy dancing, playing lacrosse, and am interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. Through the SHARP! program, I designed multiple biomedical engineering solutions, shadowed a reconstructive surgeon, and explored AI, robotics, and medicine. The UIC faculty inspired me to ask questions and critically engage with the material. SHARP! provided a strong foundation in both biomedical engineering and medicine, setting the stage for my future in these fields.

Hi, My name is Logan and over the summer of 2024 I was part of the SHARP! program. Throughout the program, I worked with Dr. Bartholomew, Dr. Wang, and a team of like-minded peers to identify problems in every-day life and construct solutions for those problems. There was a great deal of teamwork collaboration that allowed me to dive into the topics of engineering and medicine that I love. I also worked under Dr. Ian Papautsky to conduct research on pancreatic cancer while learning about the laboratory itself. It was an extremely enlightening experience, providing both knowledge and practical skills that I wouldn’t find anywhere else. Even after the 4 week session of the SHARP! program ended, to this day I continue to work with the peers and mentors I made. I can without a doubt say that the experiences and knowledge gained throughout the SHARP! program allowed me to get a great understanding of the biomedical engineering field, while getting ahead in terms of knowledge at my age. Outside of the STEM activities seen in this summer program, my hobbies include playing tennis, biking, baking and cooking, reading, and playing with my two cats.

I’m Katelyn! My favorite subjects in school are math and science and so I am interested in the careers of engineering and medicine. The UIC SHARP! Program was a great opportunity for me to explore the intersectionality of medicine and engineering.  For my research experience, I worked  under Dr. Ian Papautsky and Celine Macaraniag in the Papautsky Lab, researching  the role of lidocaine on pancreatic metastasis.  I  learned how to create microfluidic devices to isolate circulating tumor cells (CTCs). As part of SHARP! we were exposed to robotic surgery and it was amazing  to go into the OR to observe different procedures. I had some really awesome experienced that gave me a glimpse of what life   as a surgeon or as a researcher would be. Designing innovative products through the biodesign course  with my team was fun. The faculty is endlessly supportive and provided me with personalized help so I can develop important skills in biomedical engineering and medicine. Overall, the UIC SHARP! Program introduced me to areas of medicine and engineering that I  was unaware of and helped me to determine the next steps in my career.  Some of my  hobbies include dancing at Illinois Classical Ballet and competing at  YAGP and ADCIBC. My favorite book genres are fantasy and romance.

Hello, my name is Nicholas. At SHARP! I learned about the intersection of Biomedical Engineering, AI, robotics, and medicine under the guidance of Professors Wang and Bartholomew. My research was about how fat associated lymphoid clusters(FALC) played major roles within immune cell defense in the peritoneal cavity of our mouse models. This particular project tackled the problem of ovarian cancer since metastasis of the cancer affects the omentum first. In doing this, I delved into the crossroads of many major fields, including tissue engineering, pharmacology, and immunology. I am proud to say that this research could help engineer ovarian cancer treatments in the near future.  Beyond academics, I serve as a National Honor Society member,  and uphold the values of scholarship, service, leadership, and character to make a positive impact. Among my commitments, I enjoy watching soccer, football and spending time with my brother and sister whenever I can.

Hello, my name is Dylan and I worked with AI in surgery applications in this SHARP! program. I loved this program because it allowed me to understand the concept of biomedical engineering and explore my interests in this field. I got to work with other students who shared similar interests while also forming a network with mentors and researchers, which has helped me learn a lot regarding biomedical engineering. This experience was also really fun and I really enjoyed doing research with my professor and his student. I would definitely recommend the SHARP! program to any aspiring students who are looking to work in a biomedical engineering or medical field, since you will gain valuable experience and develop key skills in a real working environment.

Hi! I’m Ella. Through SHARP! I conducted neurosurgery research, and developed a biomedical engineering solution to address spine stability using AI. This experience deepened my understanding of the intersections of robotics, artificial intelligence, and medicine but also provided me with the opportunity to engage with distinguished faculty through lectures and mentorship. My time in the program taught me the importance of curiosity and active engagement. I believe the SHARP! program offers its participants a unique foundation for successful careers in biomedical engineering and medicine. I am looking forward to continuing my research and exploring new opportunities in these dynamic fields.  Some of my hobbies include playing the cello and golfing. As president of my high school’s medical careers club, I am excited to promote healthcare education within my school. I also enjoy volunteering at a local hospital. I am a member of the scholastic bowl and mathletes teams and enjoy working as a math tutor.

Hi! I’m Arianna. I enjoy painting and volunteering at Saint Anthony Hospital. For me, SHARP was really a stand-out and exciting experience. I received clinical exposure in the OR, explored robotic surgical systems in the SITL, and researched the potential of endothelial microparticles in serving as biomarkers for radiation-induced damage in the Bartholomew Lab. The mentorship I experienced was very personalized and tailored to my own, specific interests in biomedicine. It’s very clear through my experience in the program and getting to know the program directors that SHARP! genuinely cares about the academic journeys and success of its participants beyond the four weeks. The SHARP! Ambassador Program and the research you do carries on throughout the rest of high school, and the connections and experiences you make stay with you throughout your academic career.