Sun Lee

Experience

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  North Carolina State University

  Jul 2022 - Aug 2022

  Research Intern

  Advisor: Dr. Mary Ann LilaAssisted in a project in biochemical characterization of various Florida blueberry varieties using downstream bioprocessing techniques.Measured samples for extraction.Extracted anthocyanins from blueberry & cranberry samples via chromatography.Used rotavapors to distill phytochemicals from blueberry samples.

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  University of North Carolina at Charlotte

  Jan 2023 - Aug 2024

  Research Intern

  Advisor: Dr. Abigail LaBellaCompleted a project on the evolutionary interplay between plant defense nitriles and oxylipin synthesis enzymes in plant pathogenic yeasts. The manuscript is in preparation.Collaborators on this project include Vanderbilt University, University of Wisconsin at Madison and Villanova University.Used AutoDock Vina to conduct molecular docking simulations to discover that alpha-hydroxy nitriles can inhibit two key enzymes (Enoyl-CoA Hydratase & Beta-ketoacyl-ACP Reductase) in 3-OH oxylipin synthesis.Used AlphaFold to generate 3D structures of 3-OH oxlipin synthesis enzymesUsed Hidden Markov Models to find Enoyl-CoA Hydratase & Beta-ketoacyl-ACP Reductase genes across 1000+ yeast species.Discovered the existence of Beta-ketoacyl-ACP Reductase genes in yeasts which were thought only to be found mostly in bacteria.Assisted in a project to culture and assess the maximum temperature various yeast species can grow at.Cultured and created growth curves for 3 species of yeasts. Show less

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  North Carolina State University

  Jun 2023 - Aug 2023

  Research Intern

  Advisor: Dr. Mary Ann LilaAssisted in a project for covalent bonding of anthocyanin & pea protein to create hypoallergenic peanut flour.Measured samples for extraction.Extracted anthocyanins from blueberry & cranberry samples via chromatography.Used rotavapors to distill phytochemicals from blueberry samples.

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  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  May 2024 - Aug 2024

  Research Intern

  Advisor: Dr. Carol CheathamAssisted in clinical trials on the effect of choline from avocado and egg supplementation on the infant cognitive developmentResearched local food banks to inform local moms on where to get the nutrition they needQuality checked participant data and recordsResearched the websites of 5 companies that target infant moms to identify the persuasive design techniques they employ. Compiled the findings in a research report titled Taxonomy of Persuasive Design Techniques in the Websites of 5 Companies That Target Infant Moms for implementation in the lab's recruiting efforts. Show less