About Me

Jocelyn is a senior Biochemistry major with an interest in youth empowerment and cancer biology. After graduating in Spring 2022, Jocelyn plans on pursuing her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology or Molecular and Cellular Biology to become a professor and researcher. Jocelyn currently conducts research with Drs. James Chen and John Hays at the James Cancer Hospital Solove Research Institute. Her current research identifies biomarkers of CDK4-inhibitor resistance in patients with dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Her past research with the College of Arts & Sciences aimed to strengthen core chemistry skills in General Chemistry students by developing an online website with practice problems. This summer, Jocelyn will partake in the NCI Systems Biology and Physical Oncology Summer Undergraduate Research Program and conduct research with Dr. Denis Wirtz at Johns Hopkins University investigating pancreatic cancer metastasis.

Jocelyn’s passion for teaching has accumulated through her experience working with children who have been affected by a parent’s cancer with Camp Kesem at OSU, volunteering to conduct science experiments with elementary students in Columbus City Schools with Wonders of Our World (WOW), and working with college students as a General Chemistry Lab Teaching Associate. 

Beyond teaching, Jocelyn also strives to advocate for students by serving on the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Student Advisory Board and College of Arts & Sciences Student Council where she developed solutions to address mental wellness, COVID-19, the grading system, and international student representation. She also supports Ohio State residents as the Director of Programming of the Residence Halls Advisory Council (RHAC) which aims to create a safe living environment by hosting events, meetings with Directors of Student Life, advocacy initiatives, and leadership opportunities. In this position, Jocelyn also works with the Senior Vice President for Student Life and a team of student leaders to communicate common concerns seen in the community. She is a member and Co-Marking Chair of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers chapter at Ohio State to support the Asian American community through and beyond their college career.

In her free time, Jocelyn also performs in the Ohio State University Athletic Band, enjoys nut-free baking, and dancing.

Academic Enrichment

This past year, I have been given the opportunity to teach young individuals, to learn from highly-qualified professors, and to experience hands-on practices through academic and research labs. I am genuinely grateful for these opportunities and I hope to see both academic growth and mental growth from these learning positions. Being able to teach is one of the most challenging skills someone can face because you must be able to understand the subject from other people’s perspectives, know the ins and outs of the topic and other related subjects, and have the patience and qualifications to communicate with young people. I have probably learned most about a subject by teaching young students and I admire their curiosity and drive to learn. They are the ones who motivate me to learn so I can teach others.

As a new member of a research lab through the Wexner Medical Center, I have been mentally challenged to absorb as much information as I can in my field while carrying out my own experiments. This has been one of the steepest learning peaks I’ve ever experienced but I am excited to continue to learn, to make my own discoveries, and to continue on this journey of growth.