Hello! My name is Mehek Lakhani and I just completed my third year at the University of Pittsburgh. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in computational biology with a minor in neuroscience and a certificate in conceptual foundations of medicine. In terms of my extracurricular activities, I love to dance and was a member of a bollywood-fusion dance team on campus during my first two years at Pitt, I served on the executive board for a service club called Project RISHI which helps to further the development of rural areas in India, and I am a member of the Women in Computer Science club. I also am a research assistant at the Pittsburgh Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND) in the Olsen Lab, where we focus on the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s Disease. Here, I have gained experience in carrying out my own research projects which contribute to the greater goal of the lab, and in doing so have obtained valuable lab skills including working with a Drosophila model.
Once I graduate from Pitt, I want to continue my academic education by obtaining a PhD in computational biology, so that I can work either as a PI in my own research laboratory or as a computational biologist at a larger pharmaceutical company. At Pitt, I have excelled in courses related to biology and chemistry, as well as advanced computer science courses that investigate complicated data structures and algorithms. The interdisciplinary nature of my intended major has prepared me for the type of work expected of me in my chosen program—the International Internship Program in Berlin.
During my time in Berlin, I will be working a full-time internship at audEERING. This company focuses on the research and development of empathetic AI, as it uses vocal cues in order to gauge various aspects of speech, including phonatory, articulatory, and prosodic parameters. The products developed by audEERING are used in many different fields for diverse purposes. Some industries that employ audEERING’s technology include healthcare, robotics, and market research. I am particularly interested in the application of empathetic and vocal analysis Artificial Intelligence in the field of healthcare. Currently, this technology is used for the early detection of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Schizophrenia, as well as certain mental disorders including depression and trauma. I am eager to begin working and discover where exactly I fit into the research and development process.
In conducting research on possible international programs I can participate in during my time as an undergraduate student, the International Internship Program caught my eye. As a computational biology major, it is difficult to find a study abroad program that is specifically designed for this area of study. The beauty in the International Internship Program is that it is customizable—I am able to gain practical, real world experience which relates to my academic studies, as internship placements are personalized based on a student’s career interests. In addition to the value that hands-on work experience provides, having guidance and mentorship from professionals enhances the opportunities I will have to learn and grow.
I always knew I wanted to spend some time abroad during my undergraduate career. I have great curiosity and respect for foreign cultures, and what better way to learn than by fully immersing myself in them? Living in a foreign country for a prolonged period of time provides you with a sense of independence that, although I am sure will be uncomfortable at times, is necessary for personal growth. I hope that during my time in Berlin, in addition to gaining practical experience and mentorship in a career field I hope to pursue, I gain confidence in my ability to navigate challenges on my own and have a newfound sense of independence.
Outside of my personal and academic interests, I love to spend time with my friends and family and explore new places. I also am a food enthusiast and enjoy experiencing different cuisines and styles of food, especially surrounded by loved ones. This is something I am particularly excited to explore abroad, as I know that Berlin is a city full of people from different countries and cultures, and therefore has many different cuisines available to try. In my free time, I enjoy going on long walks and spending time outdoors—something I will be doing a lot of in Berlin, especially for the first few days in order to explore and familiarize myself with the city and the area I am staying in. I look forward to exploring Berlin!
