Open to opportunities

Rahul Raja

@rahulraja

Message

Aspiring biologist passionate about research and community service.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role that combines research and community engagement, fostering growth and innovation.

I am an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a perfect GPA of 4.0. My academic journey has been complemented by hands-on research experiences, including my role as a Research Assistant at NASA's Aviation System Division, where I prototyped a 3D UAV drone and published my findings. I have also contributed to significant research at Arizona State University, focusing on innovative cancer treatments.

Beyond academics, I co-founded a nonprofit organization, Sprouting for Success, where I have mentored over 650 students in underserved communities through STEM workshops. My leadership roles, such as serving as a Student Lead for Fort Bend ISD, have allowed me to advocate for healthier school food options and engage with my peers to drive positive change. I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in both scientific research and community service.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Tutor

Kumon

Aug 2023 - Present (1 year 10 months)

Tutored 23 students in math and reading, developing individualized instruction plans to meet diverse learning needs. Evaluated student performance by grading tests, classwork, and homework, ensuring academic progress.

Curriculum Development Communication

Caring Teen Volunteer

Houston Methodist Hospital

Jun 2023 - Present (2 years)

Transported and assisted over 90 patients, effectively managing patient concerns and communication. Operated two phone lines, handling 15+ calls daily, and logged over 110 volunteer hours.

Patient Care Customer Service Empathy

Podcaster

Global Science and Medicine Podcast

Jun 2023 - Present (2 years)

Researched and developed a podcast on CRISPR gene-editing technology, incorporating studies and expert interviews. Produced a 13-minute podcast and published it on Spotify, reaching a broad audience with impactful scientific content.

Podcast Production Research Content Development Audio Editing Interviewing Digital Publishing

Rise and Thrive Intern

Unite and Inspire 501(c)(3)

Jan 2023 - Present (2 years 5 months)

Conducted a comprehensive community needs assessment and co-authored a research paper based on findings. Created and delivered surveys to effectively address the needs of North Richmond, Texas.

Survey Design Data Collection Community Engagement Data Analysis

Research Assistant

Arizona State University – SCENE

Oct 2022 - Present (2 years 8 months)

Investigated the APR-246 prodrug to selectively target p53-mutated proteins and reactivate their activity. Increased concentrations of APR-246 to monitor its effect on cell viability and induced apoptosis, leading to a State Qualifier award at the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair.

Prodrug Investigation Apoptosis Induction Data Analysis Biochemistry

Research Assistant

NASA Aviation System Division – VIP

Jun 2022 - Present (3 years)

Prototyped a 3D fixed-wing UAV drone using Blender and researched strategies to mitigate drought impacts through drone area monitoring. Published an 18-page manuscript and presented findings to NASA experts and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Prototyping UAV Blender Research Data Analysis Technical Writing Presentation Skills

Student Researcher

Inspirit AI Summer Program

Jun 2022 - Present (3 years)

Researched and trained an AI model achieving 87% accuracy for skin cancer lesion detection. Compiled data and presented findings to the community in collaboration with Stanford alumni.

Machine Learning Skin Cancer Detection Public Speaking Research Collaboration Deep Learning

Student Volunteer, Shadower

Dentists at Fort Bend

May 2022 - Present (3 years 1 month)

Observed over 100 dental procedures including extractions, surgeries, and cleanings, while assisting in treatment plan organization. Gained practical experience with sterilization and IV insertion techniques, interacting with 20 patients per shift.

Patient Observation Treatment Planning Sterilization IV Insertion Dental Assisting Medical Shadowing

Student Lead, Ambassador

Fort Bend ISD Student Voices

Aug 2021 - Present (3 years 10 months)

Served as one of 33 representatives for 25,000 students, successfully leading a proposal for healthier school food options. Co-led the district summit with over 300 attendees, advocating for key district-wide changes.

Leadership Public Speaking Policy Development Event Coordination Community Engagement Communication Stakeholder Management

Co-Founder, Director of Operations

Sprouting for Success 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Aug 2021 - Present (3 years 10 months)

Co-founded and directed operations for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, mentoring over 650 K-8 students through 13 STEM workshops and organizing 5+ coding camps. Successfully raised $7,000 through fundraisers to support STEM programs and expand outreach efforts.

Fundraising Outreach Event Planning Mentorship Leadership Community Development