Emma Tan

• I held lessons, lab sessions, and excursions to foster an interest in Biology in underclassmen at Shekou
• I worked in a team to manage a dwarf pufferfish (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) aquarium in the school science lab, an applied learning initiative focused on the nitrogen cycle, water chemistry, marine biology, and ethical responsibility.

• In a team of 5, I raised funds for the free distribution of female sanitary products in all school bathrooms, promoting health equity and accessibility.
• We curated an exhibition of artworks and articles examining menstruation at the intersection of the arts and sciences, fostering a multimodal educational dialogue within the school community.
• We conducted a systematic review (3,000 words) on the efficacy of various educational approaches for teaching children about menstruation, integrating findings into presentations delivered in sex education classes to promote informed discussions and reduce stigma.

• As President (2022-24), I led a group of high school students in teaching string instruments to migrant children at a daycare centre in Shenzhen, China. This involved developing a violin syllabus, delivered at weekly bilingual lessons, along with a website, social media presence, and documentary to promote the initiative.
• I raised over 10,000 RMB (£1,073) for instruments through community fundraisers, and managed expenditure, presenting monthly financial reports to ensure transparency.
  

• I engaged with genetics and genomics professionals on personalized medicine in oncology through weekly video conferences, gaining practical insights into latest research and bioinformatics techniques.
• I conducted a systematic literature review on the genetic impact of cigarette smoking on brain cancer with guidance from Dr. Teodrosa Popa, analyzing the carcinogenic effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and targeted therapies for oncogene signaling pathways, ultimately receiving the Medical Research Award For School Students 2024 at the Aspiring Medics and Scientists Conference.

I was awarded a Silver Medal (top 100) in the Anatomy and Physiology category of the 2023 International Biomedicine Olympiad.

Awarded First Place in the Biochemical Society’s Science Communication Prize (A-level/T-level/BTEC National/Scottish Highers or equivalent students Category) for a creative nonfiction piece on the molecular adaptations of tardigrades.

• Collaborated virtually with 5 high school students to conduct a comprehensive literature review, titled Environmental Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Across MEDCs and LEDCs.
• We integrated and analysed findings from public health, environmental science, and economics to bolster multidisciplinary perspectives on the issue, increasing the breadth of our collective knowledge base.
  

• Attended the Summer at Hopkins Pre-College Medical School Intensive program.
• Critically engaged in interactive lectures, seminars, and lab practicals on how our existing knowledge of human physiology translates to processes in diagnosis and therapeutics.
• Practiced basic first-aid and clinical skills in a simulator setting, ran blood typing labs, and practiced taking a patient history in a simulated scenario.
• Awarded 95% and an A+ grade at the Lower Undergraduate Level for final research paper and presentation on the pathophysiology of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).`

• I delivered a TEDx presentation on the transformative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the educational landscape, titled Anatomy of a Post Pandemic Student.
• I analysed extensive research on educational methodologies, drawing on the viewpoints my peers and educators to synthesise a comprehensive narrative on social innovation, pedagogical reform, and the importance of mental health in learning environments.
• The talk was delivered to an in-person audience of 100, and has since received 3.2k views on YouTube, showcasing my public speaking, presentation, and rhetorical abilities.

• In a competitive weekend-long virtual internship with 20 peers, I developed a strong foundation in interdisciplinary knowledge that combines healthcare, and technology
• Received the Best Presentation award for delivering a final PowerPoint presentation on Tencent's Motor Function Assessment System for Parkinson’s Disease.
• I gained valuable insights into medical technology, specifically how the system utilizes motion capture technology and a human dynamic model to assess key motor functions in patients.