"Ever since my freshman year as an Astronomy major, I had been interested in joining the NCSA SPIN program. Little did I know that I'd get the opportunity during my final year as an undergraduate at Illinois. SPIN has exposed me to a world of cutting-edge technology and given me the chance to contribute to the dynamic world of supercomputing. Being a Computer Science and Astronomy major, I have been able to put things I learnt in my classes to practical use while being a SPIN intern. With a network of constant support and help, I've grown in ways that were previously unimaginable. The main take away I have from the SPIN program is that learning never stops. Researchers and individuals across the world are constantly thinking of new ways to solve problems and learn more about our universe and everything that surrounds us. The thirst for knowledge and to achieve more is unquenchable and the NCSA SPIN program is a perfect manifestation of that."
"My SPIN experience was definitely the highlight of my college career! Not only did I have incredible experiences and opportunities, but I was also able to meet and work with some amazing people, without whom my college experience would not have been the same!
One of the main takeaways from my SPIN experience is the importance of seeking opportunities in unfamiliar fields/areas! I was hesitant about whether or not I wanted to pursue Bioinformatics, so I didn't search for many opportunities in that area. Looking back, I feel very lucky that I had the opportunity to work in the NCSA Genomics department. I've learned so much over these past years, especially how much I enjoy working in bioinformatics and love the field! In the future, I'd like to dive deeper into the computational biology world and explore the harmony between biology and technology."
Yuxi (Sophia) Ding - Statistics
Project scope: Resolving racial health disparities by using advanced statistics on complex multidimensional datasets
"Coaction of Electrostatic and Hydrophobic Interactions: Dynamic Constraints on Disordered TrkA Juxtamembrane Domain," Biophysical Society 64th Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, February 15-19, 2020
"Seeking the Interfaces of the Eph Receptor Interactions," Biophysical Society 64th Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, February 15-19, 2020
