City of hope has been one of the most amazing experiences for me. As a dancer, being interested in fitness, chemistry, and nutrition, I naturally gravitated towards food science. In my years of high school, I took AP Biology and AP Chemistry which led me to my interest in both biology and chemistry, as well as research. Having no opportunities to explore research in my high school courses, and having several unsuccessful attempts at external research opportunities, I was lucky enough to have been accepted into City of Hope's nutrition program. For four weeks, three days a week, I listened in on lectures and completed lab simulations, case studies, and research reports. My favorite experience during this one month workshop was being able to attend invitational lectures held by researchers from City of Hope, most notably Dr.Shiuan Chen. During the lecture, I learned about Dr.Chen's research on the relationship of white button mushrooms with prostate and breast cancer, more specifically how phytochemicals in the mushroom served to block aromatase activity and thus leading to suppression of estrogen supply to tumor cells. Listening to Dr.Chen about his personal research group was so interesting for me, especially because research is the area in which I wish to pursue someday.

In these four weeks, I was also able to formulate my own literature review through the access of journal published articles. My specific research topic regarded the effects of plant based diets on metabolic processes contributing to gut health. I found that plant based diets have a greater variance in nutrition ratios and thus cause improved glycemic control and provide evidence of improved cognitive function. The program even now seems like such a surreal experience, being able to learn from one of the most notable organizations for cancer and allergy research as well as listening to scientists talk about their discoveries that have led to breakthroughs in the scientific community.

I enjoyed my experience with City of Hope so much that after the program ended, I became a volunteer with them. In my childhood, I was never exposed to science programs. This therefore caused my recent discovery for my love for science. So given this opportunity from City of Hope, every month, I conduct experiments with elementary school toddlers and teach them the science behind these experiments. It brings me so much joy knowing that to some of these kids, I am an aspect to their realization of their love for science. Every month, I watch kids' faces light up while they experiment, shouting our their answers and running off camera with their experiment in hand to show their parents.