Spring 2025 AJC Merit Research Scholars

Several engineering and science students mentored by COE faculty are recipients of Northeastern’s AJC Merit Research Scholarship, which will fund a co-op in the laboratory of a Northeastern University STEM faculty member from January to July 2025.

Chloe BeckerHyeon Yu KimAJC Merit Research Scholar: Chloe Becker, E’27, bioengineering

Mentor: Hyeon Yu Kim, professor, mechanical and industrial engineering

Chloe Becker will be working in the lab of MIE Professor Hyeon Yu Kim this spring, analyzing lab-grown cardiac tissue. The Kim lab focuses on understanding organ formation during development and advancing healthcare treatments through the use of 3D personalized human tissue models. Becker’s interest in this work emerged from taking many biology-related classes as well as getting to work in a lab for one of her classes the previous semester. During the co-op, Becker hopes to learn more about creating and analyzing artificial tissue and develop new lab skills. She hopes to eventually pursue a master’s degree. Becker also is treasurer of Northeastern’s STEMout club and enjoys snowboarding, weightlifting, and exploring Boston with friends.

Evan CliffordMarco ColangeloAJC Merit Research Scholar: Evan Clifford, E’26, electrical engineering

Mentor: Marco Colangelo, assistant professor, electrical and computer engineering

Evan Clifford will join ECE Assistant Professor Marco Colangelo’s Nanostructures Lab this spring, working to optimize the design of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. These devices leverage the unique properties of superconductivity to detect individual photons with excellent efficiency and precision. Optimizing their performance and fabrication will enable new implementations in fields such as quantum communication and computing, astronomy, and experimental physics. Clifford’s  interest in this technology stems from a love of physics and a fascination with the nanoscale building-blocks of modern computers. This is Clifford’s second co-op; he completed his first one at Insulet Corp. He is excited to explore the possibility of concentrating in nanotechnology or electromagnetics during this co-op and hopes to pursue a PhD in electrical engineering after graduation. Clifford is a member of Northeastern Club Running and loves playing drums and engaging with Boston’s music community.

Isabella CuthbertsonErel LevineAJC Merit Research Scholar: Isabella Cuthbertson, S’27, biochemistry

Mentor: Erel Levine, associate professor, bioengineering

Isabella Cuthbertson is excited to join the lab of BioE Associate Professor Erel Levine this spring, where she will be studying the development of synthetic biology tools to regulate lifespan-related genetic factors in C. elegans and gather data on the genetic influences on aging. This is her first co-op experience, and her passion for this project is rooted in her high school genetics studies and recent college coursework. Aspiring to pursue a PhD after graduation, she aims to learn genetic manipulation techniques and develop robust research skills during her time in the lab—skills she hopes to carry forward into graduate school. Beyond her identity as a biochemistry student, Cuthbertson is on the executive board of Eon Dance Troupe, an Asian dance organization on campus, and enjoys spending her free time running, reading, and learning to crochet.

Brooke GoldfederAaron StubbinsAJC Merit Research Scholar: Brooke Goldfeder, S’27, biochemistry
Mentor: Aron Stubbins, professor, marine and environmental science, chemical and chemical biology, and civil and environmental engineeringBrooke Goldfeder will be working in the lab of MES/COS/CEE Professor Aron Stubbins, focusing on developing methods to digest organic carbon-containing particulate matter and microplastics, as well as optimizing sample isolation and containment techniques in various mediums. A biochemistry major with a current minor in environmental engineering, Goldfeder combines her passion for chemistry and environmental science to tackle pressing ecological challenges. Her interest in conservation deepened during her volunteer work with the Nature Conservancy, where she contributed to park stewardship and wildlife protection, reinforcing her dedication to sustainability and environmental welfare. After graduation, she plans to pursue an MD/PhD to further investigate the intersection of biochemistry and environmental health. Goldfeder enjoys playing on Northeastern’s Women’s Club Hockey team, hiking with friends, and traveling the world.

 

Related Faculty: Hyeon Yu Kim, Marco Colangelo, Erel Levine, Aron Stubbins

Related Departments:Bioengineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering