Ivy Zhen

Hello! I am currently a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University in Chemical Engineering and Art (BXA). I am a part of Dr. Taylor’s lab working on integrating PNA into DNA origami nanostructures and how those changes influence the characteristics and dynamics of such structures. I expect to graduate with a bachelor's degree in 2029.

Current Projects

  • Working on designing a lineup of structures in which PNA could replace or enhance DNA segments and analyzing the dynamics between structures. Possibly designing a model to find optimal DNA and PNA interactions.

Previous Experience

Research intern at Michigan Technological University

  • Performed lab tests including spectrofluorometry assays, cell imaging, and paper chromatography/NMR tests
  • Developed and synthesized fluorescent sensors for probe samples to monitor redox activity in cellular environments
  • Conducted in vivo imaging of Drosophila larvae tracking NADPH fluctuations in mitochondria investigating metabolic regulation and probe effectiveness

Engineers Without Borders

  • Collaborating in designing and prototyping a portable sanitation device addressing sterilization challenges in low-resource medical environments

Contact Information