Researcher / Builder / Volunteer
On a quest to preserve memories.
Ensemble Machine Learning and SHAP-Based Analysis of Hippocampal MRI Radiomics for Classification of Cognitive Impairment.
Rather than focusing on the more popular amyloid-β cascade theory, I turned to tau protein, which more closely tracks cognitive decline. Using MRIs from the ADNI database, I coded ensemble ML on hippocampal radiomics (135 subjects) to classify Alzheimer's and normal cognition.
I first coded models to predict tau's presence from MRIs, aiming to detect decline faster and non-invasively. Achieving a peak of 0.78 AUC, my correlation was far too low.
I narrowed in on more established science: the hippocampus, which often reveals Alzheimer's before symptoms. I also learned the value of mentorship; mentors kept me from falling into scientific pits.
Longitudinal speech-based monitoring for Alzheimer's disease: can guided daily journaling become a scalable digital biomarker for cognitive decline? Built for research with a local dementia care facility in South Korea, not for commercial use.
Patients record a brief guided voice journal each day ("What was the highlight of today?"). Each recording is stored as raw audio, transcribed into a readable journal for patients and caregivers, and run through machine learning to extract fluency, speech rate, pauses and linguistic features, then compared over time. It isn't a diagnostic tool: it tracks change across months rather than one evaluation.
Speech carries biomarkers of MCI and Alzheimer's, but existing approaches rely on structured tests like story recall. Memento asks whether the same signals appear in natural, everyday speech, extending my MRI radiomics work toward speech-based digital biomarkers.
I'm seeking access to the dataset behind "Voiceprints of Cognitive Impairment" to reproduce its analyses and test whether biomarkers from structured assessments carry over to everyday journaling.
AI assistive technology to help the visually impaired access the internet.
With 2 peers, I integrated OCR, object recognition with a custom-built Roboflow model, voice detection (Clova API) and text-to-speech into one framework.
Assistive tech for visually impaired people is often expensive, hard to learn and limited. We aimed for a cost-effective, universal design that narrows unequal access.
A social to-do app where finishing your day's tasks earns you a jigsaw piece, and a month of finished days completes a collectible artwork.
Presenting at the GSA 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting, as a Gerontological Society of America student researcher.
2026Global Champion: crisis response strategy for a simulated outbreak; top team of 550+ participants, 25+ countries.
2025Bioinformatics on wah-1 expression and Parkinson's-associated orthologs, with Python, R and DESeq2.
A global virtual orchestra promoting diversity and musicianship.
I lead monthly themed projects that stitch recordings from members in 4 nations into one video, spotlighting underground composers and performers. A topical content strategy grew @bandaid_music by 700+ followers in 3 days. I also started "Learn with BandAid," an animated music-theory series, and a music program for children with special needs.
After 7 performances at senior homes, youth centers and churches, BandAid fell apart in 2023; I was the last member. For a year I tried to rebuild it. Then, on Christmas morning, a friend and I recorded One Summer's Day by Joe Hisaishi, piano and trumpet. It hit 3,400 views in a day. Few at school believed in BandAid, but the world felt differently.
Playing songs recommended by seniors in NYC with TheMelodyProject showed me music's ability to reignite memories and build connection. Managing a dozen members across 4 time zones showed me what a community can build.
A team of 7 proposing solutions for teens and youth in South Korea.
I made a donation platform with English read-aloud videos (2,000+ books donated) and proposed transit-card kiosks and policy (2,500+ endorsements, under government review). Through Moran Doran, I digitally preserved ~1,000 Moran Market stalls with 3D scanning and vendors' stories, partnering with the merchants' association and iStaging.
Co-hosted the summit for ~200 students from 8 countries, coordinating outreach, workshops, speakers and logistics. Now co-planning the 2027 Summit at KIS.
Each month, I drag a cart of handmade onigiri, cold drinks, hand warmers and donated shoes to the same corner of Seoul Station. Through the stories, I learned that not all of them lost their homes; some lost their way home. As dementia sets in, a short walk to the convenience store can end miles away.
I direct 4+ sustainability projects a year, including 3 eco books made with school clubs across 3 nations, and produced and narrated the audiobook.
The residents know me as the kid who mops, spoons out porridge and can't hold a beat. A grandpa can't remember my name, but tells me to be safe five times a visit; his son, whom he says I resemble, died at six in a traffic incident. His repetition is no longer a symptom I wish to study, but a reminder of why my work matters.
Club Officer, 2023 – present.
I restructured club lessons by experience level for 35 members, built a peer-mentor system, held 1:1 conference prep sessions, and now oversee YMUNK committee flow.
Club Captain, A-Team player and MS coach. Built a stat model to rank players and set lineups; coached a ~30-player team to consistent 1st place. 2nd at the Asian Championships; HS Nationals qualifier.
Competed in sprints, long jump and triple jump for 3 seasons; broke the school triple-jump record 3 times (11.25 m); placed 4th at 2026 KAIAC.
Facilitated an 80-person, 3-day PhoenixTown retreat on social advocacy; planned Homecoming; led HS orientation; buddy to 3 new students and 11 freshmen.
NYT Student Contests: Tiny Memoirs top 20%; My List and Local Lens Photo Essay top 25%.