Major: Biology
Minor: Computer Science
Class Year: 2028
High School: Round Rock High School
Advisor: Dr. Isabella Farhy
Research Focus: Neuroscience, Astrocytes, Neuronal Immunocytochemistry, Synaptic Quantification
Other Projects and Publications: Working on a cancer biology project in collaboration with a post-doctoral student
Organizations and Programs: Honors Student Council, Departmental (Biology) & University Honors Society, Chemistry Learning Lab tutor, Academic Success Center tutor, Phi Kappa Phi, TAMECT, Texas A&M Premedical Society
Awards and Distinctions: President's Endowed Scholar, Texas Interscholastic League Scholar, National Merit Scholar, Dean's Honor Roll, Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Phi Kappa Phi
Experience: Research Presentations and Poster Presentations at the Student Research Week Symposium, Biology Undergraduate Research Symposium, and TAMIN symposium
Years Experience: 1.5
Other Activities: Hospital Volunteering, Coding, Drawing, Reading
Bio: Howdy!
My name is Yashika Kathuria, and I am a Class of 2028 Biology major with a CS minor. I am especially interested in combining my passions in medicine, technology, and research to create healthcare systems that are more accessible for rural populations, where resources and medical infrastructure can often be limited.
Over the past 3 semesters, I have had the wonderful opportunity to join Dr. Isabella Farhy's lab where we study astrocytes’ role in the formation of synapses, communication centers between neurons. My role in the lab focuses on creating an efficient program for data analysis. This project aims to automate and standardize a once time-consuming process. Some of my experiences in the lab include presenting my work at journal club or at poster symposiums. I will be participating in the Undergraduate Research Scholars Thesis program for 2026-2027.
This will be my first semester as an Undergraduate Research Ambassador, and I look forward to answering any questions y'all have. I’m especially happy to talk about getting involved in research, balancing interdisciplinary interests, or finding opportunities early in college.