Anastasia Kim

Mary Gates Research Scholar, Autumn 2022

Research Project: Development of Forensic Technology for Detection of Tuna Species at Point of Need

Project Description: Our team is working with U.S. Homeland Security to develop an environmental forensic technology to detect the species of illegally caught tuna. As a lead bioengineer on the team, I developed a rapid, affordable, and portable biological assay to distinguish among three tuna species: yellowfin, bigeye, and bluefin. I am also collaborating with two undergraduate electrical engineers to develop a point-of-need 3D printed isothermal device for tuna identification. Our goal as a team is to publish a collective manuscript.

What have you learned throughout your research project?

One major thing I learned from research is the copious amount of troubleshooting I deal with and that the challenge of troubleshooting excites me.

What piece of advice do you have for future applicants? 

Be proud of your work! Choose to work with those who can bring out your full potential.